Dancesport Confidence
Partner dance programmes for primary and secondary students across NSW schools
DanceSport Confidence has spent nearly two decades working with thousands of children across NSW, delivering partner dance programmes into schools and as after-school classes.
Photo: Dancesport Confidence via Google
Before your first class
Programmes are designed for children from Year 5 onwards with no prior dance experience required.
About this studio
DanceSport Confidence has spent nearly two decades working with thousands of children across NSW, delivering partner dance programmes into schools and as after-school classes. The organisation is built around three core values—respect, courage and resilience—and positions dance not as a performance skill but as a vehicle for personal growth, social connection and confidence-building.
The programmes reach 190,000 students across 250 schools, delivered through 36,000 classes. They operate four distinct delivery models: in-school programmes, after-school programmes, at-home online learning, and regional online classes. This reach allows DanceSport Confidence to work with children from diverse backgrounds, including disadvantaged and migrant communities with non-English speaking backgrounds.
Founder Gordon Gilkes established the organisation on three principles: community, equity and inclusion. Every programme is designed to be equitable and inclusive, promoting respectful relationships regardless of ability, race, gender, religion or socioeconomic status. The instructors have undergone rigorous selection and completed programme-specific training modules; most are world-class dancers, and all are trained as world-class instructors who share the organisation's values and mission.
Students progress through structured programmes that culminate in Gala Events held at the conclusion of each school programme. These events celebrate student achievements and give participants the opportunity to perform what they have learned and to dance competitively. The experience is framed as transformative—students develop social skills and self-confidence while learning to connect, succeed and thrive. A former Year 5 student competing in Tango described the experience as 'probably one of the best experiences of my life'.
The organisation explicitly acknowledges its role in supporting young boys who might not otherwise engage in partner dance or interaction with peers of different genders, and recognises the value of dance as an alternative sport in building community bridges in areas often underserved by conventional youth programming.
What to expect
Your first visit
You can start with a trial lesson or enrol your child in an after-school class. Programmes are structured around the school calendar and culminate in a Gala Event where students perform and compete. The teaching focuses on building confidence, respect and social skills through partner dancing.
Instructors
Who teaches here
All instructors have completed rigorous selection and programme-specific training. Most are world-class dancers; all are world-class instructors who share the organisation's mission and values.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Programmes are designed for children from Year 5 onwards with no prior dance experience required.
Studio history
DanceSport Confidence was founded by Gordon Gilkes and has operated for nearly two decades, growing from a single initiative into programmes reaching 190,000 students across 250 NSW schools.
Styles offered
3 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Dancesport Confidencehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Dancesport Confidence, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Dancesport Confidence
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Dancesport Confidence teach?
Dancesport Confidence teaches General, Partner dance, Tango. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Dancesport Confidence located?
Dancesport Confidence is located in Sydney, NSW. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Dancesport Confidence offer private lessons?
Contact Dancesport Confidence directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Dancesport Confidence teach kids and adults?
Dancesport Confidence welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Dancesport Confidence?
The fastest path is to visit Dancesport Confidence via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.