Acro Dance 9-12 Intermediate

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Acrobatic training teaches flexibility, balance, strength, discipline, and concentration. A dancer will gain more flexibility and strength thru progressive drills. Acrobatic movements can include handstands, hand balances, somersaults, walk-over variations, headstands, aerials, elbow stands, cartwheel variations and more! The goal is to place Acro skills into a dance routine, therefore blending artistry with athleticism.

Skills required:

  • Go from standing down to a bridge on their own, hold bridge for at least 10 sec with heels down.
  • Working on kick over, can do it on their own, ok if leg is not super straight.
  • Handstand with good form.
  • Leg straight cartwheel on one side
  • Bridge recover.
  • Hold plank for 60 seconds.

We will work safely from this base of skills.

Ballet is a pre-req for this class. Either Ballet 1 right before at 5pm OR Ballet 2 Thursdays 3:30- this level is by placement-email for info.  Exceptions may be made based on how many and what other classes dancers are enrolled in and have been enrolled in. Please email.

The Fall term runs from September 14 – December 7 2026

Cost is $285 + GST

Ballet 3 14yrs+

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This Ballet 3 class is designed for dancers who have considerable ballet experience. It is assumed that dancers know a broad range of ballet terminology and can demonstrate a more developed technical understanding when performing classical sequences. This class will build on foundational skills, expand dancers’ ballet movement vocabulary, and increase the focus on technique and artistry. 

This Ballet 3 class will run September through April. Because of the progressive nature of this class, it will require consistent attendance, commitment, and dedication throughout the year. Students should be prepared to build on their skills week-to-week and come ready to work and progress as a group. Dancers who don’t feel like this level of focus and commitment is for them are still welcome to enrol in Ballet 1 (ages 12+) regardless of experience. 

We may use the first couple of weeks of the season to make adjustments and move students between levels where needed. Our goal is to make sure each dancer is in the class where they can feel challenged and supported, while creating a group.

AutumnTerm: Sept 18th-Dec 11th

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 completed her Bachelor of Education.

Hip Hop Intermediate 9-12 yrs

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NEW CLASS LEVEL– Geared for experienced dancers who are ready to pick up choreography more quickly and have 3+yrs of years of experience in Hip Hop and are confident with the foundation and ready to challenge themselves with faster and more complex coordinations.

Please email ahead for placement in this class.

HipHop class will integrate party dances of the 80′s and 90′s to the present day, as well as choreography, across the floor moves, and the latest dance moves that make this dance unique. It includes a wide range of styles. Class will include conversations about HipHop Culture and its the history. This class will be fun and uplifting, and dancers will have a chance to add their own flair to the material taught.

Breaking will be covered as well, and will include go-downs, tops rocks, freezes and some footwork.

Dancers need to wear CLEAN indoor NON MARKING shoes 🙂

Fall Session runs from Sept.15th-Dec 8th, 2026

Cost is $262 + GST

See Info page for multi-class discount structure.

Fusion Evolve 14-17yrs

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This is a special class offered for intermediate students who are dedicated to pushing themselves in their dance training. This is not an open class and is by placement or auditon in the first week of classes.

Email for information about placement.

Dancers must be enrolled in Ballet and at least 2 other classes a week.

Appropriate for dancers with 3+ years of continuous prior dance experience in 3+ classes a week. 

The class will cover Contemporary and Ballet techniques and allow dancers to push their artistry and skill.

Commitment runs Sept– April 26th 2026.

Fall term runs Sept 17th-Dec 10th

Fall Fee is $285 + GST.

Performances: 

  • Day of the Dead: Sunday November 1st, 2027 (Nelson)
  • Kootenay Festival of the Arts: tentatively set for the first week of March 2027 (Trail)
  • Studio Showcase: April 23/24/25, 2027.
  • Additional performance opportunities may arise throughout the season.
  • Some additional rehearsals may be scheduled leading up to performance dates.

HipHop Intermediate Level 13-17yrs

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Intermediate for dancers who are ready for finesse, speed, complexity and freestyle. It is aimed at students who have been doing Hip-Hop for 3+ years, who understand the foundation, and who already can dance the moves with confidence and swag, and who are ready to focus on a more fast-paced and complex class.

This HipHop class will integrate party dances of the 80s and 90s to the present day, as well as choreography, across the floor grooves, and the latest dance moves that make this dance unique. It includes a wide range of styles. Class will include conversations about Hip-Hop Culture, and its history. This class will be fun and uplifting with upbeat popular music.

