Since opening her studio in 2002 Catherine McRae, owner and operator of Catherine's Dance Studio, has proudly offered her students qualified and professional dance instruction in a Professional Studio environment. She is happy to provide a studio setting that is warm and welcoming, while continuing to set the standard for dance education in Conception Bay North.

CDS provides programs for both the recreational dancer and for those who are interested in pursuing Dance as a possible Career, or who have a keen interest in dance in a more serious capacity. The studio offers an Exam Program with the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) in Jazz, Modern Theatre and Tap, and is proud to have a record of extremely high standard Exam results. CDS offers a diverse curriculum for its students, providing opportunities for dancers to achieve well rounded dance training and technical strengths. Our programs are offered for children ages 3 years and up and include: Dance Discovery Program for Boys and Girls, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary & Lyrical Modern, Ballroom and Latin American.

In addition to the weekly schedule, CDS regularly offers workshops with visiting Teachers and Choreographers, giving students the opportunity to learn from other Professionals in the industry. We have opened our doors to many Guest Artists including; Liz Murphy T.C.R.G (Irish Dancing), Andrea Tucker A.I.S.T.D (Contemporary Modern, Graham and Limon Techniques), Lenny De La Pena (Hip Hop & Funk Flava) and upcoming this fall Matthew Power from East Rock Crew (Breaking).

At CDS we embody a Passion for dance that runs deep in the heart of every student. Each dancer's needs are unique, and the studio prides itself on maintaining a fun, motivating environment where students can develop their technique and reach their individual goals. We are committed to providing our students with the highest standard in dance education and inspiring each one to be the best that they can be.


UPCOMING EVENTS!

Summer Break
The studio is currently closed for Summer Vacation. If you require information please send an email to
 
Emails and phone messages will be checked throughout the summer months.
 
 
 
Fall Registration
Information regarding the 2009/2010 Dance Season will be sent to existing students in July.
 
 
 
Canada's National Ballet School Workshop
On Thursdsay March 26th Catherine's Dance Studio hosted a workshop with Teachers and a pianist from Canada's National Ballet School (Toronto).
30 Dancers ages 8-12yrs were delighted to participate this amazing class!
(Photos coming soon!)
For more information on NBS, check out their website
   
 
 Choosing a Dance Studio
Below are some important points to consider when choosing a Dance Studio & Teacher.
 
• Does your specific dance teacher have proper training in the genre s/he is teaching? Don't be afraid to ask.
• Does the instructor have certification as a teacher and professional college training in DANCE? Many dance teachers do NOT as there is no law that governs who can and can not open a dance studio and teach dance.
•What levels of examinations have been completed by the teacher and what grade was awarded? When you take a professional level dance exam the grade you are awarded determines the standard of technique and performance quality a dancer has. REMEMBER, a dance 'certificate' does not indicate that an insturctor is a Qualified Teacher with a governing body for dance education. Any diploma which is hung on a studio wall should state "is Qualified as a Teacher of" following the teacher's name. Any other certificate is just that, a certificate for dance tests, not teacher qualifying exams - otherwise known as Associate Examinations.
  • What kind of background does the teacher have: a) teaching, b) dealing with children, c) performing?
  • Does the dance teacher still perform and/or take classes to stay current and maintain/improve his/her dancing and teaching techniques? A good dance teacher is not always a good performer. A good performer is not always a good dance teacher. Having a teacher who has the ability for both creates the best learning environment for students. 
  • Does the dance teacher teach what they are truly qualified to teach? You wouldn’t want a ballroom teacher to teach ballet, tap, or jazz; nor would you want a teenage student teaching the class.
  • Does the dance teacher have patience in dealing with students?
  • What type of space will you be dancing in? A professional studio should have adequate space and above all a proper dance floor. A studio or dancing space with tile or industrial type flooring is putting the students and their teacher at risk of injury. Ideally,a dance studio should have a sprung wood floor. Some studios may have a professional floor surface installed on top of the wood - this creates the ideal studio floor.   
    • Is the dance teacher caring, knowledgeable, patient, and willing to work with EACH student?
    • Does the dance teacher have a working knowledge of anatomy?
    • Does the dance teacher provide a disciplined, encouraging, and FUN learning environment?
    • Does the dance teacher inspire, motivate, and instill a joy of movement in his/her classes?
    • Does the class have a moving spirit?
    • Does the dance teacher encourage individual expression?

     

                                                                                                  

    • If you are interested in more information, please email info@catherinesdancestudio.com

    Click here for the Studio Policies

    © 2009  - Catherine's Dance Studio