Business Details
15 Years
experience
Expert Dance Tuition in Berwick for All Levels
At Karlie Grace Dancers, we pride ourselves on delivering expert dance tuition rooted in over a decade of industry experience. Our structured pathways program, built on the Cecchetti ballet method, cultivates technical proficiency and artistic expression across diverse dance styles. Our team of highly qualified instructors, including Principal Karlie Grace Johnson, combines professional expertise with a nurturing approach to foster confidence, discipline, and stage-ready performance skills. We prioritise individual growth through tailored instruction, performance opportunities, and nationally recognised examinations.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our safe, inclusive environment, where students develop not only as dancers but as resilient, respectful individuals. With a focus on continuous professional development, we ensure our teaching methodologies remain at the forefront of dance education. Our reputation as a leading dance school in Melbourne's southeast is built on measurable outcomes, including student achievements in competitions, professional performances, and personal development.
Services
Ballet Classes
Acrobatics Training
Contemporary Dance
Musical Theatre
Hip-Hop Instruction
Jazz Dance
Tap Dance
Pilates Classes
Dance Examinations
Performance Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We offer Cecchetti-certified ballet instruction with over 10 years of professional dance education experience
- Our structured pathways program develops technical excellence across 8 progressive skill levels
- Students gain performance experience through annual professional-grade productions
- All instructors maintain active industry involvement through professional development
- We provide nationally recognised dance qualifications and examination opportunities
Associations and certifications
- Cecchetti Ballet Australia
What people say
Fantastic nurturing dance school
Teachers are the real deal
Confidence and ability growth
Professional-grade performances
Supportive dance family
Services
Ballet Classes
Our Cecchetti-certified ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression. Students progress through 8 structured levels, mastering foundational techniques while building performance confidence. Classes incorporate graded syllabi for ages 2-18, with examination opportunities through Cecchetti Ballet Australia. The curriculum balances discipline with creative expression in a supportive environment.
Acrobatics Training
Acrobatic Arts-certified instruction focuses on safe progression in flexibility, balance, and aerial techniques. Our program develops core strength and spatial awareness through structured assessments. Students learn tumbling, contortion, and partner acrobatics with qualified instructors, preparing for performance integration or competitive pathways while maintaining injury prevention protocols.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance classes emphasize artistic expression through fluid movement and emotional storytelling. Our curriculum combines technical training with improvisation, fostering individual creativity. Students explore diverse choreographic styles while developing strength, coordination, and performance quality in a non-competitive, inclusive learning environment.
Musical Theatre
This program integrates dance, singing, and acting techniques for stage performance. Students develop versatility in Broadway-style choreography, vocal projection, and character interpretation. Classes prepare participants for theatrical productions and auditions, with opportunities to perform in annual showcases that replicate professional theatre experiences.
Pilates Classes
Led by former professional ballet dancer Isabelle Greenwood, our Pilates program enhances dance performance through core strength and flexibility training. The classes focus on injury prevention, posture improvement, and muscular balance using reformer and mat-based exercises tailored to dancers' specific physical demands.
People
Karlie Grace Johnson
Owner & Principal
Diploma-qualified dance educator with 15+ years' experience, specialising in Cecchetti ballet. Former professional dancer with international performance credits including Moulin Rouge and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Established KGD in 2011, growing it to serve 300+ students annually.
Georgia Fraser
Acrobatics Instructor
Certified Acrobatic Arts teacher with competitive calisthenics background. Former KGD student who transitioned to instruction after completing teacher training. Implements assessment systems for acrobatic examinations while maintaining performance standards in student showcases.
Lisa Furze
Associate Teacher
Spectrum Dance graduate with professional experience in corporate events and television. Holds Cecchetti Ballet Australia associate qualifications with honours. Specialises in preparing students for performance opportunities and technical examinations through practical instruction.
Brett Fischer
Musical Theatre Coach
Patrick Studios Australia graduate with extensive stage experience in musical theatre productions. Brings industry insights from performances in 'Grease The Musical' and Royal Caribbean cruise productions. Focuses on integrating dance with theatrical storytelling in student training.
Brigette Rankin
Classical Ballet Teacher
Victorian College of the Arts graduate with Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Holds Cecchetti International Classical Ballet certification and 25+ years' teaching experience. Former head dance teacher at Presbyterian Ladies College, specialising in classical technique development.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for beginners?
We offer ballet, acrobatics, contemporary, and musical theatre classes for ages 2-18. Our KGD Kidz program introduces foundational movement skills through playful, structured activities designed for early learners.
How do you prepare students for performances?
Our annual professional-grade production involves all students in choreographed routines. We provide costume support, rehearsal schedules, and stagecraft training to ensure performers feel confident and prepared for our end-of-year showcase.
Are your instructors qualified?
All teachers hold industry-recognised qualifications including Cecchetti Ballet Australia certifications, Dance Teaching Diplomas, and Acrobatic Arts training. Our faculty maintains current first aid certifications and undergoes regular professional development.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in our annual end-of-year concert, community events, and occasional external performance bookings. Senior students may also gain teaching assistant roles through our Dance Step junior program.
How do you ensure child safety?
We maintain a child-safe environment with trained staff, supervised change rooms, and parent viewing areas. Our policies include mandatory reporting procedures and regular staff training in child protection protocols.
What dancewear is required?
We require branded uniforms specific to each dance style, available through our reception or approved suppliers. New students may wear casual attire for their first lesson before purchasing official gear.
Reviews (5)
Dana Moussaoui
Nov 17, 2019
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Brilliant School, both my girls are attending and absolutely adore the environment, the teachers and the friendships they have made. Highly encourage trying all the classes aa every one has something different to offer.
Karlie herself is a brilliant Lead and is very passionate.
Karlie herself is a brilliant Lead and is very passionate.
Vicky Bartuccio
Oct 01, 2019
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Brilliant Dance School with exceptionally dedicated professionals that truly value and inspire their students. My daughter absolutely loves being part of the KGD family! She enjoys her dance lessons, feels more confident and has made wonderful friendships along the way. As a parent I feel supported and love seeing my little girl do what she loves in such a warm and friendly environment. Our KGD community is a true credit to Miss Karlie and her amazing team. We look forward to many more years of dancing with KGD
Lauren Carter
Sep 10, 2019
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We are in our fifth year at KGD and our three girls couldn't be happier. KGD has inspired their confidence and enabled them to try many aspects of dance. They have made beautiful friendships at the studio, built around a supportive and encouraging culture. The teachers are inspiring and motivating and Karlie is a dedicated and passionate teacher to all her students.
Yeet Crikey
Sep 06, 2019
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Karlie Grace School of Performing Arts is great for all ages who are aspiring dancers. They offer pretty much every single dance style and have successful competition troupes and solos! The teachers are legit and teach their students what it's like to dance in a professional environment. Miss Karlie is absolutely wonderful. She will help the students with their technique and it is obvious Karlie has a huge passion for dance. Anne at reception can answer all your questions and really helps you with info on: Dance Competitions, End of Year Showcase, Costumes and Props! The Karlie Grace building has
Melissa Cullis
Aug 18, 2019
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At Karlie Grace Studio the Teachers are Very Friendly Talented and Caring. Karlie and Anne are always Available, Helpfull and Understanding with any Concerns. My Daughter Kaitlin loves it at this Dancing School.
