DanceWorks Kenora offers classes for all ages, from kids to adults to seniors. No matter your age, experience, or skill level dance can provide many benefits including improved strength, coordination, flexibility, and the ability to express yourself through movement.

Class Levels

Classes at DanceWorks Kenora are based on a combination of dance experience and age. Please contact the studio if you are unsure which level you should register for.

Age Based Classes

  • Parent & Tot – Age 18 months to 3 years (must be accompanied by an adult)
  • Creative Movement – Age 3.5 to 5.5 years
  • Creative Movement & Tap – Age 5 to 7
  • Dance Foundations – Age 6 to 9
  • Primary, Junior, Intermediate, & Senior – Age 8 to 18 (see level descriptions below)
  • Teen – Age 12+, Open level classes. This level is appropriate for those starting dance as a teenager or returning to it after a few years away. The class will work to the general level of the class with mixed level exercises being given where needed to accommodate different abilities.
  • Adult – Age 18+, Open level classes. The class will work to the general level of the class with mixed level exercises being given where needed to accommodate different abilities.
  • Gentle – Age 18+, Classes for older adults or anyone wanting a somewhat slower-paced and more “gentle” dance class. The class will work to the general level of the class with mixed level exercises being given where needed to accommodate different abilities. Everyone is welcome!

Level based Classes

Enrollment in these classes may be adjusted based on teacher’s discretion. Students in these classes are grouped on a combination of dance experience, maturity, commitment and age.

  • Primary – 1 to 3 years of dance experience. Approximately ages 8 to 12. No dance experience required for age 10 and up. Age 8 should have previously completed Dance Foundations prior to registering at this level.
  • Junior – 2 to 6 years of dance experience. Approximately age 10 to 16
  • Intermediate – 2 to 8 years of dance experience. Approximately age 11 to 18.
  • Senior – 5+ years dance experience. Approximately age 13 to 18. Most dancers at this level will be training in multiple classes/styles.

Class Styles

Class styles offered at DanceWorks Kenora include parent and tot, creative movement, ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, and conditioning. For 2022/2023 we are once again offering our Performance Ensemble programs for dancers looking for a more committed training environment and extra workshop or performance opportunities.

Parent & Tot

Class provides an opportunity for parents (or any caregiver) and children (age 18 months to 3 years) to move and explore together. This creative movement based class will use imaginative exercises, games, and creative play to help build basic motor skills and coordination.

Creative Movement

A class for 3.5 to 5.5 year olds to explore movement through imaginative exercises, games, and creative play.  Children will develop their motor and listening skills while improving their spatial awareness and self-confidence.

Creative Movement & Tap

A class for 5 to 7 year olds to explore movement through imaginative exercises, games, and creative play and explore basic tap technique.  Children will develop their motor and listening skills while improving their spatial awareness and self-confidence.

Dance Foundations

These inter-disciplinary classes, for kids age 6 to 9, will cover introductory ballet, jazz, tap, or hip hop technique while also building students’ focus and discipline in preparation for future dance classes. Students will learn how their bodies move and begin to develop the posture, balance, strength and flexibility necessary to all forms of dance. *Dancers will typically take this level for 2 years before progressing to the Primary level.

Ballet

Classes, available for age 8 to adult, will focus on classical technique, alignment and body awareness through barre and centre work. Students will gain poise, grace, strength, flexibility, discipline, and self-confidence.  *Ballet is recommended for all dancers due to the crossover benefits from its focus on technique and alignment. Those who take two ballet classes a week will progress at a faster pace and, when deemed ready by the instructor, will be eligible for Pre-Pointe or Pointe class.

Pointe / Pre-Pointe

Students work through basic skills in order to strengthen technique and alignment, specifically towards going up “en pointe”. Physical development, maturity, physiology, good technique, hard work and the teachers evaluation of preparedness factor in to make this exciting decision. Includes barre and center work to strengthen the feet and ankles, learn placement, and increase flexibility as they develop pointe work skills. *Teacher approval is required before going “en pointe”. Students must take two ballet classes per week plus the pointe/pre-pointe class in order to be considered for pointe work.

Gentle Ballet

A ballet class for seniors, or adults who want a slower paced ballet class, focused on basic technique, musicality, and fluidity of movement. Students will notice an increase in balance, strength, endurance, flexibility, and grace.

Jazz

Classes, available for age 8 to adult, will cover the various genres of jazz dance with a focus on technique and expression. This energetic and dynamic style develops coordination and flexibility. *Jazz dancers who also train in ballet or who choose to take two jazz classes a week will often progress at a faster pace due to the posture, strength, and body awareness developed.

Tap

Classes, available for age 8 to adult, will cover essential steps and footwork as we explore the percussive nature of tap. Students will enjoy this exciting style of dance as they develop coordination and rhythm. *Tap dancers who also train in jazz or ballet will often progress at a faster pace due to the posture, strength, and body awareness developed in the additional technique class.

Gentle Jazz & Tap

A combined jazz and tap class for adults and seniors focused on basic technique, musicality, and rhythm. Students will notice an increase in balance, strength, rhythm, and coordination.

Hip Hop

Classes will explore this groove-based style. Hip Hop encourages finding your own personal style and showing a little attitude within the steps and is a more casual class without formal attire.

Modern

Modern dance goes beyond the limitations of classical ballet and explores the expression of movement through space, weight, breath, and release. *It is strongly recommended that dancers have a minimum of one year of prior dance training and also be training in ballet or jazz before enrolling for Modern.

Dance Conditioning

A recommended class for any serious dancer or for those looking for dance specific strength and stretching exercises. Students will gain strength and flexibility to assist them in their technical classes.

DWK Performance Ensemble

For students who are passionate about dance and performance. The DWK Performance Ensemble provides an opportunity to develop talent and performance skills while learning choreography and preparing for performance opportunities in the community or at competitions.

Auditions are held for the Performance Ensemble and dancers will also be evaluated in the first two months on their attendance, effort, focus, and attitude before final casting decisions are made. Once selections are made and Ensembles are finalized dancers are expected to maintain their attendance, effort, and positive attitude or may be removed from routines. Ensemble dancers will also be expected to act as role models within the studio and in the larger community. Dancers that are also involved in other activities should be prepared to make dance their priority.

Contact the studio for more information on the Performance Ensemble and to schedule an assessment if your dancer missed our spring auditions.