JASMINE Cross discovered her love of dance at three years old, and will now spread her passion to children across the Redlands at her newly-opened studio.
JAZ Dance Studios at Red Edge, Redland Bay held an open day for prospective students on Saturday, with children getting their faces painted and having a boogie in the newly-renovated dance rooms.
Ms Cross, a former Carmel College student, studied dance for 19 years and has been teaching for nine.
"When I started teaching I knew I wanted to open my own studio some day," she said.
"I just love passing my knowledge and my passion for dance on to the kids.
"Seeing their faces when they're dancing, seeing them come in and love to learn what I loved to learn as a child, it's so special."
Ms Cross said the studio had been in the works since September, but the space had only been secured two months ago.
"We had to quickly renovate everything," she said.
"I'm excited and nervous.
"All the challenges I saw my past teachers have I'm now experiencing first-hand
"Finding other teachers that I trust with my name and my students [has been a challenge]. I want the best for them."
The Redland Bay studio has four teachers and will offer classes including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop and tumble.
It caters for 18-month-old children through to adults.
Ms Cross said dance was important for self-expression and fitness for people of all ages.
"It's a different way to express yourself and your emotions. For the younger ones it's a way to learn fine motor skills and engage with their body in a different way.
"I really hope it can grow into a big family studio. I not only want the students to love coming here but the parents too. I want them all to feel comfortable and that it's a safe space."
For more information, see JAZ Dance Studios on Facebook.
