A unique, creative dance program, Kindy Dance Time helps toddlers and pre-schoolers gain an appreciation of dance in a fun and caring environment. Classes are age specific, from two to five years, and the method is based on the latest in early childhood education and research.
Our philosophy is to maintain a very low-stress environment for the children, says director and owner Lara Gandini. We have an emphasis on parental involvement, we don’t have concerts and there’s no formal uniform.
Gandini has been teaching dance at the highest levels for almost 20 years. However, franchisees don’t need to have been professional dancers themselves. They might be experienced in music or drama or have taken dance classes as a child.
The initial investment of $18,000 plus set-up costs includes professional development and training as well as marketing and promotion, business coaching and product and syllabus training.
What franchisees must have is a genuine love of children and a confident and energetic personality, says Gandini. Kindy Dance Time is also a perfect business opportunity for those seeking a work and life balance. As we operate within school hours, we have particular appeal for parents of school-aged children.
There is also the satisfaction of the job itself. With children in this age group, each class is completely different. Seeing the faces of some of our Kindy Dance Timers as they respond to music and have the opportunity for improvisation in their dance is very special. Children are so uninhibited and their innate love of music and dance is an amazing quality.
When Gandini took over the Australian operation in 2004, Kindy Dance Time was operating out of two locations. Now more than 850 students attend over 80 classes a week in Western Australia alone, where there are long waiting lists.
There is also a strong demand from other states; Gandini is using a company-owned model to establish a strong brand presence in key locations to provide future franchisees with a firm foundation for success.
Our goal is to grow the brand in a rapid, yet sustainable manner, to reduce waiting lists and to make the most of increasing demand for Kindy Dance Time, she says. We aim to become a nationally-recognised leader.