Local dance teacher Emma Scott has been nominated for the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards (YAA) for creating a positive and inclusive community through her all-abilities classes and youth mentorship programs.
Ms Scott, the director of ELS School of Dance in Kealba, said she was motivated to create change after reflecting on her own dancing journey and seeing how restrictive and exclusive the dance world can be.
“Then deciding to start my own studio, I really wanted to have that [inclusivity] at the forefront of my mind when creating our class programs,” she said.
“It’s kind of grown and evolved over the years as I’ve educated myself more and learnt more about what our community needs but now I’ve got a really structured all-abilities program.”
The school offers separate all-abilities classes for kids, teens and adults.
“My goal is always just to break down barriers and let every student discover the joy of dance,” Ms Scott said.
She said she aims to empower teachers at the school to feel confident changing up routines to accommodate dancers, and to understand participants’ different learning styles.
“… To make sure, in our mainstream classes as well, there is a place for everyone to learn and everyone to thrive.”
The studio has also received recognition for its mentorship program, which develops leadership and confidence skills in younger members.
“Particularly over the last few years, as ELS has been around a bit longer, we’ve had kids kind of grow up in the studio. I’ve seen them really have a strong interest to be involved in our community more,” Ms Scott said.
She was inspired to develop a structured mentorship program for students aged 10 to 17, which involves theory and practical assessments and supporting teachers in weekly classes.
“It’s been so sweet to see so many kids excited to come in and be that role model for kids that are just starting out,” Ms Scott said.
“Giving them the tools to step into those spaces confidently is really what this is all about.”
Ms Scott also credited the wider team for the studio’s success.
The 7NEWS YAA winners will be announced on 1 May.
