New to GAD
Are you new to GAD in 2025?
This page is for you!
Firstly, Welcome to GAD!
We’re so excited to have you join our dance family. To help you step in with confidence, we’ve put together a few friendly guidelines to help you through your child’s dance journey with us. Let`s make this an amazing experience together!
We offer a range of class options for new dancers, so there’s no need to feel overwhelmed! We recommend starting your child with just 1 or 2 classes, per week, that seem like a good fit. Once they get comfortable, you’re welcome to explore additional classes if they’d like to try something new or swap to another style.
For our Twinkles, Prep age and under, we offer Ballet, Jazz & Acro.
Primary School Age we have classes in Jazz, Acro, Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop & Cheer.
High School Age we offer classes in Jazz, Ballet, Conditioning, Tap & Hip Hop.
What if my child doesn`t have a GAD uniform?
Hold off on purchasing a uniform for the first few weeks. This gives your child time to settle in and decide if they’re happy to continue. The same goes for dance shoes: for now, bare feet are fine for Jazz, socks for Ballet, and clean joggers (no school shoes) for Hip Hop & Cheer. All acro classes are done in bare feet.
For class, dress your child in something comfortable, with their hair secured away from their face in a high bun. Don`t forget to bring a water bottle with their name on it to every class!
What if my young child is crying in the foyer when I bring them to their first class?
Don`t worry, it’s totally normal!
Starting something new can be a little overwhelming for little ones, and sometimes the exit door might seem like the best option.
It can take a few weeks for them to feel settled and comfortable. If, after that time, your child is still not participating or enjoying their class, we`ll let you know. They may need a bit more time to build confidence and feel ready. Rest assured, we`re here to support you every step of the way.
We’re thrilled to welcome you, and our new dancers to GAD!
With your help, we can keep an open line of communication if any issues pop up. When we`re all on the same page, we`re sure your child`s dance journey here will be nothing short of amazing and full of fun!
We can’t wait to see our new dancers shine in their chosen classes soon!
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Amy Mc Elhinney. My daughter Ava has been dancing at GAD since she was two-and-a-half years old. Even from a young age she has loved attending the classes and idolizes her dedicated teachers and student teachers. As a former dancer myself, I had always hoped my daughter would inherit my love of dance so she had the opportunity to become part of a ‘dance family’, where true friendships are made and lifelong skills are developed. Karen and her team are incredible, and I am confident GAD can provide this and more for her.
The new Twinkle Star Dance Program is perfect for young dancers. The age-appropriate props means she is forever talking about dancing with her pony and using hula-hoops, among other things. The smile on her face after each lesson is priceless. I could not recommend GAD more highly to those who also have an aspiring young dancer.
Footnote: Amy (above) is not only an incredible Dance Mum, she also is our resident Junior Ballet teacher. Being a primary school teacher herself, Amy is a firm hit with the children and parents alike. Her sunny deposition wins us all over, and her warmth exudes from within. She is the perfect mentor for our tiniest dancers.
