Empowering Preschoolers | The Journey of Lil’ Groovers

By Danielle Brown

Published in Print March 2025 order now!

Chantal Curmi – Director

In the world of dance, Chantal Curmi has built an impressive career, performing alongside icons like Kylie Minogue, Ricki-Lee Coulter, Geri Halliwell, and Jessica Mauboy. While she has made her mark on the entertainment industry, her greatest passion today lies in empowering the next generation through dance.

As the founder of Lil’ Groovers, Chantal has created a program that helps preschoolers across Australia “overcome their shyness and conquer their flyness” through the magic of hip-hop. Alongside her husband, Samson Smith—best known from the chart-topping group Justice Crew—she also co-owns Base 181 Studios in Sydney, where they continue to inspire young dancers.

Chantal believes that music and movement, especially hip-hop, are powerful tools for building confidence in children. Her mission is to reach as many kids as possible, helping them develop self-assurance that will stay with them for life.

Lil’ Groovers stands as a beacon of innovation and dedication, led by the passionate vision of Chantal, who sought to fill a noticeable gap in the market for preschool dance programs that were both authentic and engaging. Reflecting on the origins of Lil’ Groovers, Chantal recalls, “Honestly, Lil’ Groovers came to life because we saw a gap—there weren’t many people teaching authentic hip hop technique to preschoolers, and it was even harder to find teachers who really knew how to engage this age group.”

This awareness of a missing link in the preschool dance scene spurred her and her team to create a program that could cater to the developmental needs of very young children while introducing them to a wide variety of dance styles. From the start, Lil’ Groovers was conceived not just as a dance class, but as a structured, well-rounded program. “So, we started creating everything in-house—our own music, skills progressions, level cards, and teacher training,” Chantal explains. This grassroots approach meant that Lil’ Groovers was built from the ground up, ensuring that each component of the program was specifically tailored to meet the needs of preschoolers.

While Lil’ Groovers initially found its identity through hip hop, the program quickly expanded to include a variety of dance styles, each incorporating the same rigorous attention to detail and developmental considerations. Chantal notes, “This wasn’t just for hip hop; we took the same approach across all our dance styles because we realised something important—our success shouldn’t rely on finding ‘the perfect teacher,’ but instead on having an incredible program in place.”

The realisation that a solid, well-developed program would lead to long-term success rather than depending on individual teachers was key to shaping Lil’ Groovers. In fact, Chantal believes that the program itself is the true star. As she puts it, “Of course, our teachers are amazing, but we wanted a system where the program itself was the standout.” This philosophy took on even more significance when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Like many other businesses, Lil’ Groovers was forced to adapt to the new normal, pivoting to online classes in order to continue engaging students. This transition was not just about delivering the same content remotely but about finding new, creative ways to connect with young children and their families.

During the shift to online classes, Chantal and her team went all in with costumes, mascots, and fully produced lessons. The results were eye-opening. “In the process, we saw just how much support studios needed to truly engage their little ones,” Chantal recalls. This pivotal moment in the Lil’ Groovers journey led them to recognise just how much potential their approach had, and they understood they could help other studios succeed by offering the same level of support. “That was the moment we knew we had something special to offer,” she says.

One of the core principles that Lil’ Groovers focuses on is creating an incredible program that fosters growth and development, not just in dance, but in other important life skills as well. As Chantal reflects on the profound impact their program had, she adds, “I guess we also realised that once we shifted our energy into unlocking the potential of preschool dance, our studio’s foundation started to thrive. Having consistency and structure in place changed everything—not just for us, but for our students and teachers.” It was this structure and focus on consistency that made the difference, helping Lil’ Groovers to create a sustainable and scalable model for success. “That’s why we created Lil’ Groovers—to help other studios build strong, structured, and exciting preschool classes that set kids up for success while making life easier for teachers and studio owners,” Chantal explains.

Lil’ Groovers is specifically designed with preschoolers in mind, and the program’s structure is carefully crafted to cater to different developmental stages. Chantal outlines the two distinct levels of classes they offer:
👉 My Big Person & Me – A fun, assisted class for younger children who still need a grown-up by their side. This introduction to dance is lighthearted, playful, and ideal for easing children into movement in a comfortable environment.
👉 Independent Learning – Once kids are ready to dance without their parents, they can join one of the seven exciting Lil’ Groovers styles: Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Acro, Cheer, and Ninjas. These independent classes are typically recommended for children ages 3 and up, though every child is different, and the program adjusts to fit individual needs.

