Van Loon Dance Academy

VLDA is an amazing, family-owned dance studio with top class facilities and wonderful, encouraging teachers in the heart of Manly and with an additional studio in Fairlight. My children have danced here over the past 15 years, right from baby ballet through to pointe and adult classes. So many different forms of dance to try, eisteddfod opportunities, optional exams and a highly professional annual concert which is always the highlight of our year.

It’s a family and you always feel welcomed! The teachers are very encouraging, positive and fun, yet strict and hardworking to make the dancers the best they can be. VLDA is my second home and I could not imagine my life without it!

My daughters both started here when they were 2. The ballet classes for preschoolers are particularly lovely, I always marvel at how Miss Jessica knows all the children’s names. For older children, there are many dance styles on offer, as well as the chance to take part in Eisteddfods and an annual concert. The school is particularly strong on ballet, but with all the other classes on offer, kids will get a well rounded dance experience here.

Great local dance school! Offers most genres of dance, but particularly strong for ballet, contemporary dance and jazz. Nurturing and inclusive, yet competitive for those who wish to compete and excel. Beautiful end-of-year productions! The principal, Miss Jessica, is an exceptional teacher and leader, always very approachable.

We love VLDA ! My daughter has been at VLDA for the past 8 years and joined ballet classes when she was 5 years old. Jessica Van Loon and her team have been wonderful. They are professional, talented as well as nice and down to earth. Jessica is wonderful with children, very kind whilst being firm at the same time which has given my daughter a passion for dance, long lasting friendships as well as incredible ethics. We are forever grateful!

My daughter is new to Manly, however had years of dance experience and joined Van Loon Dance Academy. After the first week she felt like she belonged, Jess, Laura and all the teachers were professional and of a very high standard yet so warm and welcoming. I highly recommend this school if your daughter has a passion for ballet and prefers a more intimate one on one environment.

I have two daughters who have been dancing with Van Loon Dance Academy since they were in preschool, and we love the warm and nurturing environment that Jessica and the teachers bring to all their classes. The school displays a love of dancing and ability to teach young students in a way that encourages and develops their technique over time. The studios are centrally located in Manly and now in Fairlight with a range of different dance styles to choose from depending on interest.

A wonderful dance academy led by a passionate, kind, professional and generous director (Jessica Van Loon). Jessica and her lovely team of dance teachers make a daily positive contribution to the lives of their students, their families and the larger community. My daughter and her friends are very fortunate to have a nurturing dance community where they learn to love music and movement and where they are encouraged to express themselves freely and authentically. The teachers are gentle and passionate dancers themselves and they all clearly love and value the children they teach. The end-of-year concert is a particularly wonderful celebration of the children's ability to express themselves though dance as well as a celebration of the dedication Jessica and her team have shown the children throughout the year. Couldn't recommend it highly enough!

My daughter, now 18, has danced exclusively with VLDA since 3 years old. They have always provided a wide range of genres, which allowed her to explore her love of dance, and a safe and nurturing environment in which to do it in. They offer the opportunity to perform in Eisteddfods at a high standard and their annual concerts are always an amazing way to wrap up the year! Lily has made lifelong friends at this wonderful dance school. I would have no hesitation in recommending VLDA for any aspiring dancers whether it be at a professional level or just for the fun of it!Ericka Van Wensveen

Both my daughters have been dancing at VLDA since they were 2. It has been a really wonderful experience for both of them. They have been able to try out and dance all styles of dance. Both of them have been part of the competition groups now for many years. Which has given them plenty of confidence and stage experience. The beautiful added bonus of dancing with VLDA is the wonderful life long friends they have made.