Deloraine’s new dance school invites all ages to get moving

Anna Ewer, a lifelong dancer and seasoned teacher, is bringing her passion for movement to the community of Deloraine with the launch of her new dance school, ReMotion. Scheduled to begin classes in February, ReMotion aims to encourage participants of all ages to rediscover their motion potential while promoting confidence and joy.

“The name ReMotion captures the idea of rehabilitating motion—being able to increase your movement potential and ability,” Ewer explains. Her vision includes classes tailored to everyone from tiny tots to older adults, offering a diverse range of dance styles such as ballet, contemporary, jazz, and tap.

For younger participants, Ewer has designed creative movement sessions for children under five. “It’s a fun, expressive time where they can explore the dynamics of motion,” she says. For older students, classes progress through age groups up to 16 and beyond. ReMotion also features specialised programs for adults, segmented into age brackets: 20–40, 40–60, and 60 years and above.

The adult classes will focus on enhancing flexibility, strength, and overall motion. “When you’re learning different dance techniques, you’re increasing your motion,” she says. “I’m hoping to help those who are aging—all of us, really—to increase their movement potential.”

Ewer’s repertoire doesn’t stop at traditional dance. One standout offering is a physical theatre class called Action, blending drama with acrobatics, tap, and contemporary dance. 

“It’s dance without words,” she notes, aimed at fostering creative expression through movement.

With over four decades of dance experience, Ewer brings a rich background to the venture. She began dancing at the age of two, eventually studying at Adelaide’s ART Arts Dance School and earning a contemporary dance performance degree from Deakin University in Melbourne. Her career has included teaching, performing, and choreographing with collectives in Australia and abroad. A highlight of her journey was performing at the Daejeon Choreographic Centre in South Korea, where she collaborated with artists from around the globe.

Now based in Liffey, Ewer is eager to channel her expertise into the Deloraine community. She previously taught dance in Poatina as part of a creative arts initiative. “It was a community-oriented program where we taught a mix of arts, including dance, drama, music, and more,” she recalls. She hopes to rekindle that sense of community and shared creativity through ReMotion.

Ewer is also shifting focus away from traditional competitive dance models. “The school won’t be centred on exams or competitions,” she says. “Instead, it’s about building confidence and fostering a relationship with dance and one’s own body.” Technique will still play an important role, helping students develop strength, alignment, and posture, but the emphasis is on joy and personal growth. “I hope dance can become a transferable skill that enhances all parts of life, not just the time spent in class.”

ReMotion classes will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Western Tiers Community Club on Parsonage Street. Ewer plans to finalise the schedule after an in-person enrolment day on Wednesday, 5 February, from 3 pm to 6 pm. Tiny tots sessions will run for 30 minutes, while classes for older age groups range from an hour to an hour and a half. Costs are $10 per session for tiny tots and $15 for others, with term fees set at $120.

The fresh air. The clean air. It’s hard, isn’t it? It’s just the whole environment. The lifestyle, I think, perhaps. In a word. And the peace that comes with it.

Reflecting on her move to the Meander Valley nearly four years ago, Ewer says the peace and clean air of the region have been a perfect backdrop for her family. “It’s a really nice spot to live and grow,” she remarks. Now, she hopes to extend that sense of growth to others through the art of dance.

For anyone looking to stretch, strengthen, and find joy in movement, ReMotion promises an inclusive and uplifting experience.