EMSD opened its doors in 1984, as a little studio in the village of Irene (Centurion- Pretoria)

Its director Eunice Marais, had just completed her modern dance teachers diploma and had qualified as a school teacher in the same year.

For the first 20 years, the dancing school offered modern and jazz only, and in 2004 Eunice decided to explore the “world of Hip Hop” .

EMSD dancers started competing in the World Championships (hosted by the International dance organisation- IDO) in 2005 and during the next 10 years achieved hip hop world champions in the solo, duo, small group, formation and production sections.

The only studio in South Africa (and probably Africa) to have achieved this.

In 2004 Eunice won a National teachers award, which led to her going to Mali in West Africa with a group of students- her love of African history & her passion for dance saw the birth of a cultural exchange programme between EMSD, Irene Primary School & schools in Timbuktu & Bamako..

After serving as a school teacher for 30 years at Irene Primary, 7 of which she was the deputy principal, Eunice decided to take early retirement and focus all her attention on the upliftment and training of dancers..

Over the years EMSD has added acrobatics, Showdance, Jazz, and contemporary styles to our programme. We rely on the talents of our amazing local and international choreographers to ensure that we have the best possible choreography for our various events and competitions..

EMSD offers a teacher training programme (through our affiliation to the South African Body of Dance).

By the time dancers reach their final year of schooling – and having completed all their exams- they are able to offer tuition as qualified teachers.