Home

Ballet Program

At Dance Works Ballet is the foundation of all dance training. We encourage all students who are serious about dance to take part in at least 1 Ballet class per week. The discipline, technique and strength acquired in Ballet are utilized in all other forms of dance and help to improve the over all dance ability. At Dance Works two syllabi are taught. The I.S.T.D. (Imperial Society Teachers of Dance) and the R.A.D. (Royal Academy of Dance). Full examination and assessments in both are offered at Dance Works and highly encouraged. For those pursuing professional careers, performing or teaching examinations are necessary. At Dance Works classes in Ballet are offered from the pre-school age to adult, novice to pre professional and vocational studies. Ballet is taught by Penny Hudson, April Newton-Mason & Daina Sheppard.

Baby Groove (Age - 2 years)

Baby Groove is the newest addition to our Ballet program. After many request for a tot dance class Penny has created a program for children aged 2 years. This is an introductory class that teaches creative movement, musical & rhythmic appreciation and group dynamic skills all presented in a imaginative and playful format. Last years class was a huge success and we wish to develop it even moe this year. DWA has also included a Baby Hip Hop class to the program this year.

Pre-Primary I Class (Ages 3yrs)

This 1 class is for students aged 3. This is an introduction to dance class, which offers the children a chance to learn how to function as a group, and learn the basics of rhythm and music set to movement. There is a great deal of imagination involved in these classes as the children are led by Penny through a world of make believe where dancing is the main form of expression.

Pre-Primary II & III Class (Ages 4-6 yrs)

The 1st class is for students aged 4-5 and the second is for students aged 5-6. These 2 classes are the next levels after the pre-school program. Whether you started in Pre Primary I or you are new to dance, Pre Primary II & III are fun and exciting classes that begin to teach the foundational training involved in ballet. Though slightly more complex technique is now being introduced in class the same imagination and play is involved as it was in the Pre-Primary class.

Pre Primary & Primary Princess Ballet

This class is strictly novice and is a fun ballet class that will focus on the traditional movements associated with classical ballet but without the build up of RAD syllabus ballet found in DWA's other ballet classes. This is a great class for students who are new to dance or who prefer a less technical dance class.

Primary & Grade I (Ages 6-8 yrs)

Primary is for students ages 6-7, and Gr. I is for students ages 7-8. As in the previous classes each year the level of technique taught in class advances and students are taught the syllabus, which reflects their ballet grade level. Technique and Ballet discipline are taught in class with an emphasis on mime and imagination. Both classes are a great way to build confidence and open to experienced or beginner children alike.

Lyrical

Lyrical dance style has its primary basis in ballet, combining the many technical elements of classical ballet with the freedom and airier aspects of jazz, contemporary and modern dance. Lyrical dance is expressive, simultaneously subtle and dynamic, focused on conveying musicality and emotion through movement. It is a combination of intricate, highly technical, and pedestrian/naturalistic moves. It is commonly set to popular music with vocals as well as rich instrumental portions of a pop song. Lyrical inspires choreographers and dancers to use movement to interpret music and express emotion. More than other aforementioned dance styles, a lyrical performance aligns with the essence of a musical piece, in addition to highlighting the beauty, openness and strength of the dancer.

Gr. II, III, Gr. IV, V, VI & Pre Pointe (Ages 8 & up)

The Gr. II classes and upwards are for students aged 8 and up.

The lower grades are an excellent foundation for those wishing to continue on with dance of any genre. Classes are open to the novice dancer and to those wishing to pursue a more serious training program. For those wishing to take examinations in these grades a minimum of 2 classes per week is mandatory. Anything less will not cover the work involved and will not build the strength required. For those wanting to take Pointe, an assessment of strength and ability by Penny is required. As we do encourage students to aspire to Pointe work, we take the safety of our students very seriously. That is students must be at least 10 years of age, having studied Ballet a minimum of two years, with two lessons per week. The core strength must be sufficient and of course the feet and ankles must be suited to doing Pointe work. Miss Penny will assess all students who wish to do pointe work to verify if they are ready to do so. In Pre Pointe, once students have reached a physical state suited to starting pointe work a class trip will be planned to go to Vancouver and pick up your brand new pointe shoes. Miss Penny will attend to assure that students find the best fit possible for their feet. All beginner pointe will be taught at the bar for the last quarter of class until the strength and technique required to start center work is obtained. Any students at the Grade IV level who cannot or do not wish to start pointe work will work on the demi pointe in class.

