Ballet and Jazz training for young dancers (2-3 classes a week)
Classical Squad is a part of our Studio Styles dance program, perfect for children who want to explore the grace and discipline of traditional dance styles such as ballet, contemporary, and jazz. Participants will become proficient in the foundations of these dance styles, while developing skills in technique, ensemble work, and performance quality.
We recommend the Classical Squad program for dancers wishing to pursue training in jazz dance or classical ballet and to eventually join our pre-professional program (Focus, and Fly). Classical Squad offers more classes per week than our recreational programs, as well as extra performances at the Yukon Arts Centre.
Our instructors hold certification and degrees in dance and performance and are the first in the Yukon to be able to prepare young dancers for examinations in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) classical ballet syllabus.
Conveniently scheduled Monday to Friday between 4 and 6pm, Classical Squad can be accessed through our Full Time After School Arts Program!
Goals of the Classical Squad Program
Classical Squad provides training to prepare children for the Pre-Professional Program, and is also an option for recreational dancers who want to dance more often. We aim to develop strong foundational skills in classical ballet while nurturing creativity and self-expression. Students gain exposure to the artistry of dance, preparing them for advanced techniques and performances.
The program fosters physical strength, mental discipline, and a love for the art form. Beyond dance, students learn teamwork, leadership, and goal-setting skills, empowering them to reach their potential as both artists and individuals.

For new students in Kindergarten
Classical Squad 1A introduces kindergarten students to the joy of ballet with playful, age-appropriate classes that build coordination, creativity, and confidence at The Heart of Riverdale.

Schedule
Mondays (3:45-4:40PM) - Ballet with Michelle in the Pink Studio |
Wednesdays (3:45-4:40PM) - Jazz with Andrea in the Pink Studio |
For returning students in Grade 1
Classical Squad 1B offers returning Grade 1 students continued ballet training, building on foundational skills with age-appropriate techniques and creative expression.

Schedule
Tuesdays (3:45-3:40PM) - Jazz with Andrea in the Purple Studio |
Thursdays (3:45-3:40PM) - Ballet with Noelle in the Purple Studio |
For returning students in Grade 2
Classical Squad 2 provides Grade 2 students with advanced ballet training, enhancing technique, strength, and artistry in a supportive and creative environment.
For new students in Grade 3
Classical Squad 3 helps Grade 3 students refine their ballet skills with focused training in technique, poise, and self-expression, fostering confidence and creativity.

Schedule
Tuesdays(4:45-5:45PM) Ballet - with Michelle in the Pink Studio |
Thursdays(4:45-5:45PM) Jazz - with Grace in the Pink Studio |
For new students in Grade 4/5
Classical Squad 3 welcomes new Grade 4/5 students to ballet training, focusing on foundational techniques, strength, and creativity in a supportive environment.

Schedule
Mondays (4-5PM) - Jazz with Andrea in the Purple Studio. |
Wednesdays (4-5PM) - Ballet with Michelle in the Purple Studio. |
Fridays (4-5PM) - Choreography with Michelle in the Dojo |
For new students in Grade 6/7
Classical Squad 5 introduces Grade 6/7 students to ballet with beginner-friendly training that builds technique, strength, and confidence in a welcoming environment.

Schedule
Mondays (4:45-6PM) - Ballet with Michelle in the Pink Studio |
Wednesdays (4:45-6PM) - Jazz with Andrea in the Pink Studio |
Fridays (4:45-6PM) - Choreography with Michelle in the Dojo |
Opportunities & Commitments
The Heart of Riverdale is committed to providing exceptional arts programming, and we encourage the same dedication from our students. Regular attendance is essential for students and their class to fully benefit from the program. There are two mandatory performances each year:
- Polar Night at the Yukon Arts Centre (rehearsals & shows: January 13-26th)
- Art from The Heart Festival at the Yukon Arts Centre (rehearsals & shows: May 20-June 1)
Required Supplies
Please make sure your dancer has all of these items for their classes and performances, and assist them to arrive at the studio a few minutes early for each class with everything they need. Please label EVERYTHING, including shoes and water bottle, with your dancer's name!
Required for all dancers:
- Hair pinned up and out of face (ballet bun, ponytail)
- Water bottle
- Hairbrush, extra hair ties, pins, barrettes, etc.
Ballet supplies
- A coloured leotard & pink/skin tone tights
- Ballet slippers with elastic(s) sewn on
- Warm-up attire (leg warmers, ballet sweaters, etc)
Jazz & choreography supplies
- Leotard & jazz pants/leggings
- Black Jazz Oxford shoes (soft jazz shoes)
- Optional plain-coloured, tight-fitting (stretchy) tank top (no t-shirts, designs or logos please) over top of leotard
Performance supplies
- Base, powder, blush, eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow & lipstick
- Pink/skin tone & black tights (clean with no runs/tears)
- Black leotard
- Nude coloured undergarments
- Clean ballet and jazz shoes with no holes
- Water bottle
- Hairbrush, extra hair ties, pins/barrettes, hair gel
- Healthy snacks