About Us

Ashgrove Dance Studio is a locally-owned, family-run business that has been part of the Ashgrove community for more than 100 years. Our studio offers caring nurturing personal attention, talented instructors and confidence boosting experiences. 

At Ashgrove Dance Studio, every dancer is a Star!

Whether your child wants to train for a performance or exam, learn in a casual class setting or just have some fun, Ashgrove Dance Studio is the place for them.

Our Preschool range of Ballet classes offer age appropriate introduction to Dance.  In the classes, children have the opportunity to explore their creativity, imagination and self-expression while learning and developing the skills that are the building blocks for dance and movement. Classes are designed to be a fun source of exercise and a creative outlet while improving self-esteem and self-expression.

Classes include Twinkle Toes Toddlers class, Creative Movement, Tiny Tots and Beginners Ballet.

We offer a full selection of RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) Ballet Syllabus. From 6 years kids can try Jazz Hop, a combination of Jazz technique and Hip Hop moves or Tap.

From 10 years we have a newly introduced Musical Theatre program.

Senior students also have the option of Lyrical, Contemporary, Broadway Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop as well as RAD syllabus Ballet classes. Beginner to advanced dancers will be inspired, as well as have their creativity, co-ordination and general fitness boosted.

We offer a range of classes specifically for Adult dancers.  Whether you’ve learnt before, have always wanted to or are an experienced Adult dancer we have Ballet, Tap and Jazz classes on offer.  We welcome all ages, experience levels and sizes.  Dance is a great way to keep your mind active, increase flexibility and general fitness.  Our Adult community is a great place to make new friends in a welcoming, supportive environment.

So whether you a graceful swan or one with a little more silver in your feathers Ashgrove Dance Studio can make sure you are the Star of your own Dance dreams.

Take the first step on your dance journey by completing the Enquire about classes form in the Contact Us menu.

Ashgrove Dance Studio Values

Ashgrove Dance Studio is dedicated to providing every student with a friendly, supportive, non-competitive and positive dance experience.  We encourage each student to achieve their potential and strive to provide wonderful lifetime memories for the whole family of dancing.

Ashgrove Dance Studio recognises that is it a gift to work with our students and we take great responsibility in ensuring young students in our care are treated with respect and kindness. 

At Ashgrove Dance Studio, every dancer is a Star!

Our Values:

• Confidence
• Respect
• Inclusiveness
• Enjoyment
• Friendships

Ashgrove Dance Studio History

The Ashgrove Dance Studio originates from the oldest ballet school in Queensland.

The original school commenced in 1899 under the direction of Nellie Lawrence and was continued by Katie Cannan from 1913 to 1922.

At that time it came under the direction of Thelma Robertson who with Brenda McCullough taught until 1935, when Thelma Robertson continued the school alone for a further three years.

1938 saw Joy and Faye Bassett take the reins and in 1945 their sister, Nell, joined them. The Bassetts conducted studios in the inner city, Camp Hill, Mitchelton, Southport and Ashgrove.

In January 1973 they passed their Ashgrove School to Wendy and Judith Lowe who had gained their early training with the Bassetts, Frankie Thompson and Phyllis Danaher completing all their examinations in the RAD syllabus and becoming fully Registered Teachers of the RAD.

Over the years the school has had many guest teachers including Phyllis Danaher, one of the early RAD examiners, Evan Jones a former Lecturer in Ballet at QUT and Robyn Ross who held positions as Rehearsal Director for Ballet Ireland, Introdans – The Netherlands and le Grand Theatre de Geneve (Switzerland).

In December 2012 Wendy and Judith were delighted that Prue Galley, the grand-daughter of Nellie Lawrence  donated to the Studio an engraved Silver Teapot presented to Nellie Lawrence by her students in 1911 in recognition of the heritage of the Studio in continuing her grandmother's original school. 

Wendy and Judith continue to lead the studio today instilling a love of dance in all students.