Age: 6 years at 1 July 2026 | Dance Classification: Junior


Ballet

Ballet Primary (RAD Syllabus)

Wifi

Car Parking

Lockers

Looking for a respected and experienced dance studio with a range of class options for your little dancer? Look no further than Sonja Dene Dance Studios.

Our highly-qualified professional team have more than three decades of experience in training highly skilled classical dancers.

We offer a range of classes, from pre-school age children to pre-professional level, with a particular emphasis on classes for younger students.

Our nurturing environment encourages individuality, confidence, and ambition, while respecting historical methods and embracing new emerging developments.

We're committed to providing the best possible training for your child, so come and visit us for a tour and see for yourself why Sonja Dene Dance Studios is the perfect choice for your young dancer.

Classical Ballet

Pointe

Technical Training

Limber / Strength and Conditioning

Kizomba

Mambo

Technical jazz

Stretch & Conditioning

Jazz

Modern

Contemporary 

Commercial Dancing

Hip Hop

Acrobatics

Singing

Musical Theatre

Other

Sonja Dene is a highly qualified and respected dance teacher with over 35 years of experience. She trained in classical ballet, jazz, tap, and Irish dance and completed her student teacher training course with distinction. Sonja obtained her Teachers Diploma of Dance with Distinction from the Royal Academy of Dance and served as Ballet Mistress for the Gold Coast and Sydney Youth Ballet. She established her own dance school in the Hills District of Sydney, where she has become a popular teacher of distinction. Sonja has been a member of the NSW Regional Advisory Panel for the Royal Academy of Dance for over 23 years and was elected Chair for 6 years, where she initiated new formats for prestigious scholarship competitions. In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Sonja w

Meet Amelia, or as her students affectionately call her, Miss Minnie. She began dancing at Sonja Dene Dance Studios at just 4 years old and progressed to the Vocational Ballet College NSW under the guidance of renowned ballet teachers. After graduating and receiving the Royal Academy of Dance's Solo Seal Award, she continued her training at top ballet schools in France and the US.

Now, as a teacher at SDDS since 2017, she brings her passion and knowledge to her students in a nurturing, bright, and loving environment. Amelia has successfully designed conditioning programs for Grades 1-Intermediate and launched her own program, Happy Feet Ballet Studios, for younger students. She has also choreographed Lyrical, Contemporary, and Classical Ballet solos for local and international schools.

Trudi Pallone has been teaching dance for 35 years with extensive experience in many genres. She obtained her Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Diploma in 1988 and has since followed a diverse dance career that includes performing with the Australian Opera Ballet Company.

Trudi opened her own successful dance school in Eastwood and has been a part of the senior faculty at Sonja Dene Dance Studio for almost 20 years. She believes in the foundation and joy of dance for all children, including disabled students in the Danceability program. Trudi is a freelance teacher and choreographer, runs summer intensives and workshops, and received the Royal Academy of Dance President's Award in 2018 for her exceptional and dedicated services to classical ballet.

Chelsea has over 6 years of teaching experience and is part of the Acrobatic Arts faculty. She completed her RAD ballet exams up to Advanced 1 and primarily trains in classical ballet and contemporary styles. Chelsea believes in nurturing students and passing on foundational strength, good technique, flexibility, creativity, and self-confidence. She also incorporates her knowledge of psychology to create a safe and successful learning environment for children.

Jordan started dancing at Sonja Dene Dance Studio at age 3 and has trained in Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and Tap. With over 15 years of experience, Jordan has performed in multiple productions, worked behind the scenes, and even choreographed numbers for school musicals. Her love for dance led her to complete her Duke of Edinburgh Awards, where she utilized her dance training to assist in teaching Happy Feet Ballet Class. Jordan's kind nature and positive attitude, along with her years of experience, make her a valuable addition to the teaching faculty at SDDS.

Ballet Primary (RAD Syllabus)

Ballet Primary (RAD Syllabus)

Teachers

About the School

Amenities

Gallery