Advanced Pointe (Pointe Intensive Program)

For those students wishing to obtain thorough training in Ballet Pointe, DWA offers a Pointe Intensive program that consists of 3 classes per week. Miss Penny will teach 2 classes on pointe work that will cover both the technical study and center work and creative pointe choreography that allows students to employ the new skills they have learned. Miss April will teach the third ballet class in this program and it will be focused on the core training required to execute pointe work correctly and safely. Students accepted in this program must take all three classes to qualify and maintain the technique required. Students must have a strong background in ballet training and will need to be assessed by Miss Penny before entering the program. During the intake process Miss Penny will ask you about your previous training, check your feet and ankles for any limitation that could cause injury or prevent you from doing pointe work and answer any questions you have about the program.

Vocational Classes:

These classes are designed for the serious student who wishes to make dancing a career (teaching or performing). The classes consist of the following levels:

Intermediate Foundation

Intermediate

Advanced Foundation

Advanced 1

Advanced 2

Solo Seal

Beginner Teen/Adult Class

This class is for anyone who wishes to take dance but lacks the previous training. This class consists of floor work for core strength, stretch, & free movement. This class is complimentary to your regular workout program.

Lyrical

Modern

Modern Theatre dance is a rhythmic dance style which originated in America before travelling to the rest of the world. It is often seen on the stages of musical productions and is known for its theatrical qualities. The style uses travelling steps, high kicks, leaps and turns which all need strength and flexibility. This is a highly energetic dance style.

Contemporary

Contemporary is a dance style that is originally based on Greek Natural movement. Again, as in Jazz, there are several styles that have been developed. And like Jazz, Contemporary has been incorporated into a Classical style so that “Dance” has become homogenized in current choreography. Contemporary style is incorporated into the R.A.D. Ballet syllabus and is valuable in teaching students the “Rise & Fall” in movement. Dance Works Academy incorporated Contemporary into their program along side of classical work. The “Pure” style Contemporary classes at Dance Works are offered to pre teens, teens and adults. Contemporary is taught by April Newton-Mason

Highland

Highland is a fun form of dance, which originated in the Scottish Highlands. Unlike other forms of dance in Highland you dance with the heels off the floor. This builds great overall leg strength and great discipline! At Dance Works, students in the Highland classes are taught the S.D.T.A. (Scottish Dance Teachers Association) syllabus set to the enchanting sound of Celtic music. Over the past years highland has been an important part of our Dance Program and has been enjoyed by many of all ages. For information on exams and competition opportunities please refer to our Competitions and Exams section. Classes in Highland are offered to student aged Pre-Primary to Adult. Highland is taught by Tara MacLeod.

Hip Hop

Believed to have originated in New York (Brooklyn Uprock or b-boying/b-girling) in the 1970’s and heavily influenced by the West Coast “Funk Movement’ Hip Hop has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Hip Hop involves many techniques from other genres of dance and benefits from acrobatic ability. At Dance Works we offer Hip Hop classes with exciting choreography for competition and performance set to popular yet positive Hip Hop music. Although there is not a set syllabus for Hip Hop, serious Hip Hop students are encouraged to take Ballet and other forms of dance to sharpen their technique and over all ability. Our Hip Hop teachers have a background with the appropriate examinations in many forms of dance. For information of the competitive opportunities in our Hip Hop program at Dance Works please refer to the Competitions and Exams section. Classes in Hip Hop are offered at D.W. for the ages of 4 to adult. Hip Hop is taught by Angela Lowndes, Brian Yang & Zoe Barbaro.

Jazz & Modern

Jazz is a rhythmical dance form set to Jazz music of various styles. This genre of dance is popular with all age groups Jazz is always evolving with various stylistic influences from North Americas East Coast and west Coast. Jazz dance is an important of a dancer’s training. Dance Works Academy offers set work in the I.S.T.D. syllabus in its Jazz program as well as Street Jazz techniques. Freestyle choreography for competitions and performances. Refer to our Competitions and Exams section for more information. Jazz classes at Dance Works are offered for ages Primary to Advanced. Jazz is taught by Jessica Crombie (ISTD) & Angela Lowndes & Shantaya Purjue.

