The Start of Something Special

On Friday morning, ten dance teachers and studio owners came together to share food, stories, ideas—and most importantly—connection.

In the lead-up to our first event for the Gold Coast Dance Alliance, I had moments of doubt. Was this a good idea? Would people come? I wasn’t sure how it would go, but by the end of the morning, it was clear—this is exactly what our community had been waiting for.

There’s something so energising about being in a room with people who share the same passion for dance. As dancers and teachers, we’re naturally wired to give—to our students, our studios, our craft. Passion drives us, but it also means we often pour from an empty cup. Friday morning filled mine right back up.

Throughout the morning, what struck me most was how much we all had in common. Shared stories, familiar challenges, mutual connections. The degrees of separation between us were small, and the mutual respect in the room was big.

We’re often so focused on running our own worlds that we forget the value of simply talking to one another. When it’s hard to explain your daily challenges to people outside the industry, it’s such a relief to connect with those who live it too. There was something really comforting about being surrounded by others who just understood—not because you had to explain, but because they live it too.

A huge part of that energy came from Nikita Canning’s workshop. She led a conversation that was both practical and affirming. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by social media (and let’s be honest—who hasn’t?), Nikita has a gift for cutting through the noise. She reminded us that showing up online doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be real.

Even though many of us have learned on the go and wear countless hats … accountant, counsellor, content creator, costume coordinator, isn’t it such a gift when someone can explain things in a way that actually makes sense? That’s exactly what Nikita did. She gave us tools, but more than that, she gave us clarity and confidence.

It’s time for our dance industry to come together—not in competition, but in collaboration. To return to shared values, professional integrity, and a sense of unity. To lead with kindness, to support one another, and to uphold a code of ethics that reminds us why we do what we do.

Friday was just the beginning, but it felt like the start of something truly special. This idea had been sitting quietly in my mind for years, and I’m so grateful to those who believed in it, showed up, and brought it to life alongside me.

Thank you for your support, your presence, and your encouragement. I can’t wait to keep building this community together.

-Kate
Founder, Gold Coast Dance Alliance