Students are trained in classical ballet through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, which progresses through the Graded levels: Primary, Grades 1-8, and through Vocational Graded levels: Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2. The graded levels concentrate on the pleasure of movement and musicality, with the development of technique, artistry and self-discipline evolving throughout the levels. Emphasis is placed on proper posture and alignment, correct and safe technique, and a genuine sense of performance. The children's syllabus includes classical ballet, character and free movement. At the Primary, Grades 1 and 2 levels, ballet is offered once per week; however commencing at the Grade 1 level, CSD students must take two dance classes a week which provides them with opportunities to include jazz, tap or contemporary in their dance education. Starting at the Grade 3 level, students must enroll in two ballet classes per week.

The levels in the Vocational Grades are for more serious students who have successfully attained the fundamentals of the graded syllabus, and include pointe work. Students must take two classes per week.

Pointe classes are by invitation only as proper technique and strength is required. Students at the Advanced level must take a minimum of 4 ballet classes per week.

Ballet is recommended to all students, either to be studied on its own or to enhance a jazz, tap or contemporary program.

Maximum Class Size: 16 students

Students are introduced to the basic elements of modern dance techniques, combining exercises to relax, lengthen, align and strengthen the body to prepare for movement combinations through space. The curriculum is designed to build skills and understanding through the full range of technical elements while nurturing a vigorous, joyful and expressive approach to dancing. Students will also explore different choreographic principles fed by structured improvisations and creative projects.

Maximum Class Size: 16 students

Students have the opportunity to learn a combination of several jazz styles to give a broad experience in this dance form through the Imperial Society of Dancing (ISTD) Modern Theatre Dance (Jazz) syllabus, which progresses through the Graded levels: Grades 1-6, and Vocational Graded levels: Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2. Through this carefully planned and well-tried syllabus, young people are trained to become disciplined and versatile dancers who have a professional attitude towards dance.

The children's jazz work is age appropriate material based on natural movements: walking, running, jumping and skipping, as well as isolations and rhythm. It is designed to encourage an imaginative and rapid response to music and to promote an appreciation and enjoyment of jazz. Classes will include traditional and up-to-date jazz movements, which improve coordination, balance, strength, flexibility, and rhythmic awareness. The Primary level jazz curriculum is included in our Pre-primary program.

Commencing at the Grade 2 jazz level, CSD students must take two dance classes per week and are invited to join ballet or tap ballet or tap class as well. When students reach the Grade 3 level of jazz, they are also given the opportunity to take classes in contemporary and hip hop styles. The vocational levels are for more serious students who have achieved the fundamentals of the graded syllabus and usually require a ballet background because of the high standard of technique. They are designed to increase the skill and understanding of Jazz and require a highly developed sense of performance.

Hip Hop has evolved from a style of street jazz and has become very popular due to music videos. All Hip Hop students must be enrolled in a jazz class. Students in Grade 3 level of Jazz and up are eligible to take hip hop.

Maximum Class Size: 16 students.

Students will learn traditional tap skills, including steps, combinations and rhythms, as well as the history and theory behind them. Students are trained in the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) Tap syllabus, which encourages good rhythm, expressive style, and correct technique. The syllabus progresses through Primary, Grades 1-6, Tap Medals: Bronze, Silver and Gold, as well as Vocational Graded levels: Intermediate, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2. Tap improves coordination, balance, agility and heightens awareness of rhythm and musicality across all dance forms. Commencing at the Grade 1 tap level, CSD students must take two dance classes per week and select from ballet or jazz styles to augment their dance education.

Maximum Class Size: 12 students

New this year! Friday night Ballroom classes are offered as 6 week sessions in fall, winter and spring. Please see our current Ballroom dance flyer for fees, class offerings and length of sessions.

Maximum Class Size: 16 students

Click here for our Fall Ballroom Flyer Winter Ballroom Flyer: coming soon Spring Ballroom Flyer: coming soon

New this year! Yoga classes are offered to complement students' dance programs by increasing body awareness, developing core strength and improving flexibility. Students will learn to strengthen and stretch each muscle group through a variety of yoga postures. An emphasis will be placed on awareness of alignment and use of breath in movements. Yoga will be offered to students studying at the Grade 3 level and up.

Maximum Class Size: 10 students

Following the body conditioning method of Joseph H. Pilates, this class will focus on strengthening and lengthening exercises and will improve muscle tone and core strength. Pilates mat exercises will be used, followed by a series of exercises to release and stretch the major muscle groups. This class will balance the body, create a healthy mind and impact your dancing! Pilates helps dancers to stay highly toned, injury free and ready for peak performance.

Maximum Class Size: 8 students

It’s never too late to start studying dance! Teenagers who are new to dance will love our beginner teen classes! Choose from jazz, tap, hip hop or ballet. Minimum 1 class per week, yearly program.

Maximum Class Size: 12 students

HomeSchool classes are offered during the day for children age 6-11. Choose from jazz, tap, contemporary or ballet/national. HomeSchool dance programs are offered as fall, winter and spring sessions. Please see our current HomeSchool dance flyer for fees, class offerings and length of sessions.

Maximum Class Size: 12 students

Click here for our Fall HomeSchool Flyer Winter HomeSchool Flyer: coming soon Spring HomeSchool Flyer: coming soon

We have many dance classes available for adults at both the beginner and Intermediate/Advanced levels. Choose from ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, pilates, ballroom, and yoga. Adult classes are offered as fall, winter or spring sessions. Please see our current Adult flyer for class descriptions, fees, length of sessions and offerings for adult programs.