Autumn Term runs Sept 16th-Dec 9th.

Fee is $262 + GST

Originally from Toronto, Sammy Jade is a teacher, multi-disciplinary healing artist and performer. She was introduced to the love of Hip Hop, watching her older cousins groove to breaks & beats. Growing up, Hip Hop wasn’t taught in formal classes yet. Music videos were her instructors, basement floors were her studio space, and cyphers were just another way to hang out with friends. In school, organically, Sammy’s dance crew and step team made choreographies to perform for her peers at lunch, in the hallways and onstage. As a young adult she continued to street dance as a form of self-expression, sharing this love for Hip Hop culture, naturally learning party moves at underground events. Sammy Jade’s credits include Luminato Festival, Kultura, Hysteria Festival, LadyFest Toronto, as well as venues such as the Roy Thompson Hall and The Rogers Centre, in Toronto. She has toured across Quebec, performing at venues like L’impérial, Le Cercle, in Québec City, as well as Club Soda in Montreal for POP Montréal. In 2008, Sammy Jade participated in Pierre Maraval’s photo exhibition, Toronto’s Mille Femme, a tribute to 1,000 artistic, creative, and inspiring women from Toronto and their protégés, who embody the passion and heritage of the city. Sammy Jade is honoured to share her love of street dance styles with Slava’s DanceFusion Studio.

HipHop 9-12 yrs

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This class will explore Hip Hop along with other street dance styles, to express yourself through music and movement.

Slava will bring a playful, creative perspective to help guide students in their exploration of the foundations of Hip-Hop grooves, footwork, floorwork, and more. The class will include conversations about Hip-Hop Culture and its history and roots.

No prior experience is needed, moves will be layered for various experience levels. Bring an openness to learn, move and create.

The Fall term runs from September 14 – December 7 2026

Cost is $250 + GST

Lyrical Acro-Dance 9-12yrs

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Lyrical dance is an expressive form of dance that blends various styles. It challenges dancers to use movement to interpret music and express emotion. A lyrical dancer’s movements attempt to show the meaning/mood of the music. It is all built on a foundation of technique that includes turns, kicks, and jumps and is set to uplifting current music.
This open-level class will cater to a variety of previous dance experience. Dancers will develop coordination, musicality, and artistry.

Acrobatic training teaches flexibility, balance, strength, discipline, and concentration. Through safe and progressive training, a dancer will gain more flexibility and strength to achieve skills. The goal is to incorporate acro skills into a dance routine, therefore blending artistry with athleticism.
OPEN LEVEL: For this level, dancers do not need prior experience, as a variety of skills and progressions will be introduced to safely accommodate their current level.
DanceFusion is an Acrobatic Arts Certified Studio.

The  Autumn term runs from Sept 17th-Dec 10th, 2026.

Fee is $262 + GST.

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!

Hip Hop Inter/Adv 16yrs+

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Some exciting developments with this class: it will run Sept-April, and build progressively. Think: CREW!

Payment will still be done in two terms, but the momentum will build through the year. There will be some additional performances and training opportunities.

This Inter/ADV level ….make sure you are registered for the appropriate class for your level of experience. This is geared for dancers with a few years of hip hop under their belt and are confident, have some swag, and ready for more complex choreo as well as freestyle.

Dancers at this level are confident with choreo retention and performance and are actively honing that edge.

Levels of HipHop at DF:

Foundation w. Sammy Jade – Monday 6:30 pm (15yrs+)/ This class will break down the basics. You’ll still sweat and work hard, with emphasis on learning the foundation of this style. You can stay at this level for several years and keep building your foundation; this will stay fresh.

Level UP!  w. Sammy Jade- Monday 7:30 pm (15yrs+)/ We start to add more layers to each foundational coordination. We add progressively to keep it fresh for those who have been there a minute. This is not a beginner class. It is appropriate for those with a couple of prior dance experience or those who are quick with trickier coordination, and who can do dances like the Roger Rabbit, Party Machine, Running Man, Wop, and more with swag and confidence. It’s time to step ya game up and get into more complexity.

HipHop Inter/ADv. – Tuesday 8:15 pm / This class is for more experienced dancers, who are ready to work on performance layers, complexity and choreo.

90’s Hip Hop w. Slava- Thursdays 5:30 pm (Adult/Older Youth 15yrs+) Love the music and moves of the Golden Age of Hip Hop? Then this is more for you. Expect to sweat. Open level

Afro House Open Level – Exact Dates/Times TBA

House Open Level – Tues  6pm/ If you love good beats, moving your feet and whole being, and are ready to sweat and get down, this is for YOU! This class will cover the foundation and will be open to a variety of levels, so there will be more basic coordination that will be layered on more complexity as well as the weeks progress. House involves lots of footwork and weight transfer. Cardio!

