Dance Theatre Network is a performing arts studio for children and young adults in Roselands, Sydney. It is a family oriented studio, where great importance is placed on honesty and integrity while building individual relationships with students and their families. It is the aim of all Dance Theatre Network staff, to treat students with respect and compassion and monitor the individual’s progress carefully.

We believe that dance is a great sport for children because it allows them to be physically active but also taps into other areas of their personal development such as building self confidence. The lessons that children learn form dance go much deeper than the actual art of dance, it also teaches them about discipline and commitment, which then filters through into other parts of their life. Dance is a great sport because it is not seasonal, therefore, students have the opportunity to work on their craft all year round, which gives them stability in their weekly program and a sense of achievement when each year is completed.

The school was established in 1979 as the Jenny Kay School of Dance at a community hall in Kingsgrove. In the early days, the school was only run on Saturday mornings but as time went on, the school grew to the point where classes were running 6 days a week. After 24 years, it was clear that the hall was just not big enough and so in 2003 the school moved to a custom built studio complex in Roselands. With the change of venue, came a change of name and so, Dance Theatre Network was born.

Our purpose built studio complex features: 2 large dance studios, a singing studio, girls and boys change rooms, 2 waiting areas for parents and our office. We do not believe in closing studio doors while classes are in progress, which is why we installed viewing windows to our custom built downstairs studio. In our upstairs studio, sometimes viewing space is limited (depending on the size of the class, so we ask that parents refrain from milling by the door, but if any parent wishesto sit in on a particular class to motior progress, they are more than welcome to. Check out the pictures of our studios in the gallery.

At Dance Theatre Network we offer classes to students looking for a fun recreational sport right through to those who are hoping to pursue a career in the industry. Our weekly timetable consists of classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Stretch/Strength, Acrobatics, Musical Theatre, Singing and Pre School. Within those styles, we try to expose the students to as many genres as possible. For example, in ballet, the students are taught, R.A.D exam syllabus and perform routines that range from traditional classical to modern lyrical. Or in our jazz and tap classes, students will learn multiple routines throughout the year, to music ranging from 1960’s to current top 40 tracks. We believe that students need to be challenged physically and mentally, so our lesson plans are always designed to motivate and inspire the students.

Enrolment Day is held annually in January. There are 2 enrolment days - one for students that were enrolled in the previous year and one for NEW families. If you have specific preferences for certain classes, you should try to enrol on the appropriate enrolment day. Once a class is full, you will be put onto the waiting list and will only be able to take that class if a position opens up. The maximum number in each class depends on the age of the students and the style of the class. Absolutely no enrolments will be taken by mail, email, or by phone before or on the Enrolment Day. On enrolment, a parent or guardian will be asked to sign a declaration stating that they have read and understand all of the important information in our prospectus. By signing the declaration, you are agreeing to respect the policies and conditions of Dance Theatre Network.

All students of Dance Theatre Network are required to attend 4 compulsory events each year. If you choose enrol your child at Dance Theatre Network, then you should be willing to let them participate in these performances. The compulsory events are: Presentation Day, the Concert Dress Rehearsal and both Concerts. For dates, please check the diary.

Neat grooming and correct attire is vital in all classes, so that the student can have unrestricted movement, and so that the teacher can see the student’s body to correct their line. Grooming requirements are strictly enforced in all Dance Theatre Network classes. Uniforms are available from the office. The uniform is not compulsory for regular classes, however it is compulsory for showgroup students in classes and at all performances.

Fees for classes are based on how many classes the individual student takes in the week. The more classes the student does, the cost of each class is reduced. An enrolment fee is required for each student to cover the cost of administration and music licensing fees (families with 3 students are entitled to a discount on this fee). For students who are interested in taking many classes in the week, we offer packages to keep the costs down for those families, while enabling the student to get the most they can out of their sport.

Costumes can sometimes be an expensive part of performing arts, especially when annual concerts fall around the expensive Christmas season. To help ease the strain on parents, at Dance Theatre Network, we provide a lay-by system wherein costume payments are added to the term fees. Then, when it comes to the concert time, there is no added cost. If students withdraw from classes before the concert costumes have been ordered, costume levies will be fully refunded. All of our concert costumes are made new for the individual and students are able to keep all of their costumes when the show is over.

We believe manners are important in a child’s development, therefore at Dance Theatre Network we expect students to value and respect their peers and teachers. Bad behaviour including ill-manners and bad language will not be tolerated by any teacher or member of staff. The staff of Dance Theatre Network trusts that all parents will encourage their children to have respect for their teachers and fellow students and will support the discipline that is expected at our studio.

Private Lessons are available to any Dance Theatre Network student who wants one-on-one solo tuition on a weekly basis. These classes are usually used to rehearse routines that are performed in solo competitions.

Students who are selected to join the Dance Theatre Network dance team, must display an exceptional ability to learn and retain steps that are taught in class, be responsive to correction, be eager to accept new challenges and cope well under pressure. Showgroup placements are offered annually in January, based on observations of the students progress in classes and while performing at events such as Presentation Day and concert, while also taking into consideration their punctuality and attendance. To qualify for showgroup, students must take at least 4 classes per week. If you have been learning dancing for a few years prior to enrolling at Dance Tehatre Network, you may be eligible to audition for the DTN showgroup, please contact the office during the christmas holidays if you would like to discuss this possibility. All showgroup members are regularly offered the opportunity to dance in locations outside of Sydney. In 2006, 50 members of the Dance Theatre Network showgroup performed at Disneyland in California. The showgroup have travelled to country NSW a number of times and performed in Kempsey and Wagga Wagga. In 2010, 33 showgroup students toured ASIA with their families and performed in Hong Kong city, Disneyland Hong Kong and Sunway resort in Kuala Lumpur. Currently, the DTN showgroup families are planning their trip to East coast of the USA for 2012.

As dancing grows in popularity for boys, we are accommodating those who are interested with 'Boys ONLY' classes. In 2010, we are running a hip hop/acrobatics class and also a boys technique class. In future years, we hope to extend the boys program even further. Boys are of course welcome to join any class in the weekly program - infact many of our boys also take jazz, tap or acrobatics in mixed classes. We like boys to feel comfortable in dance, so our boys outfits and choreography is always created with the idea of keeping boys strong and masculine.