Salsa/Latin

Social dancing is very popular today. Making a huge comeback through out the world. Rhythms originating in Africa and Latin America appeal to almost everyone. At Dance Works we offer novice to experienced classes in this genre of dance. This is a suitable program for any level of experience and a great stepping-stone for the beginner dancer. Classes offer an exciting introduction to the basic of this dance method as well as more advanced training for the experienced dancer. You can join with a partner or join solo. At Dance Works classes are offered in Mambo for the ages of Pre Teen - Teen. Salsa Courses are offered to adults. Latin is taught by Angela Lowndes & Jessica Crombie.

Musical Theatre

The Musical Theatre program at Dance Works is a wonderful way to explore one of the many forms of the Performing Arts. Students enrolled in this program are taught the fundamentals of singing and voice training in a theatre setting. For those interested in a theatrical career or for those who simply enjoy performing, the Musical Theatre program is a great choice. We highly recommend Musical Theatre training to create a well-rounded performer. This course works along side our Acting program. Classes in Musical Theatre at Dance Works are offered to the ages of sox years to adult. Musical Theatre is taught by Elaine Hunter.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts is an important element to a well-rounded Arts Education. At Dance Works we offer a Visual Arts program, which allows students to explore texture, shape, & colour in various mediums. This program is a fun and exciting way to develop artistic technique as well as a wonderful form of self-expression. Dance Works Academy offers Art classes for ages Primary to Teen. Art and Art Technique is taught by Laurel Sukkau & Shiloh Sukkua.

Tap

The Tap program at Dance Works is a relaxed style with feet sounding out exciting rhythms. Young and old love the “sound” of tap dancing to all forms of modern music. Tap is a wonderful way to improve on timing and rhythm. And for the serious dancer Tap is essential to having a well-rounded background in dance. At Dance Works we offer training in Street Free Style Tap as well as training in the I.S.T.D. & C.D.T.A. For information on exams and competition opportunities at Dance Works please refer to our Competitions and Exams section. Tap classes at Dance Works are offered to student ages primary to adult. Tap is taught by, Shantaya Purjue, Darianne Burnett, Jessica Crombie (ISTD) & Erin Walker.

Acting

Acting is a big part of the Performing Arts. From Dancing to Musical Theatre acting skills are essential for a well-rounded performance. The acting program at Dance Works gives students the skills necessary to pursue an acting career. Audition preparation is also a big part of pre professional training; it gives students the necessary tools to enter the acting world.

Acting and drama are an excellent form of self-expression and a great way to improve confidence and public speaking skills. Sr. Acting classes are available for the beginner actor or the experienced alike and are offered to 13 years to adult. Jr. & Pre Teen Acting classes are now offered for students ages 7-12 years. Acting is taught by Melinna Cassidy & Marcie Tentchoff.

Acrobatics

Acrobatics and Gymnastic movement has become a big part of the “tricks” seen in Hip Hop and Jazz dance. Dance Works Academy introduced Acro into our program in 2006/2007 to our younger students and has now become popular with older students as well! Acro is a great way to increase back and overall flexibility. It is a lot of fun in group and solo choreography. Acrobatics classes are taught by Gerrette Smith.

Bollywood

East Indian dance has become a popular and recognised dance form in the Western World. The I.S.T.D.(Imperial Society Teachers of Dance) now offers examinations in Indian dance methods. Bollywood is influenced by traditional Indian dance but has a more of an emphasis on theatrical expression. As a theatrical form of East Indian dancing, Bollywood can be seen in many Indo Canadian films as well as in the Indian Culture.

Bollywood workshops are taught by Gina Fernandez

Ballroom

Ballroom has been a popular style of dance for many years. From the Cha Cha to the Walt's ballrooms many faces are all equally beautiful and challenging. Dance Works is now introducing this much loved form of dance to it's program for Pre Teens to Adults. Instructor Penny Hudson studied Ballroom while taking her teacher training in England during the 70's. Penny also studies the I.S.T.D. method of Ballroom with well known instructor, Willie Horton. Ballroom courses are for beginner Ballroom dancers. Experienced ballroom dancers can contact the DW office for more info. Ballroom is taught by Penny Hudson.

Dance Works Programs

DW Recreational Program

All regular classes are apart of our recreational program. This does not include Competitive, Sr. & Gr. Ballet classes.

Those classes are apart of the Competitive and PDP Program for the more serious student. If you would like more info on these other two programs please read our PDP & Competitions page located on the site menu above.

Click here to add text.