Cahill Family- Part of Our Story

“The Legendary AT DANCE”

When Emma joined AT Dance way back in 2019, I didn’t think to ask what the AT stood for.. so as I dropped her off for her first session at the little studio in the community centre in Highett, we tried to guess a few names ...

Atomic Two-step!
Astonishing Tango!
Awesome Tap!
Absolutely Terrific!

But the real name behind the studio, Andrea Toronyi, was the best of them all.

What an introduction to dance Emma had! For that night, and for the rest of the week, she couldn’t stop talking about the brilliant dance teacher, Andi, and she also couldn’t stop showing us all the moves she learned that evening. When Tom and I saw and heard Emma’s reaction to her first lesson, we knew that she was part of something really unique and special - something that would continue to help shape who Emma was becoming, and who she is today.

Andi’s teaching has given Emma a self-assurance and confidence in herself that she would not otherwise have. In particular, what a lifeline Andi threw out to all her students during that unsettling time in 2020. Despite having her own worries and concerns in relation to her business, Andi immediately pivoted to online classes, continuing to engage and encourage all her students that it was business as usual - and what a wonderful distraction dance was for all involved! Indeed, I watched Emma practice at home throughout lockdowns, and saw the mental and physical release that the online dance classes - and Andi’s watchful eye - provided during that stressful and somewhat lonely time for some.

Since then, we have watched as AT Dance moved and expanded, marvelling at the determination and work ethic of Andi, her family (participating AND making costumes!) and her partner in crime, Anthony. We feel like AT Dance is an extension of our family, a quiet big sister who lives a short distance from home, and who is there no matter what time of day or night she might be needed. Andi is there for her students, she truly cares and knows about each student, keeping a watchful eye over everyone. I challenge anyone to tell me of ANY dance school around the world that cares so deeply for their students’ skills and wellbeing.

As a family, we want to say the biggest and warmest THANK YOU, ANDI!!! We are so grateful that back in 2019, when Emma opened the laptop to find “a dance school near me”, AT Dance popped up right away. We wish AT Dance and the entire family many, many years of success and expansion ahead, and we are excited and looking forward to continuing to be a part of it all!

Thank you.

With love from the Cahill Family