How a group of Australian studio owners sparked a revolution in preschool dance, and how three visionary leaders continue to grow it into a global phenomenon
When Ready Set Dance first emerged in 2015, it was the product of a passionate collective of Australian studio owners who shared a bold vision for what preschool dance could be. Together, they imagined a program that celebrated confidence, creativity, inclusivity and pure childhood joy, something far more dynamic than the scaled-down “mini classes” that dominated the industry at the time.
As the organisation evolved, the program found its long-term leadership in Natalie Ettingshausens, Priscilla Severino and Belinda Agostino, who now carry the mission forward with extraordinary dedication, innovation and heart. Under their guidance, Ready Set Dance has grown beyond its Australian roots to become an international movement that is transforming studios, empowering teachers and giving young children the kind of foundation that lasts a lifetime.
Today, Ready Set Dance reaches thousands of preschoolers across the world, inspiring confidence, coordination and creativity at a scale the founders could only have dreamed of. This is the story of what they built and where they are boldly taking it next.
A Vision Born in the Studio: The Spark That Started a Movement
Ready Set Dance began where many extraordinary ideas do, inside busy studios run by dance teachers who were juggling lessons, admin, parent communication and the daily mission of keeping three-year-olds engaged.
From their own classrooms, the founders saw something clearly: preschool dance could be so much more.
“We knew dance offered preschoolers confidence, creativity, school readiness and belonging, but the programs available didn’t reflect that.”
Belinda explains that most preschool programs at the time were small in scope, limited and often overly pink, with little space for jazz, hip hop, tap or energetic movement. The youngest dancers were not being offered what today’s children naturally respond to: variety, vibrancy, storytelling and meaningful developmental play.
The founding team wanted to change that by building the world’s first comprehensive, scalable, research-backed dance education platform designed specifically for preschoolers.
What began as a vision to elevate preschool dance has since grown into a movement empowering studios everywhere to deliver life-changing experiences through music, storytelling, vibrant visuals and curriculum deeply grounded in child development.
Built by Studio Owners, For Studio Owners
One of the greatest strengths of Ready Set Dance is that its creators are not outsiders or theorists. They are studio owners who have lived the reality of running a school.
They knew from firsthand experience:
• how long lesson planning takes
• the challenge of keeping preschoolers engaged
• what parents need
• where teachers struggle
• how enrolments rise or fall
• what systems support or overwhelm a business
So, they created a program that is both creatively rich and operationally streamlined.
“We built Ready Set Dance so teachers could focus on what they love, teaching, while having all the resources and support at their fingertips.”
When studios began to thrive, with children blossoming, parents raving and enrolments surging, the founders realised something profound:
“This was bigger than us. Ready Set Dance had become a movement that students and studios across the world could benefit from. We were officially on our mission to get the world moving, one preschooler at a time.”
The Philosophy Behind the Fun: Why Preschool Dance Matters
Ask the Ready Set Dance team what matters most and they will point to the three pillars underpinning every class:
CONFIDENCE — COORDINATION — CREATIVITY
These are more than curriculum themes. They are essential building blocks for life.
Through dance, preschoolers learn:
• to take turns
• to listen
• to express emotion
• to develop social awareness
• to collaborate
• to explore independence
• to build resilience
Early dance experiences can shape a child’s confidence and communication long before they step into school.
Inclusivity, too, sits at the heart of the program, intentionally and proudly.
Every child is represented. Every child is celebrated.
“From day one, inclusivity was central. Boys, girls, all abilities, all cultures, all families. When children feel seen, their confidence soars.”
This commitment to representation is transformative.
The Science of Fun: Why Entertainment Matters
While the classes feel like play, they are meticulously designed. Every song, prop, visual and storyline serves a developmental purpose.
“Entertainment isn’t an add-on, it is the vehicle for learning.”
The Ready Set Dance class structure balances:
• high-energy moments
• focused learning blocks
• imaginative exploration
• predictable routines
• individual and group participation
• storytelling to spark creativity
The goal for every child after their first term is simple, powerful and deeply emotional:
“We want them to feel proud of themselves.”
Whether they mastered a new step or simply found the courage to join in, pride is the foundation of all future growth.
A Business Model That Works: Why Studios Love It
Ready Set Dance is not just a program for kids. It is a strategic business asset for studios.
It helps studios:
• grow enrolments
• increase retention
• save time
• elevate their brand
• reduce teacher burnout
• strengthen studio culture
The program’s ready-made lesson plans, professional music and visuals, teacher training and marketing support remove the burden of constant content creation.
And the feedback?
“Most licensees say the biggest change is relief and confidence.”
Beyond curriculum, studios benefit from extraordinary external partnerships:
• DreamWorks collaborations
• Emma Memma performance opportunities
• charitable initiatives with Starlight Foundation
• water-safety support via Kids Alive Do the Five
These experiences expand a studio’s reach far beyond what any single school could achieve alone.
Quality and Individuality: A Delicate Balance
One of Ready Set Dance’s greatest achievements is consistency without conformity.
“We give studios the framework and encourage teachers to bring their own sparkle.”
This ensures the brand stays strong globally, while each studio maintains its unique culture, personality and teacher magic.
A Growing Global Family: From Australia to the World
The Ready Set Dance movement is expanding rapidly. The program is now:
- Thriving in North America
• Recently launched in the United Kingdom
• Preparing to open in Singapore
• Continuing to grow across multiple international markets
This global expansion has reinforced something the founders already believed:
“The universal power of dance transcends culture. It inspires us to keep innovating and expanding our impact.”
Their mission is no longer Australian. It is global.
What’s Next: The Future of Ready Set Dance
The Ready Set Dance team is deep in development mode, with several major initiatives rolling out:
A brand-new, upgraded Studio Portal
Including:
• community dashboard
• streamlined content access
• enhanced training features
• discussion boards
• improved navigation
• an elevated user-friendly interface
Expanded curriculum
New age groups and programs to support children beyond their preschool years.
Emma Memma live performance opportunities
Providing access to arts experiences for children, particularly in regional communities.
International expansion
New regions are preparing for launch worldwide.
University partnership for Research and Development
Ready Set Dance has partnered with the University of Wollongong to undertake more in-depth research and development, further strengthening and evolving the educational integrity of the program for the future.
A Moment That Defined Their Impact
Of all the highlights, one event stands out: the Ready Set Dance Cruise.
With more than seven hundred people on board, it offered:
• workshops
• dance parties
• performances for multiple age groups
• community celebrations
• a powerful charity mission
Together, the community raised nearly fifteen thousand dollars for the Starlight Foundation and set the world record for the biggest preschool dance class on the Lido deck.
It was more than a milestone. It was a moment that showed exactly what Ready Set Dance has become, a global family connected by joy, generosity and movement.
A Message for Every Young Dancer
If the founders could whisper one thing to a preschooler stepping into their first class, it would be this:
“You are amazing just as you are. Be brave, have fun and know that every step you take is something worth celebrating.”
