Dance is a fun, creative way for your child to keep active year-round. In dance classes, kids build muscle strength, increase flexibility, improve balance and coordination, learn correct posture, and develop body awareness. On this page, find:
• A list of programs focused on dance lessons
• A second list of programs with some dance activities
• More information and advice for parents and kids Read more
This list includes programs put on by dance academies and other professionals, where kids and teens will get intensive training in dancing such as ballet, hip hop, etc. Take a closer look at each listing to get more details.
PROGRAM Dance Performing Arts Sep 06, 2022 - Jun 25, 2023
Our award-winning dance instructors will help you develop technique, grow your confidence and get qualified. Visit website |
PROGRAM Dance Performing Arts Sep 06, 2022 - Jun 25, 2023
Our award-winning dance instructors will help you develop technique, grow your confidence and get qualified. Visit website |
PROGRAM Dance Performing Arts Sep 06, 2022 - Jun 25, 2023
Our award-winning dance instructors will help you develop technique, grow your confidence and get qualified. Visit website |
PROGRAM Dance Mar 28 - Jun 13, 2023
Dance is more than learning cool tricks and flashy poses. Dance is a form of expression. Visit website |
PROGRAM Dance Jan 07 - Jun 03, 2023
The DiscoverDanceTM Program is a series of movement classes designed to introduce children to the creative world of dance. Visit website |
PROGRAM Dance Mar 28 - Jun 13, 2023
Dance is more than learning cool tricks and ashy poses. Visit website |
PROGRAM Dance Jan 09 - Dec 19, 2023
Come try dance classes in ballet, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, acro, contemporary and modern dance styles. Find your favourite! Visit website |
PROGRAM Dance Ballet Mar 03 - Jun 10, 2023
Come learn Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. Work towards competing and performing with our team! Visit website |
PROGRAM Dance Jan 09 - Jun 19, 2023
Fitness classes for adults are currently: - Yin Yoga with Lucie - Deep stretch for all levels - Mondays from 7:30-8:30pm Visit website |
PROGRAM Dance Jan 09 - Jun 19, 2023
Dancers pursue a specialized schedule of weekly classes, working toward RAD and Cecchetti ballet certifications. Visit website |
Programs below offer a moderate focus on dance, with a variety of other activities also offered.
PROGRAM Performing Arts Musical Theatre Sep 06, 2022 - Jun 20, 2023
This is a year-long program that trains young people in musical theatre and prepares them for a full stage production in June Visit website |
PROGRAM Arts Jan 17 - Jun 29, 2023
Childhood Expressions ™ Fine Arts Curriculum provides a positive learning environment for young children using movement & art Visit website |
Find kids' dance programs in cities across Canada listed on OurKids.net. Links below go to our advanced search page, with selected programs from each of the cities listed:
On OurKids.net you'll also find other ways to indulge your love of dance. Here are more options:
Here's a quick overview of what kids learn in dance programs and classes found on OurKids.net. Consult each class linked to above, to find specifics of what they offer.
Genre-specific techniques. Kids gain general dance knowledge in relation to aspects like rhythm, coordination, and synchronization. They also learn techniques associated with specific dance genres. For example, tap dancing requires more movement from the heels and toes, while contemporary dance focuses on the fluidity of the limbs.
Coordination. Body awareness is a big part of dancing. Kids learn to control their movements and keep their balance. In dance classes, instructors provide kids with coordination techniques and other skills that help them excel in performance.
Self-discipline. Perfecting any dance routine is a deliberate, time-consuming process that requires dedication. Kids must discipline themselves and practice regularly to improve skills and to be part of the dance team.
Collaboration and trust. In group dances, synchronization and emotional awareness are vital to a good performance. To achieve this, students must be able to communicate, provide constructive feedback, and trust one another.
Self-awareness. Through dance, kids identify, analyze, and monitor their personal strengths and weaknesses. Dance class shifts students’ focus away from personal insecurities toward a shared success. Kids gain confidence as they master dance moves, patterns, and styles.
The benefits gained from enrollment in dance extend far beyond the studio. Here is what your child will gain from the programs and classes listed above.
Keeps kids active. In dance programs, kids take part in an extreme cardio workout. Whether they are doing jazz, hip hop, or acro, students exercise their core, legs, and upper body muscles. This encourages them to maintain their physical wellbeing in and outside of class.
Broadens artistic expression. Dance is a unique art form as it uses the whole body to tell a story. Youthful dancers embody the rhythm, tempo, and beat of the music, and learn to interpret it individually. It’s a completely unique, easily accessible form of artistic expression that doesn’t require tools, supplies, instruments, or equipment.
Stimulates the brain. Research shows that dance can improve a child’s ability to learn new information by stimulating the brain’s visual, auditory, and memory centers. Dance opens children up to more creative ways of analyzing and solving problems. Other studies have suggested a direct link between physical activity and an increased attention span in children.
Gateway to other performance opportunities. Enrolling in dance class opens the door for related performance opportunities. Dancers are required for musicals, operas, ballets, and other performing arts. Classes expand kids’ performing repertoire.
New friendships. A byproduct of any class, program, or camp is that kids meet others with the same interests. Kids grow and learn alongside the peers in each class. They connect with one another through their mutual love of dance, and friendships flourish in this setting.
Release of energy. Classes require kids to pour their energy into their routines. Energy must stay elevated while learning choreography, rehearsing a routine, and performing. It’s a positive way to release childhood energy that eschews screen time and other passivity.
Here are questions to ask programs providers in your area, in order to compare responses you receive and find one that best suits your family:
Branch out into more specific kinds of classes or programs, or try camps focused on an activity that puts dance into a broader context. Consider these alternatives:
Dance camps offer a weeklong or longer experience for kids, including both day and overnight camps, where they can really immerse themselves in dancing, and get to know others from a much broader area.
Ballet lessons focus on this very disciplined genre, offering dedicated training in this very elevated form of dance.
Jazz dance classes are fun and energetic, as are hip hop dance classes, which are ideally appealing to kids who may already love this form of music.
Gymnastics camp focuses on much of the same physical development, while also appealing to those with Olympic aspirations–or who simply enjoy the unique expression possible in this activity.
Musical theatre camp (as well as performing arts camp) focuses on a fun, challenging way to incorporate dance into stage productions where kids may also get a chance to try acting and singing.
Combine this list with other information in our guide:
“Dancing and the brain.” Harvard.edu
"Does dance increase your brain power?" Elevatedance.com.
How many Kids' dance classes and lessons are there?
There are 10 programs specializing in Dance (multi). In addition, there are 2 programs offering dance (multi) as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.
What are the fees to attend Kids' dance classes and lessons?
Fees for Kids' dance classes and lessons range from FREE to $700 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.
What age do Kids' dance classes and lessons start at?
There are programs available for children aged 1 through 19.
Where can parents meet with Kids' dance classes and lessons?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.
Canadian Adventure Camp provides an ideal immersive overnight camp experience. [Read more]
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Canlan Sports summer hockey camps. [Read more]
The STEAM Project offers hands-on, exciting learning activities. [Read more]
Amici aims to send as many kids to overnight camp as possible, especially those who wouldn’t normally be able to go. We can’t think of a worthier and more admirable goal. [Read more]
Founded in 2007, Kids in Camp is a charitable organization run by past and current camp directors and owners. [Read more]
They can read, but when it comes to functional literacy—expressing ideas, crafting arguments—some feel that students could, and should, be doing better. [Read more]
