Where Dance Journeys Begin

Ready Set Dance is more than a pre-school activity, it’s a carefully designed program that gives young children their first experience of dance in an environment built specifically for how they learn. Through imaginative play, engaging music and age-appropriate movement, little dancers discover ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop foundations without even realising they’re developing skills that will serve them for years.

At Dance Direction QLD, we understand that two-year-olds aren’t just small five-year-olds. Our Ready Set Dance classes match the way young minds and bodies actually work, short bursts of activity, lots of variety, imagination-led learning and plenty of encouragement. We’re a family-run studio where teachers know every child by name and little dancers will blossom week by week. For many families, Ready Set Dance is where the DDQ journey begins and where those first magical moments of a child discovering dance happen.

Ready Set Dance Class

Ages

2 to 5 years

Class Types

Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop

Experience Req.

None

A great way to start with Dance

Classes by Age

Ages 2-3

Ready Set Dance 2-3

Tiny dancers explore movement through imagination and gentle structure. Classes introduce basic positions, simple steps and musicality through stories, props and play. The focus is on building comfort in the studio environment, following directions and discovering the joy of moving to music.

Ages 3-4

Ready Set Dance 3-4

A multi-genre introduction combining ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop foundations. Dancers build coordination, rhythm awareness and confidence through varied activities that keep young minds engaged. Each class is an adventure with new music, themes and movement challenges.

Ages 4-5

Ready Set Dance 4-5

Preparing dancers for the transition to structured studio classes. Technique foundations become more defined while maintaining the play-based approach that keeps learning fun. Dancers develop the focus, classroom etiquette and movement vocabulary that will support their progression into DDQuties.

Perfect for young dancers

What Makes Ready Set Dance Special

Designed for How Young Children Learn

Short attention spans, boundless imagination, the need for variety, Ready Set Dance works with these realities rather than against them. Activities change frequently, props spark creativity, and learning happens through play rather than repetition alone.

Multi-Genre Foundations

Rather than limiting young dancers to a single style, Ready Set Dance introduces ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop. This broad foundation lets children discover what excites them while building diverse movement skills from the start.

Confidence Before Technique

At this age, falling in love with dance matters more than perfecting positions. Classes prioritise building confidence, self-expression and positive associations with movement. Technical development follows naturally when children feel safe to try.

A Pathway to Structured Training

Ready Set Dance prepares children for the transition into studio classes. Dancers develop the focus, coordination and classroom readiness that set them up for success in DDQuties and beyond.

2026 Timetable

Our 2026 Dance Direction DDQ Timetable is here!

Explore class times across all age groups and genres, find the sessions that fit your family’s schedule, and secure your dancer’s spot before classes fill.

Have a question? Be sure to contact us as we’d be glad to help.

Child learning Ready Set Dance

What Your Little Dancer Will Develop

Ready Set Dance builds foundational skills that support dance training and overall childhood development.

  • Motor Skills & Coordination – Balance, spatial awareness, gross motor control and the ability to move different body parts independently. Skills that support physical development well beyond the studio.
  • Rhythm & Musicality – Recognising beat, moving in time with music, understanding fast and slow, loud and soft. The musical foundations that underpin all dance genres.
  • Social Skills – Taking turns, following instructions, working alongside peers and building classroom confidence. Early experiences that prepare children for school and group learning environments.
  • Creativity & Expression – Using imagination to guide movement, expressing ideas through the body and discovering that dance is a form of communication. Nurturing the creative confidence that makes dance meaningful.
Your most common questions answered

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can my child start Ready Set Dance?

Children can begin from age two. Our youngest classes are designed specifically for two and three-year-olds, with activities, pacing and expectations matched to their developmental stage.

Does my child need any dance experience?

None at all, Ready Set Dance is designed for complete beginners. Many of our littlest dancers have never taken a structured class of any kind before.

Can I stay and watch?

We understand that starting dance is a big step, especially for our youngest dancers. Our goal in Ready Set Dance is to gently build independence and confidence in a fun and supportive environment. If your child is feeling comfortable, we usually encourage parents to wait just outside the room so dancers can fully engage and grow in confidence. If your child feels unsure or needs a little extra reassurance, you are more than welcome to stay close or even join in the class until they feel settled. We work closely with families to ensure every dancer feels safe, supported and happy at DDQ.

My child is shy, will they cope?

Absolutely. Dance is a wonderful way to build confidence, self-expression and a sense of belonging. At Dance Direction QLD, we pride ourselves on creating a warm, supportive environment where shy dancers are gently encouraged at their own pace.

Our teachers focus on positive reinforcement, small achievements and making every dancer feel safe and valued. Many of our most confident performers started out shy, and we love watching dancers grow in confidence, friendships and self-belief both in the studio and beyond.

Is there a performance opportunity?

Yes. Our preschool dancers are invited to take part in our mid-year and end-of-year concerts, created especially to be fun, supportive and age-appropriate. These performances give little dancers a chance to experience the excitement of being on stage in a gentle and encouraging way, while parents enjoy those unforgettable moments of pride as they watch their child smile, dance and shine in front of an audience.