The School of Dance






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.
(Please note that in addition to this program we also offer advanced classes for students 18+. Please view schedule page)

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

One group of 10 students maximum

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.

 

Dance Program 2

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

The students now attend three classes per week
(over two days) 
and the class's length and intensity increases.

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

Age Approx 9-11 years

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

Class five 30 mins = Modern
By this level the dancers are quite accomplished and ready to try new disciplines. The students will attend 5 classes per week (over two days). Hip Hop dance is now introduced. This very current and commercial style is a solid requirement for the well rounded dancer in today's dance world.

 

 

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

Students at this level take 6 classes a week  over three days and are taught a variety of styles needed for todays fast paced dance world. This program offers the "complete dancer package"
 
Dance Program 5

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

Plus workshops with guests teachers
 
We also offer a "Teacher Apprentice Program" for students who have an interest in dance teaching.