When I opened the doors of Promenade Dance Studio in 1989, I could never have imagined where the journey would lead. It all began in the most humble of ways — with just two eager students dancing in the downstairs space of my home in Kedron. My husband, “Mr C”, built the sprung floors himself, never realising that what started as a small passion project would one day touch so many lives. Back then, lessons cost just a two-dollar coin dropped into an ashtray. By the end of that first year, two students had become twenty, and we held our very first concert at the Queen of Apostles Hall in Stafford. From that moment, I knew this was something special — a place where passion, community, and creativity could grow together. ​As Promenade flourished, so did our need for space. We moved from my home to various local halls before finally leasing our own studio on Araluen Street, Kedron, in 2002. I still remember worrying that I’d over-spent on the fit-out, wondering how I’d ever fill such a big space. But as the saying goes — “Build it, and they will come.” And they did. Within a few short years, the studio was alive with laughter, music, and the energy of students who would become part of our extended family. ​From the beginning, Promenade was never just about dance. It was about people — the friendships formed, the parents sewing costumes over cups of tea, the students who discovered their confidence and found their purpose. I’m proud to say that many of my very first students are still part of our family today, and Seeing generations of families continue their journey with me has been one of the greatest joys of my life. ​Promenade has always stood for something beyond technique — it’s been about love, community, and creating a home for every student. Our long-held motto, “For Fun, for Friends, for Life, for Dance,” still captures everything I hoped Promenade would be. A New Chapter  ​In 2015, I founded Queensland College of Dance (QCD) as an extension of that vision — to provide our students with pre-professional and vocational training of the highest calibre. What began as a small offshoot of Promenade has grown into one of Australia’s leading performing arts institutions, offering nationally recognised qualifications and pathways into the professional world. ​Over the years, I’ve watched so many of our dancers transition from Promenade to QCD and go on to remarkable careers. Now, as Promenade and QCD unite under one name — Queensland College of Dance — I know this is not the end of one chapter, but the continuation of our shared story.  ​This merger creates a seamless journey for our students — from their very first steps in dance to their professional aspirations on the world stage. Whether a student dreams of a career in the arts or simply wants to experience the joy and discipline of performing, my goal has always been to provide a place where they are nurtured, challenged, and inspired. Our Legacy Lives On  ​While our name may have evolved, the heart of Promenade remains. The love, warmth, and sense of belonging that defined our studio from the start continue to live on in every performer, every teacher, and every family who walks through our doors. ​I will always treasure what Promenade has been — and I’m incredibly proud of what Queensland College of Dance has become. Together, they represent more than just a legacy; they represent a community built on connection, creativity, and care. From two students in a home studio to an institution training the next generation of artists — our story is one of community, perseverance, and love. ​Rosanna Castellana Founding Director