FusionFocus 13-16yrs

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This class will be in the recital.

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.

Email for information about placement

Dancers must be enrolled in 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.

This group meets twice weekly: Tuesdays 3:30-4:30 and Fridays 3:30-4:30

Winter Term: Jan 9th – April 26th 2026.

Cost: $415 + GST  (Pricing is separate from multi-class discount as discount is already applied- the regular fee for two classes would $275 per class)

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

This term is longer than the fall one, and culminates in the 15th Annual DanceFusion Showcase (Dress Rehearsal on Thursday April 23rd, with shows on Friday April 24th 7pm, Saturday April 25th 2 pm and 7pm and Sunday 26th at 2 pm). Double check you do have any date conflicts.

There will be a costume fee that will need to be paid and strong attendance through the term is required.

Only 2 absences allowed for this term, email for any exceptions. Attendance at stage rehearsals and showcase is required as well.

HipHop Intermediate Level 12-15yrs

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This class will be in the recital.

NEW CLASS AND LEVEL!

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 FUNdamentals, and who already can foundational moves with confidence 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.

Class is held at STUDIO ALIVE in uphill Nelson.

Term runs Jan 7th – April 26th 2026.

Fee is $275 + GST

This term is longer than the fall one, and culminates in the 15th Annual DanceFusion Showcase (Dress Rehearsal on Thursday April 23rd, with shows on Friday April 24th 7pm, Saturday April 25th 2 pm and 7pm and Sunday 26th at 2 pm). Double check you do have any date conflicts.

There will be a costume fee that will need to be paid and strong attendance through the term is required.

Only 2 absences allowed for this term, email for any exceptions. Attendance at stage rehearsals and showcase is required as well.

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 8-10yrs

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This class will be in the Showcase.

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, just an openness to learn, move and create.

Winter Term runs from Jan 5th – April 26th 2026

Cost is $262 + GST.

This term is longer than the fall one, and culminates in the 15th Annual DanceFusion Showcase (Dress Rehearsal on Thursday April 23rd, with shows on Friday April 24th 7pm, Saturday April 25th 2 pm and 7pm and Sunday 26th at 2 pm). Double-check you don’t have any date conflicts.

There will be a costume fee that will need to be paid and strong attendance through the term is required. Email for any exceptions due to health, etc. Attendance at stage rehearsals and showcase is required as well.

Lyrical Acro-Dance 9-12yrs

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This class will be in the recital.

Lyrical dance is an expressive form of dance that blends various styles. It challenges choreographers and 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.

THIS CLASS IS HELD AT STUDIO ALIVE.

The term runs from Jan 8th – April 26th 2026.

Fee is $275 + GST.

This term is longer than the fall one, and culminates in the 15th Annual DanceFusion Showcase (Dress Rehearsal on Thursday April 23rd, with shows on Friday April 24th 7pm, Saturday April 25th 2 pm and 7pm and Sunday 26th at 2 pm). Double check you do have any date conflicts.

There will be a costume fee that will need to be paid and strong attendance through the term is required.

Only 2 absences allowed for this term, email for any exceptions. Attendance at stage rehearsals and showcase is required as well.

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!

Lyrical Acro-Dance 7-9yrs Open level

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This class will be in the showcase.

Acrobatic training teaches flexibility, balance, strength, discipline, and concentration. Dancers will learn through games, drills, and techniques to develop their skills. A dancer will gain more flexibility and strength to achieve skills through safe and progressive training.

Acrobatic movements can include cartwheels, somersaults, headstands, and bridge,  and more! The goal is to place Acro skills into a dance routine, therefore blending artistry with athleticism.
For this level, dancers do not need prior experience, as there will be a variety of skills and progressions introduced to safely be able to accommodate where they are at.
Individual exercises will be given to fit their ability as students will have different needs and may be ready for more advanced skills.

DanceFusion is an Acrobatic Arts Certified Studio.

THIS CLASS IS HELD AT STUDIO ALIVE.

Autumn Term runs Jan 5th – April 26th 2026.

Fee is $275 + GST.

This term is longer than the fall one, and culminates in the 15th Annual DanceFusion Showcase (Dress Rehearsal on Thursday April 23rd, with shows on Friday April 24th 7pm, Saturday April 25th 2 pm and 7pm and Sunday 26th at 2 pm). Double-check you don’t have any date conflicts.

There will be a costume fee that will need to be paid and strong attendance through the term is required. Email for any exceptions due to health, etc. Attendance at stage rehearsals and showcase is required as well.

