27/10/2026
**An Important Announcement from Gilkisons Dance Studio**
It is with a heavy heart that we confirm Gilkisons Dance Studio will be closing its doors at 45 Murray Street, on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
Following the change in ownership of the building, we have been exploring options to allow Gilkisons to remain at Murray Street. Until very recently, we were hopeful that an arrangement could be reached that would give us more time.
Unfortunately, that hasn't been possible, and we must now vacate the premises.
We understand this news comes at extremely short notice. We had been working towards a possible solution right up until the last moment, holding on to the hope that we might be able to stay. We wanted to give that possibility every chance before making this announcement, and we appreciate everyone's understanding during this difficult transition.
*Upcoming Bookings and Halloween Event*
We are currently working to secure an alternative venue for our upcoming Halloween event. We hope the event can still go ahead and will be in touch with ticket holders as soon as we have further information.
Customers with prebooked classes and private lessons will be contacted over the coming days regarding arrangements for their bookings.
We appreciate your patience as we work through these matters.
*95 years of dancing, friendship and memories*
Gilkisons' story began in 1931, when Sam Gilkison and his teaching partner, Winnie Wright, began teaching dance in Hay Street, Perth.
From those early beginnings, Gilkisons became a much-loved part of Perth's dancing community, introducing generations of people to ballroom and Latin dancing.
Over the years, Gilkisons brought dance into schools, appeared on television, and helped make social dancing something everyone could enjoy, whether they wanted to become accomplished dancers or simply have a good night out.
But the real history of Gilkisons isn't found in dates or achievements. It's in the people.
The nervous beginners taking their first steps. The couples learning their wedding dance. The regulars who came along every week. And the people who arrived on their own, not knowing anyone, and found friendships that would last for years.
For so many, 45 Murray Street has been more than just a dance studio. It's been a place to meet friends, unwind after a long week, share a laugh and feel part of something.
That's what we'll miss most.
To our students, social dancers and everyone who has been part of Gilkisons over the years, thank you. Your support, friendship and enthusiasm have kept the spirit of Gilkisons alive.
To our wonderful staff and instructors, past and present, thank you for your dedication, patience and passion. You've helped make Gilkisons what it is, and we couldn't have done it without you.
*What happens next?*
While our time at 45 Murray Street is coming to an end, we hope this won't be the end of the Gilkisons story.
We don't have another location or any plans to announce at this stage, but we remain open to the possibility of finding a new home in the future.
For now, we need some time to bring this chapter to a close and consider what comes next.
We understand that many of you will have questions. We've put together some frequently asked questions on our website, along with a contact form for any enquiries. We'll continue to update this information as arrangements are finalised.
Thank you for being part of Gilkisons' story and for the many wonderful memories we've shared over the years.
Whatever the future holds, we'll always be grateful for the community that has grown around Gilkisons.
With heartfelt thanks,
Ryan and the Gilkisons team
