Elite Dance Training
Our specialized dance programs, called Focus, Fly, Rhythm Riders, and Krush Groove, are designed for students in Grades 6 – 12 who are eager to dedicate themselves to intensive dance training.
Participants in the Pre-Professional Programs commit to 10 hours of weekly training in various dance genres. We offer two streams:
- Studio Styles (Focus and Fly) (Focus and Fly), where dancers learn ballet, contemporary, and jazz.
- Street Styles (Rhythm Riders and Krush Groove), where dancers learn breaking, hip hop, and house.
These programs are audition-based only:
- Audition Dates: June 9–12, 2025
Dancers must be going into Grade 6 for the fall of 2025 in order to be able to attend. Please message theheartofriverdale@gmail.com for more information if you are interested.
Students enrolled in any Pre-Professional Dance program can register for Pre-Pro Art classes (Art in Motion) or Pointe classes at no additional cost. **Pointe class placement will be based on audition. The Art class is available upon submission of a sketchbook.
Pre-Professional Program Only
Pointe 1 is the next step for dancers who have completed Pre-Pointe and have been approved to begin pointe work. Dancers will be introduced to proper pointe technique and develop strength and control through barre and basic center work.
Pointe 1 dancers will also have the opportunity to perform in our productions, gaining valuable stage experience.
Schedule
| Wednesdays (6:15-7:15PM) - Pointe 1 with Michelle FisherMayr in the Blue Studio |
Pre-Professional Program Only
Pointe 2 is for advanced pointe dancers in the pre-professional program who demonstrate strong technique and confidence en pointe. This class focuses on refining artistry, building stamina, and mastering more complex choreography. Pointe 2 dancers will have the opportunity to perform, including eligibility for solo roles in our Christmas and year-end productions.
Schedule
| Thursdays (6:30-8PM) - Pointe 2 with Michelle FisherMayr in the Blue Studio |
Pre-Professional Program Only
Our Pre-Pointe class is designed exclusively for dancers in the pre-professional program who are preparing to transition to pointe work. This class focuses on strengthening the feet, ankles, core, and overall alignment to ensure a safe and successful progression to pointe. Dancers build the foundational strength and technique needed before moving into pointe shoes.
Schedule
| Wednesdays (6:15-6:45PM) - Pre-Pointe with Sachi in the Blue Studio |
Krush Groove is The Heart of Riverdale’s premier pre-professional street dance program for Grades 8-12, offering intensive training in hip-hop, breaking, and other street dance styles. Designed for dedicated dancers, this program combines rigorous technique classes, choreography, and freestyle sessions to prepare students for high-level performances and competitions.
Goals of the Krush Groove Program
Krush Groove develops technical excellence and creative individuality in street dance styles while fostering respect for hip-hop culture. The program prepares students for competitive performances, artistic growth, and collaborations.
Tuition: $4600/year
-
- $400 non-refundable deposit due before audition
- Post-audition: pay $4200 in full OR through a 10-month instalment plan (Sept 1 – June 1).
Note: Monthly amounts are instalments. All participants commit to the full year.
Opportunities & Commitments
- Polar Night: January 12–25, 2026
- Art from the Heart Festival: May 19–31, 2026
Schedule
| Mondays (4-6PM) - HipHop with Sasha (Oleksandra Trofimova) in the Narnia |
| Tuesdays (4-6PM) - Breaking with Riley Simpson-Fowler in the Narnia |
| Wednesdays (4-6PM) - Breaking with Oleksii Ogarov in the Narnia |
| Thursdays (4-6PM) - House with Violetta Umanes in the Narnia |
| Thursdays (6:30-8PM) - Breaking with Oleksii Ogarov in the Narnia |
| Fridays (4-6PM) - Choreography with Violetta Umanes in the Green Studio |
Required Supplies
- Water bottle
- Journal or notebook
- Comfortable clothing to move in (i.e: sweatpants and a t-shirt), NO jeans
- Clean indoor running shoes, NO outdoor shoes permitted
Rhythm Riders is an elite program at The Heart of Riverdale for Grades 6-8, focusing on breaking and hip-hop techniques. Designed for serious dancers, this program offers 10+ hours of weekly training to master strength, agility, and freestyle creativity.
Students learn from experienced instructors, refining their unique style while performing dynamic choreography and engaging in community showcases and battles. Rhythm Riders encourages teamwork and cultural appreciation, helping dancers grow as artists and individuals.
Goals of the Rhythm Riders Program
Rhythm Riders builds technical proficiency in breaking and hip-hop, fostering physical strength, musicality, and self-expression. The program prepares students for high-level battles and performances while celebrating hip-hop’s cultural roots.
Tuition: $4600/year
-
- $400 non-refundable deposit due before audition
- Post-audition: pay $4200 in full OR through a 10-month installment plan (Sept 1 – June 1).
••Note: Monthly amounts are installments. All participants commit to the full year.
