Helps to build a strong base, clean technique and proper alignment, all of which are essential for any kind of dance. This is a foundation for a dancer. Barre exercises, combinations across the floor and Adagio are taught to develop musicality, strength, grace, and precision and focus.

Ballet 13yrs+

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This class is designed to infuse the grace of ballet with a sense of freedom and fun. While we honour the essential techniques, we break away from the conventional by incorporating diverse music, ensuring that classical compositions share the stage with an eclectic mix. Join us in this innovative ballet experience where joy, fluidity, and the thrill of movement take centre stage, creating a class that celebrates the beauty of ballet without being bound by tradition. Students will develop technique through barre, centre work and across-the-floor exercises. Working on honing in on musicality, precision and focus while fostering the grace and strength this form has to offer. Ballet is a rich and varied form, and Hilary will offer a class that will integrate healthy alignment, challenge muscle memory, and develop musicality. Get strong, flexible and graceful. This class is open to a variety of levels. This will be a dance technique class to hone your skills, not performance-based at this point in time.

Hilary Shanklin received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). She’s had the opportunity to work with incredible teachers & choreographers from The National Ballet of Canada, Kaeja d’Dance, and Toronto Dance Theatre and choreographer Hanna Kiel of “Human Body Expressions.” Hilary’s had the honour of performing at the Paralympic Games opening ceremony, numerous works at Dance Ontario’s Dance Weekend, and on Disney channel’s “The Next Step” pilot episode. Hilary’s passions have always been in dance and movement, as well as teaching.  She has just completed her Bachelor of Education, congrats!

The term runs from January 17 – May 4.

The fee is $266 + GST.

This class will be in the 14th DanceFusion Showcase at the Capitol Theatre, May 2nd-4th, 2025, with a mandatory Dress rehearsal Thursday May 1st. Classes have costume fees in the range of $25-$50, please be prepared for those fees. Sometimes we use items dancers have or can borrow, more info will be available by late Feb.

***Please note: Punctuality and attendance is very important for this term, dancers must attend each class, with no more than two absences.

Ballet 5-7yrs

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A fun and engaging class to introduce the foundation of Ballet technique. The class will use centre exercises, movements across the floor, fun games and stretching/strengthening to increase body awareness, alignment, flexibility, and coordination. Students will learn ballet positions and vocabulary and develop creative movement skills in a fun and inclusive atmosphere. This is a very popular class and is an excellent intro to dance.

We are so excited to welcome Ava Jinjoe to the teaching team. Trained in classical ballet from a young age, Ava is a dedicated instructor, bringing a unique blend of technical precision and artistic flair to class and fostering a love for dance while nurturing each student’s potential. She has attended and been accepted to numerous dance programs, from Kootenay Dance Works in Rossland, where she started, to prestigious schools such as Arts Umbrella, Houston Ballet, Alberta Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and Ballet Jorgen. With a career marked by passion, dedication, and a profound love for the art of dance.

Term runs from January 14 – May 4.

Cost is $255 + GST

This class will be in the 14th DanceFusion Showcase at the Capitol Theatre, May 2nd-4th, 2025, with a mandatory Dress rehearsal Thursday May 1st. Classes have costume fees in the range of $25-$50, please be prepared for those fees. Sometimes we use items dancers have or can borrow, more info will be available by late Feb.

***Please note: Punctuality and attendance is very important for this term, dancers must attend each class, with no more than two absences.

For info on how to register with our new platform, refer to the short video tutorial at the top of the Schedule Page.