We are so excited to have Ava Jinjoe on to the DF 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. 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, Ballet Jorgen. With a career marked by passion, dedication, and a profound love for the art of dance, Ava is excited to join the Dance Fusion team this winter.

Contemporary Inter/adv.

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This class will be in the recital.

This class weaves release technique, floorwork, modern dance techniques, and more into a rich class that explores a variety of movement styles. The classes vary from fluid lyrical movements to athletic leaps and jumps, fancy footwork, and intricate hand and arm movements. The aim is to create an adventurous dance experience incorporating a down-to-earth aesthetic with a contemporary outlook.

The class is fast-paced and athletic and designed for dancers with a background in dance, i.e., 7+ years in ballet, contemporary, etc. It is intended for movers looking for a more complex and challenging class, physically and mentally.
For dancers who want to try a drop-in, please email for details. office@slavadancefusion.com

Winter Term – Jan 5th – April 26th 2026

$295 + GST

This term is longer than the fall one, and culminates in the 15th Annual DanceFusion Showcase (Dress Rehearsal on Thursday April 23rd, with shows on Friday April 24th 7pm, Saturday April 25th 2 pm and 7pm and Sunday 26th at 2 pm). Double check you do have any date conflicts.

There will be a costume fee that will need to be paid and strong attendance through the term is required.

Only 2 absences allowed for this term, email for any exceptions. Attendance at stage rehearsals and showcase is required as well.

Hip Hop Inter/Adv 16yrs+

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This class will be in the recital.

THIS IS AN INTERMEDIATE CLASS…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 in their foundation and ready for more complex choreo and freestyle.

This class will make you bounce, rock, sweat and challenge your coordination.
It is geared for dancers who want to step it up in terms of complexity and will move at a faster pace. It is aimed at those that feel confident with their Hip Hop foundation and want to add some special sauce and speed.

PLEASE read below about our levels and make sure you are registered for the appropriate class. Dancers at this level are confident with choreo retention and performance and are actively honing that edge.

Levels of HipHop at DF:

Foundation- Monday 5:45 pm (15yrs+)—This class will break down the basics. You’ll still sweat and work hard, but it is an intro class with an 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.

Open Level – Monday 6:45 pm (15yrs+)/   These classes are for various levels. 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 coordinations. It’s time to step ya game up and get into more complexity.

Intermediate/Adv – Wednesday at 6 pm—Geared for dancers who already are confident in their foundation of Hip Hop and are ready to challenge their confidence with freestyle and work on more complex choreography at a faster speed. Appropriate for dancers with several years of training and who want a challenge.

House Open Level – Tues 7:45 pm – This year, we’re adding levels for House. If you love good beats, move your feet and whole being, and are ready to sweat and get down, this is for YOU! This class will cover foundation and will be open to a variety of levels, so there will be more basic coordinations that will be layered on more complexity as well. No previous experience is needed. Just know that House involves lots of footwork and weight transfer. Cardio!

If you are not sure, send us an email and let’s chat to find a solid fit.

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 🙂

There is a discount as well, the more you dance, the more you save 🙂

Bring Clean NON Marking shoes, water and sweat towel 🙂

Term runs Jan 7th – April 26th 2026.

Fee is $275+ GST.

This term is longer than the fall one, and culminates in the 15th Annual DanceFusion Showcase (Dress Rehearsal on Thursday April 23rd, with shows on Friday April 24th 7pm, Saturday April 25th 2 pm and 7pm and Sunday 26th at 2 pm). Double check you do have any date conflicts.

There will be a costume fee that will need to be paid and strong attendance through the term is required.

Only 2 absences allowed for this term, email for any exceptions. Attendance at stage rehearsals and showcase is required as well.

Contemporary Ballet Technique (14yrs+)

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SPECIAL 3-week series!  We are so lucky Acacia will be a guest teacher at the studio for a few weeks this winter. Janurary 25th-Feb 8th, 2026.

This intermediate-level technique class blends classical ballet foundations with contemporary movement principles. Using a centred barre, the class progresses through turns, extensions, and jumps, supporting strength, clarity, and dynamic range. Emphasis is placed on coordination, musicality, and efficiency of movement, encouraging dancers to develop versatility, control, and expressive freedom within a strong technical framework.

The class will focus on building technique with a ballet base and a contemporary lens. It will strengthen classical lines, turns, jumps, dynamics and different qualities in the body, helping to build versatility within the dancer, so they have more tools when approaching choreography. Geared for experienced dancers who want to push their skills to the next level.

