About

Eltham Dance House

Where it all began

Eltham Dance House began with a simple vision – to create a welcoming home for dance in the heart of Eltham. After moving to the area with her family, founder Laura Arain- CID recognised an opportunity for high quality non competitive dance training in the area. EDH is a non competition school, focusing instead on safe dance technique and injury prevention through appropriate loading and training schedules and attention to correct technique and form, facilitated by intentionally small class sizes. Perfomance and dance filming are offered for our dancers each term. Dance is unique in that it’s athletic as well as an artform and our aim is that our students are able to continue performing & dancing throughout their lives, and not burning out or becoming riddled with injuries from too young an age.

Laura brings decades of international and local teaching and performing experience combined with her passion for community and creativity. Fresh off the sold out season of Addams Family, The Musical (for which Laura was Choreographic Director) at Eltham Little Theatre, Laura finished renovating her home studio, and set out to create a space where dancers of all ages could feel inspired, supported, and artistic.

EDH is more than a studio – it’s a place to discover who you are through dance. Laura accepts all students and meets the student where they are in their own journey, offering a holistic dance education.

A woman with long wavy brown hair, blue eyes, and a bright smile, wearing an off-the-shoulder red dress with lace details, posing against a plain light background.

Meet Laura

Laura Arain CID is a dancer, qualified teacher, and choreographer with more than 25 years of experience across Australia, Asia, and Europe. From international stage productions to grassroots community programs, she has worked with students of all ages and backgrounds to help build confidence, artistry, and self-expression through dance. Laura’s teaching is shaped by her professional career and qualifications and further enhanced with training in dance therapy (IDTIA) and mindfulness training through Peaceful Kids, and her belief in the power of dance to transform lives. As a teacher and a parent, she brings warmth, patience, and dedication to every class – creating an environment where every student feels seen and supported.

Learn more

Our Philosophy

Our classes are built on a simple idea: discover, not prove, who you are through dance. We focus on expression and artistry over perfection, creating space for students to explore their creativity, build technique grow with confidence. Through small class sizes and a nurturing community, we ensure every dancer is seen, supported, and encouraged to find their own path in movement.

A dancer in a black top and tulle skirt performing on a wooden floor stage in front of an audience in a dark theater with ceiling lights.
Group of children sitting on a stage, some clapping and smiling
A group of young girls in school uniforms performing a dance on stage with their arms raised and smiling.
Young girl performing a grand jeté dance leap during a stage performance, with four other girls kneeling on the stage.
Three women are dancing on stage with children in the background.
Group of young girls in colorful costumes performing a dance on a stage with a dark background.

WHAT STUDENTS HAVE SAID

  • A young girl in a ballet pose, stretching on a wooden dance floor during a dance class or rehearsal, with other ballet students' legs visible at the background.

    Vivian Ouch

    “I started dancing with Ms Laura when I was 9. When it was time for my first ballet performance I was so scared because I had never danced to such a big audience before! The next year, I was invited by Ms Laura to perform as a soloist, so in 2015 I performed my first solo at concert, I was even more scared because this time I’m dancing alone on stage… but now I’ve performned so much, and I am not shy anymore!

    Now I am 10 years old and I want to be a professional dancer like Ms Laura and Ms Genevieve and I want to thank you Ms Laura and Ms Genevieve for teaching me ballet and I am so excited for our next concert and I’m going to work harder and I’m going to grow stronger on stage…. because dancing is my freedom.”

  • Young person with short hair smiling outdoors, city in the background, in black and white.

    Hannah Shaw

    “I spent about two years dancing with DWC. My only regret is that I hadn’t joined sooner. Being at DWC has really sparked a life long passion for dance, that I never realized I could have. Now I live in Isreal and train at a full time dance studio for 4 hours a day, and I love every second of it. I know that i never could have gotten here without seeing the love that Ms Laura has in dancing. Giving me that love. One day I know for sure that I will be a professional dancer.”

  • Four young girls in black ballet outfits and pointe shoes standing and posing in front of a white background, smiling at the camera.

    Kanika Browne

    "Dancing at Dance world Cambodia is a great honor! I really love dancing and to show people my performances, ''for their pleasure''

    I think Dance World Cambodia means a lot to me, and also making new friends.

    Maybe someday I hope to be a professional dancer and dance teacher like Ms Laura and Genevieve.

    Right now dancing is something I look forward to.

    Something about it just feels amazing!

    i just cant wait till the next concert, because i know it will be even better!”

  • A young girl in a ballet tutu performing a ballet pose, standing on one foot with her arms raised and outstretched in a studio with a plain dark background.

    Maya Breen-Kamkong

    “To me, DWC is a place where dancers come to reach their full potential and Dance world is a dance world itself; so wrapped up in the dance you have to step out side the studio to fly away from the “DANCE WORLD”.

    At a concert beauty is pain as I dance across the stage with my feet killing me doing five soutenues and finishing off with a deep lunge I feel relieved that the dance is over and yet proud that the hard work was worth it.”

  • Black and white photo of a young girl smiling outdoors, with foliage and plants in the background.

    Lily Clouter

    “I'm from England and have lived in Cambodia for nearly 3 years and I joined Dance World Cambodia soon after I arrived. I dance all day every day! Even my school teacher says I dance when I'm doing school work! I love dancing because it's fun. I like to dance what I'm thinking about. I like it because you can tell stories through movements and you can express yourself with emotions doing ballet.

    My favourite performances on stage with Dance World was Frozen and Lion King ballets. I liked having a brave moment dancing in front of a big audience. I was nervous but I really enjoyed it. Sometimes it's hard to remember to stretch the legs or remember the moves but I try really hard and practice a lot. My teacher, Ms Gen is strict but I don't mind because it means I am much better at concentrating. I love watching Ms Laura and Ms Gen perform at the shows and hope one day I can be a dance teacher too!”

  • A young woman with long dark hair, wearing a black top with thin straps, looking directly at the camera, black and white photo.

    Serinya Gjemmestad

    “I have been dancing with Miss Laura at DWC for around 5 years now. I began with no background in dance and over these past 5 years, she has helped me flourish as a dancer as well as a young lady. I remember watching her dance and wishing I could be that good and praying that I could have her special dance powers for at least one lesson so I wouldn't have to do the complicated steps over and over again. She taught me that dance is not just about the technique, but also about the soul and spirit. Although I am taking a break from dance currently, I will be continuing again once I move to Denmark. Miss Laura is truly inspiring and I am forever grateful for what she has taught me in life.”