celebrating 65 years of dance
The stories of our studio
In our 65th year of delivering exceptional dance education to the Mornington Peninsula community, Peninsula School of Dance is proud to relaunch a very special project: The Stories of Our Studio.
First created to mark our 60th anniversary, this series of interviews explores the rich and inspiring history of our studio, from our beginnings as Rosebud Ballet School in 1961 to the vibrant, inclusive community we are today.
As part of this refreshed initiative, we are once again working with writer and Cecchetti ballet teacher Vivienne Pearson to collect and share the stories that have shaped who we are. From former students who now work professionally in the arts to cherished teachers, families, and alumni, these stories honour the legacy of Peninsula School of Dance and the transformative power of dance education.
We invite you to explore these reflections of growth, resilience, connection and creativity and to join us as we celebrate 65 remarkable years where excellence and empathy go hand in hand.
Our Stories:
An Interview with Melanie Gard
After being invited by Sandra Allan to take over the Rosebud Ballet School in 2005, Melanie Gard has taken the school, now renamed Peninsula School of Dance, to all new heights. And in its 60th year, Melanie is excited to look back on the incredible history of the school and its community.
Sharlene Harvey
Introducing Sharlene Harvey; probate clerk, photographer, mother and dance student. Sharlene started classes at Rosebud Ballet School when she was six and still does classes every week. Read her interview with Vivienne and find out more about her life spent dancing.
Interview with Sandra Mckay OAM
An Interview with Sandra Mckay (or Sandra Allan as we all know her!), founder of the Rosebud Ballet School and resident Cecchetti Ballet royalty.
She started the Rosebud Ballet School (now Peninsula School of Dance) sixty years ago. And, she still teaches every single week. Read her interview with Vivienne Pearson about her incredible journey over the past sixty years and a life immersed in dance.