Perhaps it’s the allure of the leotard, ballet slippers, the centre stage. 

However, sending your child to dance classes can be costly, even for the more financially-healthy families. For some, such classes are just out of reach.

Bowning resident Cecile Felderhoff is determined to change that. 

“I started a free and open class for kids in the area,” she explained.

“I know these classes can be expensive, I am trained to do it, so why not just offer the classes to anyone that wants to come along?”

Cecile started the classes earlier this year to children who otherwise would not be exposed to the art form.

“We meet on a Sunday afternoon, the junior class is for children aged 3 to 6 and it runs from 1.30 until 2pm. The older kids follow from 2 until 3pm,” she explained. 

“For the junior class we do things like nursery rhymes and play mime games, but there is more technique taught in the older kids.”

Cecile has been dancing since she was two and is fully qualified. In 1954 she danced for the queen at Government House and was given the chance to dance on the television ABC showcase.

“I remember dancing for the Bee Gees and Cole Joy which was a remarkable experience,” she said. 

“I want to give the kids the experience and chance without the expense, I figured because I can do it I would.

"It hasn’t just been successful for the kids, but I have been able to rekindle my passion for dance and sometimes I feel as though I have got more out of it then them. They complain about being sore afterwards, but I feel just as sore!” 

Chloe Moore, Annabell Walker and Brooke Atkinson are three girls who attend the class and describe it as great fun. 

“It is hurting while we are building up our muscles,” Chloe explained. 

“It has been a great experience and my favourite is the mime dances.”

The classes consist of acrobatics, barrework and learning elements of ballet that will build resistance and skills. 

“It is great fun and hopefully we will have a recital at the end of the year,” Brooke said.

The classes are held at the Bowning Hall on Sundays and anyone is welcome to attend. Contact Cecile on 6227 6456.