Welcome to Independent Dance Studios
Independent Dance Studios - IDS (formerly Contemporary Independent Dance) provides dance tuition of the highest standard for girls and boys aged 2 through to adult. IDS is dedicated to providing exceptional dance training for the aspiring dancer, ensuring every student has the opportunity to develop strong dance technique and foundations.
Located in Hallam, servicing South East Melbourne suburbs including: Narre Warren, Berwick, Cranbourne, Lyndhurst, Pakenham, Endeavour Hills, Carrum Downs, Frankston, Keysborough, Langwarrin and surrounding areas.
Our ethos "Nurture, Inspire, Excel" is evident in everything we do. We are immensely proud of our reputation within the dance community - one of strength, professionalism and excellence.
IDS offers classes in classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, acrobatics, lyrical, specialised pre-primary dance, Progressive Ballet Technique, limber and body conditioning. Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examination work, private coaching, team work, competitions, performances, guest teacher workshops and a spectacular end of year Showcase are also on offer.
At IDS we are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to develop strong dance technique, realise their full potential and receive consistent dance training of the highest standard in a safe, FUN, positive environment.
Established in 2009 under the artistic direction of Nicole Jacobsson, IDS has evolved from what was a small choreographic project undertaken by Nicole whilst studying dance at the Victorian College of the Arts in 2004, to an ever growing school of excellence. Now offering impressive state-of-the-art facilities, faculty and a wide range of dance styles, IDS has grown to offer more than 80 classes a week taught by a team of 10+ experienced and passionate professionals, as well as offering acclaimed guest teachers and performance opportunities.
At IDS we choose to cap our pupils at 200, ensuring your child is not just a number.
With a solid technical base and a love for dance instilled, students of IDS have been accepted into prestigious dance programs including: The Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS), The National Theatre Ballet School, The Australian Conservatoire of Ballet, Studio Tibor Sydney, Spectrum, The Queensland University of Technology, The Russian Choreographic Academy, Transit Dance and many more.
IDS Mission, Vision, Values
At IDS our mission is to create strong, versatile, passionate and technical dancers.
Our vision is to provide a school with exceptional tuition, one that not only builds solid technical foundations, but most importantly fosters a love for dance. Our goal is to provide an environment where students can create life-long friendships, build lasting memories, and mature in a community atmosphere. We aim to nurture and inspire students so that they have the opportunity to excel and pursue a career in the dance industry.
At IDS our values underpin all that we do.Each member of our community is respectful, dedicated, committed, a good-sportsman, friendly, focused, hard-working, supportive, encouraging and courageous.
Message from our Artistic Director/Principal
I am thrilled to welcome you to Independent Dance Studios - my absolute passion and pride.
IDS has been recognised as one of South East Melbourne’s leading dance schools, offering classes for both the dedicated and recreational dancer. Always a place that fosters growth, creativity, development, integrity and quality, IDS is dedicated to providing excellent dance training.
It is my belief that whilst students may not choose dance as a career, it is vital that correct training be taught right from the beginning, so that the doors of opportunity are wide open.
Solid classical technique instils great physical and mental strength, poise, grace, passion, respect, social skills and determination allowing students to achieve set goals, develop self-discipline and confidence and increase self-esteem. These are personal qualities that every IDS student carries with them through their school years and throughout their lives.
Classes at IDS remain limited in size with the specific aim of understanding each student, their individual development requirements and fostering a sense of enjoyment, teamwork skills, musicality and artistry.
It is my belief that a love of dance should be nurtured and encouraged in all students, whether dancing professionally or for leisure, dance remains a lifelong source of inspiration, relaxation and joy.
Just some of the differences you will note at IDS include:
- An inspiring teaching faculty of professional, experienced, qualified dance teachers who are specialists in their genres
- State-of-the-art facilities, seriously second to none (you must come see for yourself to truly know the difference!)
- The world-renowned classical syllabus (Royal Academy of Dance) at the forefront of our training
- Encouraging and nurturing guidance for your individual pathway/journey in dance
- Quality relationships fostered between students, teachers and families
- Pupils capped at 200 to ensure your child is not just a number
- Costumes lovingly handmade, sequinned and embellished locally
- Costumes always transported and cleaned for you for performances
- Award winning troupes and soloist opportunities at the state’s leading competitions amongst reputable competitors
- Creative, innovative, technical choreography and class structures
- An inviting, encouraging, inspiring atmosphere with numerous positive role models
- Lasting friendships nurtured through years of loyalty and dedication to our school and community
- Specialised Half Day Classical Extension Program for vocational-minded dancers
- Dedicated, passionate dancers throughout our entire school who truly love dance!
I invite you to come along and visit our incredible state-of-the-art studios (which are sure to wow you with their expansive quality and attention to detail), to meet some of our talented faculty and see why IDS is such a wonderful place to dance.
I look forward to welcoming you to my school.
Nicole Jacobsson-Kneebone
IDS Principal & Artistic Director