Opportunities & Commitments
- Polar Night: January 12–25, 2026
- Art from the Heart Festival: May 19–31, 2026
Schedule
| Mondays (4-6PM) - HipHop with Violetta Umanes in the Black Box Theatre |
| Tuesdays (4-6PM) - Breakin with Oleksii Ogarov in the Black Box Theatre |
| Wednesdays (4-6PM) - Breaking with Riley Simpson-Fowler in the Black Box Theatre |
| Thursdays (4-6PM) - Hip Hop with Sasha (Oleksandra Trofimova) in the Black Box Theatre |
| Fridays (4-6PM) - Choreography with Mia Houde in the Narnia |
Required Supplies
- Water bottle
- Journal or notebook
- Comfortable clothing to move in (i.e: sweatpants and a t-shirt)
- Clean indoor running shoes, NO outdoor shoes permitted
Fly is an advanced pre-professional dance program for Grades 8-12, providing dancers with 10+ hours of rigorous weekly training in ballet, contemporary, and jazz. Designed for students committed to excelling in dance, Fly emphasizes technical precision, artistic expression, and performance readiness.
Fly prepares dancers for competitive opportunities and advanced studies, fostering confidence and a deeper appreciation for the art form.
Goals of the Fly Program
Fly focuses on perfecting technique and developing artistry in ballet, contemporary, and jazz. The program nurtures discipline, creativity, and self-confidence, equipping dancers for professional or advanced educational paths in dance.
Tuition: $4600/year
-
- $400 non-refundable deposit due before audition
- Post-audition: pay $4200 in full OR through a 10-month installment plan (Sept 1 – June 1).
••Note: Monthly amounts are installments. All participants commit to the full year.
Opportunities & Commitments
- Polar Night: January 12–25, 2026
- Art from the Heart Festival: May 19–31, 2026
Schedule
| Mondays (4-6PM) - Jazz with Micha St-Pierre in the Green Studio |
| Tuesdays (4-6PM) - Ballet with Sachi Kambara in the Blue Studio |
| Wednesdays (4-6PM) - Jazz with Grace Simpson-Fowler in the Green Studio |
| Thursdays (4-6PM) - Ballet with Sachi Kambara in the Blue Studio |
| Fridays (4-6PM) - Choreography with Grace Simpson-Fowler in the Blue Studio |
Required Supplies
- Water bottle
- Journal or notebook
- black bodysuit
- pink or skin tone ballet tights
- pink or skin tone split sole ballet shoes
- hair must be in a clean bun
- dancers may wear tight shorts or a ballet skirt
- black bodysuit
- tight shorts or jazz pants
- black jazz shoes
- dancers may wear a tight t-shirt or tank
- tight shorts or pants
- fitted shirt or tank top
- foot undies or bare feet
- plain loose fitting pants, NO jeans
- clean indoor running shoes, NO outdoor shoes permitted
Focus is a pre-professional dance program for Grades 6-12, providing intensive training in ballet, contemporary, and jazz. Dancers train 10+ hours weekly in a structured environment, balancing technical excellence with artistic growth.
With classes taught by expert instructors, students refine their skills in technique, choreography, and performance, preparing them for advanced studies or careers in the performing arts. Focus inspires discipline, creativity, and a lifelong passion for dance.
Goals of the Focus Program
Focus develops advanced skills in studio dance styles, fostering versatility, precision, and self-expression. The program prepares dancers for major productions and advanced performance opportunities.
Tuition: $4600/year
- $400 non-refundable deposit due before audition
- Post-audition: pay $4200 in full OR through a 10-month instalment plan (Sept 1 – June 1).
Note: Monthly amounts are instalments. All participants commit to the full year.
Opportunities & Commitments
- Polar Night: January 12–25, 2026
- Art from the Heart Festival: May 19–31, 2026
Schedule
| Mondays (4-6PM) - Ballet with Michelle Fishermayr in the Blue Studio |
| Tuesdays (4-6PM) - Contemporary with Grace Simpson-Fowler in the Green Studio |
| Wednesdays (4-6PM) - Ballet with Sachi Kambara in the Blue Studio |
| Thursdays (4-6PM) - Jazz with Micha St-Pierre in the Green Studio |
| Fridays (4-6PM) - Choreography with Michelle FisherMayr in the Pink Studio |
Required Supplies
Required Dance Clothing & Supplies for all Focus & Fly students:
Please make sure your student has all of these items for their classes and performances and support them in arriving at the studio a few minutes early for each class with everything they need. Mandatory: All Pre-Professional Students must have a pair of all-black OR all-white runners (colour TBD) for performances. ALL classes:
- Water bottle
- Journal or notebook
- black bodysuit
- pink or skin tone ballet tights
- pink or skin tone split sole ballet shoes
- hair must be in a clean bun
- dancers may wear tight shorts or a ballet skirt
- black bodysuit
- tight shorts or jazz pants
- black jazz shoes
- dancers may wear a tight t-shirt or tank
- tight shorts or pants
- fitted shirt or tank top
- foot undies or bare feet
- plain loose fitting pants, NO jeans
- clean indoor running shoes, NO outdoor shoes permitted
Commitments & Opportunities
Students enrolled in our Pre-Professional Training Programs enjoy numerous performance opportunities throughout the school year. Events like Polar Night (January) and Art from the Heart (May/June) at the Yukon Arts Centre provide a professional setting for showcasing their skills. The preparation involves lead-up days, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and the actual production over several nights.
These programs also open doors for travel and participation in local and international competitions, with a special emphasis on Rhythm Riders and Krush Groove due to their association with street dance battles.
At The Heart, we’re dedicated to delivering excellent arts programming and expect the same level of commitment from our students. Regular attendance to classes is crucial for students to fully benefit from the programs, alongside their peers.