Ballet 2 12yrs+

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NEW TEACHER//LEVEL!!!  This Ballet 2 ( Intermediate).

This Ballet 2 class is designed for dancers who have been taking ballet and have solid, foundational dance experience. It is assumed that dancers know foundational ballet terminology (positions of the arms and feet, and names of classical movements) and can demonstrate a solid technical understanding. This class will build on foundational skills, expand dancers’ ballet movement vocabulary, and increase the focus on technique and artistry. 

This Ballet 2 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 are 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.

Why September–April? For some of our higher-level classes, we’ve chosen to run the full September–April season so dancers can progress together as a group, begin showcase choreography sooner, and build skills sequentially throughout the year. As dancers take on more complex movements, consistent training is important for developing strength, flexibility, alignment, and technique in a safe and healthy way. It also allows dancers to build strong connections with their classmates and learn to work together as a team.  While our goal is to maintain consistent groups throughout the season, there may be opportunities for dancers to move up a level during the year if they demonstrate significant progress and are ready for the next level. At registration, students will be committing to the full September–April season, including both the fall and winter terms. Payment will still be split between the two terms as usual.

Katie Thiessen grew up in Canmore, Alberta, and moved to Kelowna at 15, where she continued pursuing her passion for dance, which began at age three. She completed her ballet training up to Advanced 2 in the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) syllabus, trained and performed as a member of the Canadian School of Ballet’s pre-professional company, and spent seven years teaching ballet and jazz at a local studio in Kelowna while attending university. Katie moved to Nelson in 2023, works as a school teacher by day, and is excited to share her love of dance with the Nelson community.

Contemporary 7-9yrs

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NEW TEACHER and CLASS and AGE!!

Contemporary is a style of dance that combines elements of several genres, including modern, release, classical technique, and more. Often, in terms of the focus of its technique, contemporary dance can combine floorwork and modern dance’s stress on the torso, but it is not confined to these techniques.

Contemporary at DanceFusion employs modern technique, release, floor work, emotive qualities, and improvisation.

We look to be adventurous, curious, relevant, and inspiring, and we want to express emotion through music!
Dancers develop coordination, musicality and artistry.

Fall Session runs from Sept 18th-Dec 11th, 2026

Cost is $250 + GST

See Info page for multi-class discount structure.

Emily is a ballet and contemporary dance instructor who grew up dancing at Kootenay DanceWorks in Rossland, BC. During her years at the studio Emily participated in the pre-professional training program and danced in leading roles. Now she is being mentored by Renee Salsiccioli, the studio director of KDW and a graduate of the Palucca University of Dance Dresden Master Dance Teacher program, while continuing to pursue professional development opportunities to further her training. Through this mentorship, Emily has explored new pedagogical approaches through hands-on teaching, choreography, anatomy, and injury prevention.

She is currently enrolled in a Dance Science and Dance Medicine course through the Austrian Academy of Dance Medicine and Pedagogy, under the direction of Dr.
Judith-Elisa Kaufman.

Alongside academic work, Emily has assisted with the choreography and production of KDW’s Charlotte’s Web and many other similar projects. She is
passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where every student feels
valued, connected, and supported. Emily is excited to share her love for ballet technique and creative expression, while guiding dancers to discover their own artistic voice.

 

Contemporary Open 12-14yrs

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This class has been so popular we have added another class to accommodate a wider range of ages. See Civic Performing Arts Studio for Contemporary 14-18yrs.

Contemporary is a style of dance that combines elements of several genres, including modern, release, classical technique, and more, depending on the instructor and choreography. Often, in terms of the focus of its technique, contemporary dance can combine floorwork and modern dance’s stress on the torso but is not confined to these techniques. Contemporary at DanceFusion also employs contact-release, floor work, and good tunes. We look to be adventurous, curious, relevant and inspiring.
Dancers develop coordination, musicality and artistry.

Open-level, no prior experience needed.

The term runs from Sept 18th-Dec 11th 2026. 

The fee is $262 + GST.

Emily is a ballet and contemporary dance instructor who grew up dancing at Kootenay DanceWorks in Rossland, BC. During her years at the studio Emily participated in the pre-professional training program and danced in leading roles. Now she is being mentored by Renee Salsiccioli, the studio director of KDW and a graduate of the Palucca University of Dance Dresden Master Dance Teacher program, while continuing to pursue professional development opportunities to further her training. Through this mentorship, Emily has explored new pedagogical approaches through hands-on teaching, choreography, anatomy, and injury prevention.

She is currently enrolled in a Dance Science and Dance Medicine course through the Austrian Academy of Dance Medicine and Pedagogy, under the direction of Dr.
Judith-Elisa Kaufman.

Alongside academic work, Emily has assisted with the choreography and production of KDW’s Charlotte’s Web and many other similar projects. She is
passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where every student feels
valued, connected, and supported. Emily is excited to share her love for ballet technique and creative expression, while guiding dancers to discover their own artistic voice.

Ballet 2 (9-12yrs)

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NEW LEVEL! Read about the new ballet levels available this season. Placement for this intermediate class is by email.

This Ballet 2 class is designed for dancers who have been taking ballet and have solid, foundational dance experience. For dancers who know foundational ballet terminology (positions of the arms and feet, and names of classical movements) and can demonstrate some technical understanding. This class will build on foundational skills and increase the focus on technique and artistry. 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 9-12) 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.

This class commitment will run Sept-April to allow students to start choreography sooner.

There will be two different Ballet 9-12yrs this season:

Ballet 1- Monday taught by Emily Henry. For students building foundation and technical understanding. Building grace and artistry.
Ballet 2– (Intermediate)Thursday, taught by Hilary. For students with knowledge of ballet terminology, movement vocabulary and execution. Email for placement. Sept-April commitment.

