By Danielle Davey
Turning 65 this year, Peninsula School of Dance honours its rich past while looking ahead to the future, with an exciting anniversary event planned for October to celebrate the milestone.
Founded in 1961 as the Rosebud Ballet School by Sandra McKay OAM – known professionally as Sandra Allan – the school began after a mother approached her with a simple but powerful offer: “If I get you a hall, a piano and some students, would you come teach in Rosebud?” At the time, there were no dance classes available on the southern Peninsula, and Sandra saw an opportunity to bring quality classical ballet training to the community.
Beginning with 23 students at the Rosebud Memorial Hall, Peninsula School of Dance now operates from a studio behind Bunnings in Rosebud with more than 300 students. Its curriculum has expanded too, with multiple genres including jazz, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, musical theatre and acro. It has introduced specialist pre-school programs, extension programs for dedicated dancers, and inclusive programming for people of all abilities, and in a nod to its origins, a strong Cecchetti ballet foundation remains central. It also operates Frankston Studio – formerly Caballero Classical Ballet.
The school’s director, Melanie Gard, grew up in Melbourne training at another Cecchetti ballet school and was handpicked to take over the reins. “I was examined by Sandra during my professional teaching exams,” Melanie said. “She passed me with distinction, so I must have made an impression. When my husband and I moved to the Peninsula in the early 2000s, Sandra invited me to teach whenever she was away examining. In 2006, I took over the school from Sandra after she had led it for 45 years.”
According to Melanie, who also chairs the Dance Arts Alliance championing child-safe environments in dance, the school has changed “from a ‘ballet class’ model to a holistic performing arts hub with a strong focus on child safety, leadership, community and wellbeing”.
Families play a vital role by providing backstage support for concerts, large-scale productions and interstate and international tours. Furthermore, the school maintains a strong connection to the wider community through regular performances at events, markets and festivals.
Alumni who have found success in the field of dance include international performer, producer and choreographer Jason Coleman, and Broadway performer and choreographer Chloe Dallimore. A series of interviews with successful alumni can be found on the school’s website at peninsuladance.com.au
As part of its 65th anniversary celebrations, the school will hold a gala dinner on Saturday, October 3, at RACV Cape Schanck Resort, with canapés on arrival, a two-course meal, special guest speakers, and of course live dance and musical entertainment.
For businesses interested in getting involved via sponsorship, past students who have photos or videos to share, or anyone who would like to help spread the word about the event, contact Alex Dellaportas at production@peninsuladance.com.au
