As families struggle with the cost of living, extra-curricular activities such as dancing tend to be the first to go.
Due to financial strain, 16-year-old Beatrix Hopf, who started learning tap and jazz at the age of six, was no longer able to attend classes at her dance school in Armidale.
“That’s my jam, I love tap so much,” she said.
But her mum, Dominique Flynn, said she simply could not afford Beatrix’s lessons.
Then she heard about Revelations Dance, a school where the classes are free.
Teen dancer Beatrix with her mother, Dominique Flynn. (ABC News: Amal Wehbe)
“So many children and young people can’t access [such classes] without funds,” Dominique said.
“This opportunity for my daughter and a bunch of others who had no financial means to continue, it’s been very special … and a real gift.”‘I was dancing in the womb’
The force behind Revelations Dance is 12-year-old dancing champion Annabelle Arkit.
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“I love dance. Dance has always been a huge part of my life. Mum says I was dancing in the womb,” she said.
Annabelle, an experienced competitive dancer, has performed in national competitions and placed second when she represented Australia at the Dance World Cup in Prague, in the Czech Republic, at the age of 10.
The Revelations Dance team is headed for national competition. (Supplied: Danielle Arkit)
It was during this time that Annabelle decided she wanted to start running free dance classes in her local community in Armidale, in regional New South Wales.
“Lots of people can’t afford to dance. And it’s sad,” Annabelle said.
“If my mum never enrolled me in dance lessons, I would never be where I am.”
The dance classes are run weekly and are free for all students, but families are required to pay $50 to $80 per term for costumes for competitions and showcases.
Annabelle’s mum, Danielle Arkit, runs the classes at St Mark’s UNEchurch with her daughter.
Annabelle Arkit with her mum, Danielle, and the first three students who joined their classes two years ago. (Supplied: Danielle Arkit)
“We have some [dance class students] in foster care … we have some who have really huge families, and they can’t afford to send all their girls to dance,” Danielle said.
One girl in particular became more than a student to Annabelle.
“We had another foster kid as well … and she was family to us,” Annabelle reflected, tearfully.
“But then she had to move because she didn’t have that consistent home, and dance was always that consistent thing.
“Wherever she was, we picked her up, and we brought her to dance, and she became family.”
The girl now lives in Sydney, and she and Annabelle keep in touch.
‘We build each other up’
Each dance class starts with a prayer circle, led by Danielle, which is open to anyone who wants to join and share the things they’re grateful for.
Every dance class starts with a prayer and gratitude session. (ABC News: Amal Wehbe)
Beatrix said her confidence had risen since she joined the dance school.
“It definitely boosts confidence, we all build each other up, and I really love that,” she said.
What started as a class of three students has now grown to more than 20, ranging in age from nine to 19 — with many of the students older than their teacher, Annabelle.
The team is now preparing for another year of performances and success in competitions.
Annabelle and Sofie at the national showcase with their awards. (Supplied: Danielle Arkit)
In January, Annabelle and one of her students, Sofie, competed in the 2026 Showcase Australian National Dance Championships.
“I never thought I’d see the day when someone from the dance team was going to nationals,” Annabelle excitedly shares.
“That’s pretty cool.”
Annabelle received first place (National Champion) for her Broadway routine, and she and Sofie came second in the duo section for a performance choreographed by Annabelle.