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 — one 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’re 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 gentle, limited, and often overly pink, with little space for jazz, hip hop, tap, or energetic movement. The youngest dancers weren’t being offered what today’s children naturally respond to: variety, vibrancy, storytelling, and meaningful developmental play.
The founding team wanted to change that — not by scaling down big-kid classes, but 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 a 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 intimately:
• 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 every studio 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’ll point to the three pillars underpinning every class:
CONFIDENCE — COORDINATION — CREATIVITY
These are more than curriculum themes; they’re 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 isn’t just admirable — it’s 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’s 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
Make no mistake — Ready Set Dance isn’t just a program for kids. It’s a strategic business asset for studios.
It helps studios:
- grow enrolments
- increase retention
- save time
- elevate their brand
- reduce teacher burnout
- and 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 + 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
Perhaps the most exciting chapter of the Ready Set Dance journey is unfolding right now.
- Recently launched in the UK
- Singapore coming soon
- New markets on the horizon
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’s 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
Complete with:
- community dashboard
- streamlined content access
- enhanced training features
- discussion boards
- improved navigation
- a polished, user-friendly interface
Expanded curriculum
New age groups and programs to support children beyond their preschool years.
Emma Memma live performance opportunities
Especially for regional communities where access to the arts can be limited — opening doors, building confidence, and creating extraordinary memories.
