Our vision is simple. We believe in the value of dance as an enriching art form. For the past 30+ years, dance umbrella has provided high-quality dance and movement classes. An alternative form of self-expression, dance helps build self-confidence, create healthy bodies and minds, and develop creativity. Thousands of students have gone through our training programs, many of whom have successful careers in the performing arts.

REGISTRATION

• Registration Information – dance umbrella 2024/2025
• Registration Form – dance umbrella 2024/2025

• Classes are held in Studio A, Studio B, and The Mack. For more information, contact [email protected]  

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre, a course for students ages 6 and up, explores technical and expressive elements of drama, voice, and dance used in musical theatre productions. The emphasis of the program is on skills development, culminating in a Musical Theatre performance each spring. Musical Theatre Students also participate in dance umbrella’s annual showcase each May. New students are asked to contact us for class placement recommendations. 

Supported by John & Brenda Steinsky

Ballet

Ballet is offered to beginner through senior levels and is a program for ages 6 to adult, with placement based on previous training and natural ability. Beginner students will be introduced to the basic elements of Ballet with focus on posture, correct use of muscles, and grace of movement through activities, games, and storytelling. This theme is carried through the program as steps become increasingly complex and more emphasis is placed on performance and presentation qualities. Students attend ballet twice per week at the intermediate, senior, and ITP levels.

Jazz

Jazz is a progressive program for students from 6 years of age, exploring a variety of commercial dance styles. The classes build on the basic technique which applies to all genres of dance, with a focus on rhythm, coordination, strength, and flexibility. Styles covered range from Broadway to pop, funk to classical jazz, and many moves in between.

Contemporary Dance

Contemporary Dance levels beginner through senior is designed for students ages 10+, and incorporates elements of dance styles including lyrical and modern. Emphasis is on the expressive nature of dance, technique and performance values, and improvisation.  Students will incorporate an emotional element with total body awareness.

Inclusive Dance

The inclusive dance series is a safe and welcoming space for dancers of all abilities. Inspired by Boston Ballet’s Adaptive Dance Program, Inclusive Dance is breaking down barriers to make dance accessible to students with disabilities. This program enables students to explore dance and movement patterns while allowing their creativity to soar.  Please contact us for more information on this new and exciting program.

Pointe

Pointe work is offered to students ages 12 and up, who attend ballet twice per week and have been recommended to the class by their instructor. As a child’s feet continue to grow rapidly until age 12, at which point the growth rate begins to slow naturally, dance umbrella students do not begin pointe until age 12 in order to maintain the long-term health of the dancer’s feet.

Intensive Training Program

The Intensive Training Program (ITP) is for dedicated dancers who wish to pursue an advanced level of dance education.  ITP students attend a minimum of four classes per week, two ballet, one contemporary, and one jazz, with other optional dance styles available.  Students must be recommended to ITP by our instructors. The Intensive Training Program is a recognized external credit program for PEI high school students in collaboration with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Performance Group                                                                                                                

Performance Group is an audition-based program for dedicated students who wish to develop their artistry and expand their performance opportunities. This is a non-competitive group and there is no charge to participate. Students learn repertoire throughout the year which may be performed at various opportunities in their communities, participate in workshops with visiting artists, and experience a taste of what it is to be part of a dance company.

Students must be age 12+ to audition and taking at least one technique class (ballet, contemporary, or jazz). Past highlights have included: Disney’s Dance The Magic trip to Orlando, music videos, The Nutcracker, workshops with national dance companies including: Ballet Jorgen, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, Ballet Kelowna, Danny Grossman Company, community performances, and more.

Intro to Tap 10+   

Learn the basics of Tap and Jazz styles of dance in this combo class! In this class, students will begin in a jazz aerobic warm-up and stretch, with attention to posture, gross and fine motor movements. Travelling steps will include exercises to develop balance, flexibility and quick thinking to link individual steps (kicks, hitch steps, turns, etc.). Centre work will include practicing combinations of steps to different genres of music. Students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and musicality, through an exploration of creative movement.  

Ballet Tech & Variation   

Ballet Technique & Variations is a supplemental class to a dancer’s regular ballet training, this class can be taken in soft shoes or en pointe*.  Each term we will study variations from a well-known ballet, where dancers will explore the history of the ballet as they develop their artistry through the progression of variations.   Class will begin with barre and center work which will focus on principles of strength & flexibility, turn-out, alignment with additional conditioning for turns, leaps, and footwork as it relates to the variation we are currently dancing.  Some Pas de Deux and partnering work will also be explored depending on the ballet. This class is intended for students working at an Intermediate level and above.  

  *Please note, pointe dancers must have permission from the instructor and be currently enrolled in a pointe technique class.  

Stretch & Conditioning   

Step into a dynamic world of movement and music with our strength and conditioning class! Fuse the graceful elements of Pilates, the precision of barre, and the power of conditioning exercises. Each session is a rhythmic journey where you’ll groove to the beat while sculpting your body and boosting your flexibility. Unleash your inner strength as you tone your muscles and enhance your mobility.  

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