Acacia’s Bio

Acacia Schachte is a dynamic and creative force in the world of dance, known for her deep curiosity, spiritual exploration, and commitment to artistic development. Raised in Vancouver, Acacia’s journey began at Arts Umbrella under the mentorship of Artemis Gordon, where she quickly became immersed in the foundations of her craft.

In 1999, she joined Ballet BC, where she danced for seven years in productions by iconic choreographers including Jiří Kylián, William Forsythe, and Twyla Tharp. Her talent and versatility led her to New York in 2006, where she danced with Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet. Over the next eight seasons, Acacia worked alongside some of the most influential voices in contemporary dance, including Crystal Pite, Ohad Naharin, Hofesh Shechter, Jacopo Godani, and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.

Acacia’s career continued to evolve across Europe, where she collaborated with Stuttgart Ballet as an assistant choreographer for The Firebird by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, she performed at the Munich Opera Festival and with Eastman. In 2016, she was invited to join the Royal Ballet of Flanders under the directorship of Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, further expanding her repertoire with works by Akram Khan, Pina Bausch, Martha Graham, and as an assistant choreographer for Sidi Larbi. As a rehearsal assistant and stager, Acacia has brought the works of Cherkaoui to companies across the globe, including the National Ballet of Portugal, Geneva Ballet, and Teatro dell’Opera di Roma.

A respected voice in the dance community, Acacia has also contributed to various film and video projects, including Emily Blunt’s dance double for The Adjustment Bureau, appearing in Anton Corbijn’s music video for Depeche Mode’s In Your Room, and collaborating with brands like Givenchy and Elle Korea.

In addition to her performance career, Acacia remains passionate about choreography and mentorship. She continues to explore her own creative vision, while sharing her knowledge and experience through workshops and masterclasses at prestigious institutions such as Royal Ballet of Flanders, Korea National University, NYC Dance Alliance, Jacob’s Pillow, Ballet Kelowna and Arts Umbrella.

Always eager to explore new artistic frontiers, Acacia’s practice is guided by a deep sense of curiosity, both within her craft and in her spiritual journey, allowing her to constantly evolve as an artist and human being.

Contemporary Inter/Adv 15+yrs

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This class will be in the Showcase.

This class is geared toward experienced, confident dancers who want to grow their skill and movement quality. This class weaves release technique, floorwork, modern dance techniques and more into a rich class that explores a variety of movement styles. The aim is to create an adventurous dance experience that incorporates a down-to-earth aesthetic with a contemporary outlook.  Class is fast-paced, athletic and will include conditioning and stretching.
House class before is a prerequisite along with 2 other classes a week, email for any questions: office@slavadancefusion.com

Winter Term: Jan 7 th – April 26th

Cost $275 + GST

This term is longer than the fall one, and culminates in the 15th Annual DanceFusion Showcase (Dress Rehearsal on Thursday April 23rd, with shows on Friday April 24th 7pm, Saturday April 25th 2 pm and 7pm and Sunday 26th at 2 pm). Double-check you don’t have any date conflicts.

There will be a costume fee that will need to be paid and strong attendance through the term is required.

Only 2 absences allowed for this term, email for any exceptions. Attendance at stage rehearsals and showcase is required as well.

Contemporary Open level 11yrs+

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This class will be in the recital.

This Contemporary class combines elements of several genres including modern, release, lyrical, and more.  Dance exercises are set to current popular music using fun drills to develop musicality. This class will hone and challenge your dance patterns, and will include floor work and jumps and turns, and is designed for dancers of all levels. Students will learn combos and work on technique as well. The class will include floorwork and is geared towards movement quality and pushing the comfort zone with coordination challenges.

The term runs from Jan 5th – April 26th 2026.

The fee is $275+ GST.

This term is longer than the fall one, and culminates in the 15th Annual DanceFusion Showcase (Dress Rehearsal on Thursday April 23rd, with shows on Friday April 24th 7pm, Saturday April 25th 2 pm and 7pm and Sunday 26th at 2 pm). Double check you do have any date conflicts.

There will be a costume fee that will need to be paid and strong attendance through the term is required.

Only 2 absences allowed for this term, email for any exceptions. Attendance at stage rehearsals and showcase is required as well.

We are so excited to have Ava Jinjoe in the DF 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. 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, Ballet Jorgen. With a career marked by passion, dedication, and a profound love for the art of dance.