Our History

Founded in 1994, Joanne O’Kelly School of Dance has celebrated more than 25 years of teaching excellence in South East Melbourne.

From humble beginnings with a few students in a small studio above a lawn mower shop in Karingal, growing to the high performing school it is today. Now situated in its own building with two studios and facilities located in Langwarrin at the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula.

Joanne O’Kelly established the dance school and remains an integral part of the teaching faculty as well as Principal of the school. Throughout the years she has navigated exponential growth moving the entire school to new locations, having her own children and starting to compete in Eisteddfod competitions, achieving incredible results for a boutique dance school.

Key Dates

  • 1994 - Joanne O’Kelly founded JOKSOD
  • 1994 - First concert
  • 1998 - Moved to larger space at Woodlands primary school hall
  • 2003 - Opened the dedicated Joanne O’Kelly School of Dance facility
  • 2004 - Entered our first competition at Dandenong