Our story
The heartbeat behind Vegasnowclaim Group
For over 25 years, our studio has been a sanctuary where movement meets emotion, technique meets freedom, and every dancer – young or adult – finds their own voice. Rooted in Melbourne’s vibrant arts culture, we grow with you.
Come say hello Explore our roots
Our founder saw dance as a language everyone speaks
In 1998, Gemma Ellery turned a tiny warehouse in Fitzroy into a dance loft with polished floors and big windows. She'd just returned from performing overseas and felt Melbourne needed a space that treated adult beginners as seriously as future professionals – while giving children the same disciplined yet playful foundations she wished she’d had.
That philosophy still drives us today. We are a collection of independent creators, pedagogy nerds, and true believers that movement shapes character. Today we call Collins Street home, but the soul of that first studio lives on in every warm-up, correction, and encore.
Our creed: dance is for every body
Joy comes first
Technical rigour matters, but if you don’t leave class with a bigger smile, we haven’t done our job. We shape lessons that keep the love burning.
We grow humans
Dance is a vehicle for resilience, focus, empathy, and creativity. We nurture those qualities through every movement combination.
Safety is a feeling
We are a trauma-informed studio, meaning you’ll never be pushed beyond your limit, but challenged enough to evolve.
Our signature ways to move
We pour all our energy into two programmes that complement each other beautifully – one for the young poet, one for the urban soul.
Since 1998
Perfect for ages 3–15
Professional Children's Ballet Masterclass
RAD-based curriculum, nurturing qualified teachers, and two major performances a year. Your child gets strong technique, freer expression, and a deepened confidence that lasts.
Since 2005
For adults of all levels
Intensive Adult Hip-Hop & Street Choreography Lab
Forget everything you know about gyms. Here we blend funky grooves, explosive footwork, and deep musicality in a family-like crew. Break a sweat, break the routine.
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Awards and nominations
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Guest teachers worldwide
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Community outreach programs
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Original combinations taught
Meet our mentors
Each teacher is selected for both mastery and kindness. They know their craft and, more importantly, care about the person inside the dancer.
Gemma Ellery
Principal / Founder
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul” – Martha Graham. I live by that thread.
Kenji “Frost” Akida
Hip-Hop & Street styles lead
Battle circuit champion turned dedicated educator, still rocking at 41.
Sophie Grant
Head of Children’s Ballet
Former Australian Ballet dancer with an unshakable passion for RAD pedagogy.
Liam Baker
Body conditioning & injury prevention
Physio background – world‑class training without the burnout.
Moments that shaped our groove
1998 – The spark
Gemma starts first ballet classes in her living room for 3 neighbourhood kids.
2005 – Official studio opened
We began on Collins street, offering adult contemporary to build community.
2012 – The launching of our hip-hop lab
Kenji joins us, and the adult street program truly finds its voice.
2021 – National recognition
Two teaching staff received 'Outstanding Choreography' at the Australian Street Dance Awards.
Now – Empower every dancer
We continuously integrate injury‑aware science and neuro‑psychological safety into our classes.
Be part of our next chapter
Whether you’re 5 or 50, we have a floor prepared just for you. Start your journey with a free trial session, no commitment needed.