Bec inspires with high-energy dance school

By Ian Williams 

There’s been an outbreak of happy feet at the historic Kapunda Institute after local mum Bec Small decided to tap into a life-long passion for dance.

Children and adults have been descending on the Barossa township in ever increasing numbers after Bec launched the Kapunda Dance Company last year.

The former Adelaide Crows cheerleader has loved dancing since she was three and her natural talent saw her perform on stages across Australia and overseas.

After taking classes with the Sydney Dance Company and qualifying as a fitness instructor, Bec moved back to South Australia with her young family and settled in Kapunda.

“I always wanted to return to my love of dance so I opened a dance school and it grew really quickly,” says 32-year-old Bec.

“I started with about 40 students and it’s now up to more than 130 with many students travelling up to 50 kilometres each way from other towns. It’s all quite remarkable considering where we’re located so I’m really humbled by the interest.”

But then Bec is very professional in her approach.

She worked in event management for several years and knows all about the importance of appearance and good branding. She invested $15,000 in equipment and infrastructure – including special flooring, mobile mirrors and a sound system – to transform the grand 146-year-old Kapunda Institute hall into a modern dance school.

Bec takes up to 25 classes every week in jazz, tap, hip hop and contemporary dance for all ages from toddlers to adults. The classes are popular because her high-energy teaching style is approachable with a strong emphasis on fun.

Local schools have recruited her support, including Auburn Primary School for its end of year concert, and she’s introduced dance training to help improve player fitness at the Kapunda Netball Club.

Last year Bec’s students made their first public appearance at the Barossa Arts and Convention Centre and the strong reviews have guaranteed their return for another performance.

But running a start-up business can be demanding, especially for a mother of three young children.

“The school has taken off in a really big way, which is brilliant, but taking so many classes is quite physically taxing and there’s all the behind-the-scenes work,” says Bec. “I’m at the stage that to grow the business any more I’ll need support, so I’m looking at employing someone next year.”

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