Junior Summer School 2026

Over the Moon Studio's Junior Summer School will be held on Monday 5, Tuesday 6 & Wednesday 7 January 2026.

What is the Junior Summer School?

Junior Summer School is an opportunity for 3.5 to 8 year olds to be immersed in a magical world of dance, theatre and mindfulness.

There will be two age groups: 3.5-5.5 years (Strawberries) & 5.5-8 years (Mangoes).

Dancers will explore genres including Ballet, Choreography, Creative Dance, Jazz, Orff Schulwerk music, Mindfulness, Musical Theatre & Yoga.

Summer School is an opportunity for dancers to expand their experience of dance and creative practices!

Please find an overview of the schedule below:

Strawberries (Ages 3.5–5.5) From 9:30am - 12pm

• Ballet

• Orff Schulwerk Music

• 15 Minute Break

• Yoga & Mindfulness

• Musical Theatre

• Creative Dance

  
  

WHAT TO BRING? Please wear comfortable clothes with layers dancers can take off as they warm up. Please bring a named water bottle. More details will be sent to you once you have booked.

PRICING

5% off both classes for a 2-day booking

10% off all classes for a 3-day booking

3.5-5.5 years old, 9am-10:45am (2.5 hours) - $58

5.5-8 years old, 9am-11:45am (4.5 hours) - $96

Please note, a discount for multiple day bookings will automatically be applied at point of sale. To enrol, click the link above, navigate to your preferred class, click ‘Add class’, and ‘Add more classes’ to select any additional days. Payment plans are available - please let us know if you would like a payment plan.

This year, our Junior Summer School teachers are:

Marlena Raymond

Marlena Raymond is a co-director of Over The Moon Yoga and Dance studios, together with Michelle Young.

Marlena grew up dancing at Mangala Studios of Creative Dance and Yoga from the age of three. She has been deeply moved by the music and movement she experienced at Mangala, and these set her on a path for life. She has assisted at Mangala, studied classical music at The Conservatorium at The University of Melbourne and at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), and holds a Level 1 Orff Schulwerk certificate. Her teaching experience includes early childhood music, private and school flute teaching, and a band program at a K-12 school. Marlena enjoys dancing with Travel Art Dance Company, an interdisciplinary group directed by Meah Velik-Lord comprising movers trained in ballet, hip hop, Feldenkrais and creative dance (and probably more!). She enjoys practising yoga and exploring spirituality and movement in many forms.

Marlena is extremely grateful to Edna’s teacher, Mrs Dorotea Mangiamele, who emigrated from Germany to Melbourne and established the Mangala school in 1970. Marlena’s teachers are Margaret Crawford, Peter and Sue Hockey, Claudia Mangiamele, Neika Huss, Meah Velik-Lord and the late beloved Amanda Burns; she thanks them for their teachings over many, many years. It is an enormous honour to continue the lineage of Mrs Mangiemele and her student, dear Edna Reinhart.

Marlena is a lawyer and serves as co-chair on the board of a disability peak body. Marlena is passionate about dignity and respect for all people, in all areas of life, all of the time.

Marlena is delighted to be mentored by OTM Founder, Edna Reinhardt.

Mietta Adams - details coming soon!

Paula Russell

Paula studied Cechetti ballet with Faye Johnson in Melbourne from the age of twelve. After completing VCE and receiving top marks in the state for Dance Styles, She studied Contemporary Dance and Primary Education at Rusden, Deakin University.

Paula taught Performing Arts in primary schools in Caulfield, Elwood and Olinda for twenty years. She has written, directed, stage-managed and choreographed school shows at The Palais Theatre St Kilda for 800 children and supported students to participate in the State Schools Spectacular.

Paula has also taught creative dance, tap dance and ballet at Theatre De la Danse in Brighton, Wave Street Studio in Elwood, and at Upwey Dance.

In 2024, Paula created a local children’s radio show working with 3-8 year old children in Mount Alexander Shire called MAK Radio on Main FM, in collaboration with VicHeath.

You can find Paula’s children’s book ‘My Sister Olive’ at the library!

Paula loves performing too and has enjoyed being part of many shows at the Women’s Circus, musical theatre companies, La Mama Theatre, ballroom dance, Castlemaine Theatre Company and Castlemaine Pride Choir.

One of Paula’s joys is seeing the freedom of movement that children explore through creative dance.

To book, follow the link below. Jump in quickly to confirm your place!