The Carey School of Dance was established in 1969 and the Winston Hills school opened in 1976. The school caters for the student who attends for the social enjoyment of dance, singing and acting, whilst being instructed in a professional manner through to the more serious student who wishes to pursue a career in the arts and be trained to this level. The CSOD as well as being dedicated to dance and performing arts also takes pride in the development of life skills.

The Principal of the school, Kerrelyn Carey has a professional background in both Ballet and Theatre and is a fully qualified teacher and registered teaching member of the Royal Academy of Dance the Federal Association of Teachers of Dancing and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

Kerrelyn Carey is a member of the Regional Advisory Panel of the RAD and has also represented the Academy on the NSW Board of Studies syllabus advisory commitee, for Higher School Certificates 2 & 3 Unit Classical Ballet. In 2006 she was appointed a 'Mentor' for the RAD Classical Ballet Teaching Studies.

Kerrelyn also served on the executive commitee of the FATD in the theatrical division.