What truly sets Lil’ Groovers apart is its focus on confidence-building through movement, especially in the world of hip hop. As Chantal shares, “It’s been incredible to see hip hop grow in the preschool dance space! Not long ago, it wasn’t commonly taught to little ones, so it brings us so much joy to see it thriving.” This vibrant style, rooted in history and culture, serves as a powerful tool for preschoolers to build confidence. “The energy, creativity, and freedom in hip hop make it an amazing confidence booster—it’s uplifting, positive, and inspiring,” Chantal explains.

Yet, while hip hop is a cornerstone of the program, Lil’ Groovers embraces the idea that every child is unique. “At the end of the day, it’s about finding the style that sings to a Lil’ Groover’s soul,” Chantal adds. Whether a child is drawn to hip hop, ballet, or acro, confidence grows when they find the dance style that resonates with them.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Lil’ Groovers is witnessing the personal growth of the children who participate. Chantal shares, “So many! The ones that always get me are the kids who start off super shy and nervous, barely stepping through the door while their parents are just as anxious.” For these young children, it’s all about giving them time to adjust, explore, and gain confidence in a safe, supportive environment. “We’ve seen epic meltdowns and big separation anxiety moments, but nothing beats that first real breakthrough—when they step into class grinning from ear to ear, and you catch their parents watching with pure pride.”

The impact of Lil’ Groovers extends far beyond just learning dance steps. The program fosters educational growth in other important areas, such as numeracy, shapes, and coordination. As Chantal fondly recalls, “It’s so cool watching them connect numbers, shapes, and movement to the music—those little lightbulb moments where everything clicks.” These moments of realisation, where children begin to see the connection between what they’re learning and the world around them, highlight how Lil’ Groovers is about far more than simply teaching dance. “It’s not just about the steps; it’s about growing, learning, and finding what makes them shine.”

Ensuring that the program is executed with consistency and energy requires well-trained and supported teachers. Chantal stresses that effective training is both accessible and functional, something teachers can integrate seamlessly into their classes. “That’s why we provide a mix of live and on-demand training, making it easy for studios to fit professional development into their schedule.” This flexibility allows teachers to access training at their own pace, ensuring they feel prepared and confident without disrupting their class flow.

To further support teachers, Lil’ Groovers created a Teacher Connection Corner, providing a space for teachers to ask questions, get guidance, and connect with others in the program. They also offer ongoing sessions with guest speakers and industry experts, ensuring the training remains fresh and relevant. “We know that teaching preschoolers takes practice, especially when it comes to keeping the energy high and engaging. That’s why we focus on consistent training—it’s not just about learning the steps; it’s about truly embracing the Lil’ Groovers vibe in every class.”

The success of Lil’ Groovers has already made waves in Australia, but Chantal has much bigger plans. “Lil’ Groovers is already making waves in New Zealand and the UK, and we have big plans to expand even further. Our goal is to spread our love of music, movement, and early childhood dance to as many little ones as possible, no matter where they are in the world.” As the program grows, Chantal is eager to introduce new elements, fresh music, and innovative ways to make learning through dance even more fun and accessible for preschoolers everywhere.

Chantal sees Lil’ Groovers as a bridge between early childhood education and dance. “We’re not just a movement program—we’re a true introduction to dance, designed specifically for preschoolers to make learning fun, engaging, and exciting.” By focusing on building strong technique, Lil’ Groovers stands apart from other programs by blending creativity, confidence, and foundational movement, with an emphasis on life skills, social confidence, and self-esteem. “We want our preschoolers to walk away with life skills, early education foundations, and most importantly, a strong sense of self-esteem.”

Drawing from her own experience in the entertainment industry, Chantal’s understanding of energy, rhythm, and storytelling shapes her approach to dance education. “I’ve always understood the power of energy, rhythm, and storytelling—and how the right music can completely transform the way we move and feel.” This deep connection to music and movement has allowed Lil’ Groovers to craft a program that resonates with both children and their parents.

Having become a parent herself, Chantal gained a fresh perspective on what truly matters in dance education: “It’s not just about the steps; it’s about how it makes your child feel.” Lil’ Groovers is about creating a positive, fun, and engaging environment that helps children build confidence, express themselves, and, most importantly, feel happy and excited to learn.

At its core, Lil’ Groovers is about more than just dance—it’s about shaping little humans. Chantal beautifully sums up their mission, saying, “It’s about shaping little humans, giving them a space where they feel safe to explore, express themselves, and build confidence that stays with them long after they leave the dance floor.”