Shimmy Shakes is a preschool dance school located in Sylvania, Australia. The school, founded by Shantelle Tagg, aims to make dance accessible and inclusive for all children. They believe in teaching values of inclusivity, accessibility, and acceptance in every class, with the hope of creating a more inclusive and accepting world through their students.
Shimmy Shakes has received recognition for their efforts in the community. Shantelle Tagg was named as one of Westfield Miranda's Local Heroes in October 2019 and received a $10,000 grant to help make dance more accessible and inclusive. The school has also been nominated as a finalist in the Ausmumpreneur Awards in 2021 in the category of Women Will Change the World.
Parents and caregivers have praised Shimmy Shakes for its inclusive and age-appropriate classes. One parent shared that their child participated in the annual concert and was moved to tears watching children of all abilities enjoy dance together. Another parent appreciated the inclusive attitude of the teachers, stating that every child should have access to dance and music. Others commended the fun and relaxed environment, affordable prices, and the positive impact dance has had on their child's coordination and self-confidence.
Shimmy Shakes operates under a few key policies to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for all children. They offer high-quality dance lessons without the high costs typically associated with dance classes. There is no set uniform or need for specialised dance shoes, and children are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing that allows for free movement. The use of key word sign language is incorporated into all classes, and additional staff are available to support children with special needs.
Small class sizes are maintained to prevent children from feeling overwhelmed, and individual student needs are taken into account to provide tailored support in their dance journey.
The length of classes varies depending on the age group, with Movers and Shakers classes lasting 55 minutes and Fairy Ballet, Sensational Babies, Babies, and Minis classes lasting 25 minutes to allow for cleaning in between all classes. Children can wear anything they feel comfortable in, and in warmer months, shoes are taken off, while in colder months, dance shoes or socks with rubber grips on the soles are advised. Tap classes require tap shoes.
When attending classes, children need to bring a labelled bottle of water, and there are no additional costs beyond the regular tuition fees.
Shimmy Shakes is dedicated to providing an inclusive and enjoyable dance experience for preschool-age children. Through their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, they strive to cultivate a love of dance, foster self-confidence, and create a community where all children can thrive and express themselves through movement.