The line-up was more organised than in previous years but that was because the sign-on day was for new students. 

“Our returning students went through this process at the end of last year,” she said. 

“This is an opportunity just for the new students to come and meet the teachers, enrol in their classes and purchases their ballet and jazz shoes.” 

Most classes were full but the school was reviewing its cast list for the concert to see if more spots could be offered. 

It’s the 20^th year for the school and differences during the anniversary will include a reunion and an upgrade to the dance hall. 

“We’ve spent $50,000 on flooring, a new refreshed paint job in all of our studios, so it’s a nice bright future for year 20,” Ms Ryder said. 

Some who attend the reunion might well be included among the photographs of former pupils that line the wall of the hall. 

The principal teacher uses the photographs as an example of how well former students have done in their careers.

“We have had kids that have gone on to be dance teachers, that have danced professionally on cruise liners...they are school teachers, there are graphic design artists, personal trainers, doctors, nurses,” she said. 

“Dancing is very good for kids to become organised and dedicated to something that they do. 

“They have got to work really hard in dancing and I think that sort of spills over into school work.” 

She uses dance teacher Shaylee Griffiths as a specific example. 

“Young Shaylee graduated from school and now she’s working for the school. 

“They are just really dedicated at what they do so they are really successful. 

“We don’t have many kids that bomb out of school and don’t make something of their careers. 

“I’m also really proud that the kids that come through our school are inspired enough to go out and do something good with themselves.

“It doesn’t always have to be dancing but they are all kind of successful in what they do,” the principal teacher said.