The Fall term runs from September 14 – December 7 2026

Cost 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!

90s Hip Hop-adult/older youth 15yrs+

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Love the music and moves of the Golden Age of Hip Hop? Then this one is for you. Sing along, groove, and move. Expect to sweat. Open level. Moves will be layered for a range of experience. Just indoor shoes and water.

Three options:

Full Session runs Sept 15th-Dec 8th     $275+gst

First Session runs Sept 15th-Oct 27th     $160 +gst

Second session runs Nov 3rd-Dec 8th   $138 +gst

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

Jazz Intermediate 1 (13yrs+)

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Turns & Jumps is a pre-req for Jazz Intermediate 1.

Jazz dance paralleled the birth and spread of jazz itself from its roots in Black American culture and was popularized in ballrooms by the big bands of the swing era (1930s and 40s). It radically altered the style of American and European stage and social dance in the 20th century. The term is sometimes used to describe popular stage dance and jazz-derived or jazz-influenced modern dance forms.

Hilary will share her extensive training to hone the dancers’ alignment, extensions, and musicality. Classes will focus on strength, balancing, flexibility, and rhythm. Students will learn kicks, turns, and jumps with proper technique. Develop flexibility and strength alongside solid dance technique with across-the-floor skills and fun combos.

This class is geared for Intermediate students experienced in Jazz already and  enrolled in various classes a week with good technical ability and musicality.

This Jazz – Intermediate 1 class will run from September through April. Because of the longer season and 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. All students enrolling in this level of jazz are required to take Jumps & Turns as well. If this level of commitment doesn’t feel like a good fit, you are welcome to choose an open level class instead.

Please note that your level in Jumps & Turns may be different from your level in Jazz. For example, a student may be at one level in Jazz and another in Jumps & Turns depending on their experience and strengths. Be sure to check your emails carefully for any other class invitations you may have received! 

Levels of Jazz:

Jazz Open level- mix of experience, moves will be layered.

Jazz Intermediate 1- For dancers with prior experience and a strong grasp of the technical skills involved as well as strong musicality.

Jazz Intermediate 2- for dancers confident with added speed, complexity, flexibility, and strength.

Class is by placement; inquire via to see if this is your level.

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.

Fall Term: Sept.15th-Dec 8th.

Cost: $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 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, movement, and teaching.  She has just completed her Bachelor of Education, congrats!

Turns & Jumps 2 (13yrs+)

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Sharpen your skills with jazz and ballet technique.  The class includes a dance warm-up that conditions and stretches, then drill centre exercises and across-the-floor combos. Work on skills like pirouettes, Chaîné turns, Piques, Battements, Jetés, Switch Splits, Stag jumps, Attitude Turns and more. This is an excellent technique class that complements Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, and Acro well.

This Jumps & Turns class will run from September through April. If Jumps & Turns is a requirement for another full season class you are registering for (ex. Jazz Inter. 1 or 2), you must sign up for Jumps & Turns for the full season (September through April). However, if it is not required for another full season class you are taking, you may sign up for the fall and winter sessions independently if so desired. Because of the longer season and 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. If this level of commitment doesn’t feel like a good fit, you are welcome to choose an open level class instead.

Please note that if you’re also registering for Jazz, your level in Jumps & Turns may be different than your level in Jazz (Jumps & Turns can be taken without Jazz, though they do pair well together). For example, a student may be at one level in Jazz and another in Jumps & Turns depending on their experience and strengths. Be sure to check your emails carefully for any other class invitations you may have received!

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. 

This class is a pre-req for Jazz Intermediate.

Fall Term: Sept.15th-Dec 8th.

Cost: $235 + GST

Ballet Junior 6-8yrs

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A fun and engaging class to introduce the foundation of Ballet technique. The class will use center 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.

The Fall term runs from September 14 – December 7 2026

Cost is $262 + GST

Fusion Ignite 12-14yrs

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Placement for this class happened in the spring term; late additions may be considered, please email.

Dancers must be enrolled in Ballet 2 imeediatly after this class and at leaast one ther class.

Appropriate for dancers with 3+ years of continuous prior dance experience in 2+ 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 $262 + 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.

Ballet 1 (9-12yrs)

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NEW INSTRUCTOR! Read about the new ballet levels available this season.

This class is designed to inspire dancers with the grace of ballet. We honour the essential techniques; students will develop technique through centre work and across-the-floor exercises as well as port de bras. 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 Emily 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.

There will be two different Ballet 9-12yrs this season:

Ballet 1- Monday taught by Emily Henry. For students newer to the form.
Ballet 2– (Intermediate)Thursday, taught by Hilary. For students with knowledge of ballet terminology, movement vocabulary and execution. Email for placement.

The Fall term runs from September 14 – December 7 2026

Cost is $262 + GST

Emily is a ballet and contemporary dance instructor who grew up dancing at Kootenay DanceWorks in Rossland, BC. During her years at the studio Emily participated in the pre-professional training program and danced in leading roles. Now she is being mentored by Renee Salsiccioli, the studio director of KDW and a graduate of the Palucca University of Dance Dresden Master Dance Teacher program, while continuing to pursue professional development opportunities to further her training. Through this mentorship, Emily has explored new pedagogical approaches through hands-on teaching, choreography, anatomy, and injury prevention.

She is currently enrolled in a Dance Science and Dance Medicine course through the Austrian Academy of Dance Medicine and Pedagogy, under the direction of Dr.
Judith-Elisa Kaufman.

Alongside academic work, Emily has assisted with the choreography and production of KDW’s Charlotte’s Web and many other similar projects. She is
passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where every student feels
valued, connected, and supported. Emily is excited to share her love for ballet technique and creative expression, while guiding dancers to discover their own artistic voice.