A KANGAROO Flat dance school has been recognised in a national awards event featuring more than 250 other dance schools.
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Sharon Saunders Dancers was named runner-up in the best studio of the year award at the Ready Set Dance Awards on Sunday night.
Teacher Michelle Bush also received a gold award for outstanding achievement.
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School owner Sharon Saunders said the awards encompassed two years of efforts after 2020 saw the awards night cancelled.
Ms Saunders said to finish as the second best Ready Set Dance school in the country after a severely disrupted two years was a great effort.
"I was just thrilled we could survive COVID," she said. "Every time we come out lockdown, we had new pre-schoolers coming and that kept us going.
"We were up against Sydney and West Australian schools who were open most of the time. It was really satisfying for team who worked hard to make things happen through some online classes and a lot pivoting. We were runners-up to WA school that had done well without as many lockdowns."
Ms Saunders said Ms Bush's win was also a good boost for the dance school.
"Michelle started with us this year after closing her Sunbury school last year," Ms Saunders said. "We are lucky to get her to travel to Bendigo as she is a talented pre-school teacher. Ready Set Dance and ballet are her expertise.
"(The judges) saw her ability to communicate with parents about the learning challenges children present with, her experience in talking to parents about the hurdles kids have especially through COVID - specifically anxiety."
The dance school was also nominated in seven other award categories including the making a difference award, the magical moment award and the regional award.
Georgia Skinners was nominated for a silver award in outstanding achievement while the school also had nominations in the teacher of the year category.
Along with national reocgnition, the dance school also released the news of MS Saunders' intent to have someone else take over her role with the business.
"I have had it for 30 years and am trying find someone to continue my legacy," she said. "Our ready Set Dance program has grown so much before COVID hit it and there was that big speed hump. I am looking for someone to look after the kids and keep on doing what I've started.
"Since announcing (my plans to sell) I have had some beautiful messages on Facebook. People have been so supportive from colleagues around Australia to dancers from the past 20 or 30 years."
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