House Intermediate Level – Tues 7 pm- already have your jack, farmer, chase step, loose legs, latin swirl, pas de bourre, etc  locked in? Ready to add speed and complexity to your footwork and get super loose? This is your class for it.

If you are unsure, email us and let’s chat!

If you are between levels…TAKE TWO classes and bump up your confidence with your muscle memory. Bring Clean, non-marking shoes, water and maybe a sweat towel 🙂

HipHop Intermediate – 15yrs+

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This HipHop class will integrate party dances of the 80′s and 90′s to the present day, as well as choreography, and across-the-floor moves.
This class is for students who have done HipHop a minute, have a solid foundation and are confident and ready to push themselves with faster-paced and complex choreography and freestyle.

Appropriate for dancers with several years of training who want a challenge and who can keep up with more complex material.

Ready to challenge your confidence with freestyle and work on more complex choreography at faster speed? This is for you 🙂

For students who are enrolled in at least 2+ classes a week! Email for exceptions.

Fall Session runs from Sept 15th – Dec 8th.  $275+ GST

Ivan Touko may make some guest appearances!

Levels of HipHop at DF:

Foundation w. Sammy Jade – Monday 6:30 pm (15yrs+)/ This class will break down the basics. You’ll still sweat and work hard, with emphasis on learning the foundation of this style. You can stay at this level for several years and keep building your foundation; this will stay fresh.

Level UP!  w. Sammy Jade- Monday 7:30 pm (15yrs+)/ We start to add more layers to each foundational coordination. We add progressively to keep it fresh for those who have been there a minute. This is not a beginner class. It is appropriate for those with a couple of prior dance experience or those who are quick with trickier coordination, and who can do dances like the Roger Rabbit, Party Machine, Running Man, Wop, and more with swag and confidence. It’s time to step ya game up and get into more complexity.

HipHop Inter/ADv. – Tuesday 8:15 pm / This class is for more experienced dancers, who are ready to work on performance layers, complexity and choreo.

90’s Hip Hop w. Slava- Thursdays 5:30 pm (Adult/Older Youth 15yrs+) Love the music and moves of the Golden Age of Hip Hop? Then this is more for you. Expect to sweat. Open level

Afro House Open Level – Exact Dates/Times TBA

House Open Level – Tues  6pm/ If you love good beats, moving your feet and whole being, and are ready to sweat and get down, this is for YOU! This class will cover the foundation and will be open to a variety of levels, so there will be more basic coordination that will be layered on more complexity as well as the weeks progress. House involves lots of footwork and weight transfer. Cardio!

House Intermediate Level – Tues 7 pm- already have your jack, farmer, chase step, loose legs, latin swirl, pas de bourre, etc  locked in? Ready to add speed and complexity to your footwork and get super loose? This is your class for it.

If you are unsure, email us and let’s chat!

If you are between levels…TAKE TWO classes and bump up your confidence with your muscle memory. Bring Clean, non-marking shoes, water and maybe a sweat towel 🙂

Acro Intermediate 13yrs+

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Acrobatic training teaches flexibility, balance, strength, discipline, and concentration. Through safe and progressive training, a dancer will gain more flexibility and strength to achieve skills. Dancers learn musicality, and various dance techniques to develop their skills. Acrobatic movements can include handstands, somersaults, headstands, cartwheels, bridges, walkovers, and more! The goal is to incorporate acro skills into a dance routine, therefore blending artistry with athleticism.

This is an intermediate class, not a beginner/open-level class, geared toward dancers with prior dance (2+ years twice a week)

For this level, dancers need to be enrolled in at least two other classes a week, with one being in Contemporary, Ballet or Jazz.  Email for pre-req exceptions.

Turns and jumps HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. 

Skills required:

  • Go from standing down to a bridge on their own, hold bridge for at least 10 sec with heels down.
  • Working on kick over, can do it on their own, ok if leg is not super straight.
  • Handstand with good form.
  • Leg straight cartwheel on one side
  • Bridge recover.
  • Hold plank for 60 seconds.

We will work safely from this base of skills.

Please email if you are unsure about the level.

Autumn term runs from Sept 16th-Dec 9th.

The cost is $262+ GST.

DanceFusion is an Acrobatic Arts Certified Studio.