Registration for September is now open.
Welcome !
Welcome to The School of Dance Website. The School of Dance (TSD) was established in 1999, by Marie Steffen (Cragg) who combined her many years of teaching and performing experience to provide a school dedicated to the well rounded training of Dance.In 2008, the schools focus shifted toward the more dedicated dancer. Since inception, the schools name has been synonymous with quality training. The new face of TSD continues to offer that and more.
The School of Dance offers a truly unique and innovative program which has been developed from 20+ years of dance teaching experience.
What makes programs at TSD so different?
1. Class size is strictly limited. Each age group (not class but age group) will have a maximum number of 10 - 16 students. This allows us to train the students in a very personalized way that is not possible with a large school.This approach also allows the students to form some wonderful bonds and friendship as they dance with their fellow class mates for years.
2. The curriculum is set out from day one to offer the most complete training in a variety of disciplines. We have taken the guess work out of deciding what to do. We also offer written evaluations and progress reports, emphasizing the positive advancements of each student
3. The school offers ample opportunities for extra events such as organized theatre outings, workshops and master classes.
4. Staff Marie Steffen, Pamela Pittman, Sandra Blackmore and Erika Wilansky have an abundence of teaching experience. These teachers train in a nurturing and encouraging manner while challenging their students to reach their highest goals.
The School of Music is also an affiliate of The School of Dance. Please browse the website and contacts us if you have any questions.
Program offerings
Dance for Young Children (DFYC)
In the early years of a child's life movement such as dance underpins all subsequent development. Through physical activity, pre-school children channel their energy and develop attention, balance and co-ordination. Physical activity enables young children to learn to feel at home in their bodies: developing bodily control leads to greater emotional control. Dance highlights meanings of actions. It helps young children learn about body language, and promotes social relationships and interaction skills as they learn to participate and negotiate with others.
The Dance for Young Children (DFYC) program has a strong emphasis on creativity and re-enforced encouragement to experiment, while instilling the grace and disciplines of ballet.
Our classes are divided into 3 sections:
Ballet technique, Creative Movement or Jazz, and Theory. The theoretical component focuses on learning classical stories of the ballet, understanding and experimenting with rhythm, learning about the theatre, and using art as a stimulus for creative dance. These lessons are learned with the help of colouring sheets, audio and visual aids, props, books and costumes.
Classes
DFYC 1 - age 3 years 
30 mins ballet, 20 mins creative dance,10 mins theory
DFYC 2 - age 4 years
One group of 12 students maximum
30 mins ballet, 20 mins creative dance,10 mins theory
DFYC 3 - age 5 years
One group of 15 students maximum
30 mins ballet, 30 mins Jazz 10 mins theory
Dance Program 1:1
Age - Approx 6 years
One group - maximum number of 16 students
Class duration 75 minutes comprised of 30 mins Ballet, 30 mins Jazz, 15 min Tap introduction.
In Program One we continue to develop techniques in
Ballet and Jazz as well as introduce Tap. At this level we expose the students to a more varied selection of music including world music and percussion, while continuing to use classical music for Ballet.
Theory elements are now combined into the class with questions and answers relating to the lessons being learned.
There will be a Tap shoe bank for this age group. If available these shoes can be borrowed from the studio tap shoe bank.
Dance Program 1:2
Age - Approx 6-7 years
One group - maximum number of 16 students
Class duration 85 minutes comprised of 30 mins Ballet, 30 mins Jazz, 20 min Tap introduction, 5 min drink break.
In Program 1:2 we continue to develop techniques in
Ballet and Jazz and place a stronger emphasis on Tap. We continue to expose the students to a varied selection of music, while continuing to use classical music for Ballet.
Age 8- 9 years
One group - maximum number of 16 students
Class one 1 hr = Ballet
Class two 1 hr 5 mins = Jazz and Tap
Class three 30 mins = Modern
Students continue to develop their skills in Ballet, Jazz and Tap. Body stretch and strengthening has a special emphasis which is crucial to good posture and strong core muscles.
In this program we challenge and encourage the students to try harder technical elements as well as focus on performing and performance values.
Dance Program 3
One group - maximum number of 16 students
Class One 1hr = Ballet
Class Two 1 hr = Jazz
Class Three 1hr = Hip Hop
Class Four 45 mins = Tap
Dance Program 4
Age Approx 12 - 14 years
One group - max. number of 16students
Class one -1 hr Ballet
Class two - 1 hr Jazz
Class three -1hr Tap
Class four - 45 mins Hip Hop
Class five - 1 hr Pre Ponte/Pointe
Class six - 45 mins Modern
Age Approx 14 - 18 years
One group- max. 20 students
Class one - 1 hr 15 mins Ballet
Class two - 1 hr Jazz
Class three - 1 hr Tap
Class four - 1 hr Hip Hop
Class five - 1 hr Latin/Social
Class six - 1 hr Pre Pointe/Pointe
Class seven 1 hr Modern