Elite Dance Training
Our specialised 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.

Krush Groove is The Heart of Riverdale's premier pre-professional street dance program for Grades 6-12, 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.
Opportunities & Commitments
- 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)
- Up to 4 battle opportunities per year.
- Opportunity for Student Choreography project for the Sunday Showcase in January.
- Participating in an educational trip to a major city in Canada.
Schedule
Mondays (4-6PM) - Breaking with Oleksii in the Narnia |
Tuesdays (4-6PM) - Breaking with Riley in the Narnia |
Wednesdays (4-6PM) - HipHop with Sasha in the Narnia |
Thursdays (4-6PM) - House with Violetta in the Narnia |
Thursdays (6:30-8PM) - Breaking with Oleksii in the Narnia |
Fridays (4-6PM) - Choreography with Oleksii in the Narnia |
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

Monthly instalment plans over 11 months are available and include a 5% instalment charge. The first payment is due the day of registration, and subsequent payments are due on the 1st of each month from September 1st to June 1st.
*Please note that the monthly prices stated are NOT monthly payments - they are instalments as all participants must commit to the full year.
Attention new students: Please be advised that only the full-time program is currently offered, with no part-time option available.
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 6-12, 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.
Opportunities & Commitments
- 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)
- Opportunity for Student Choreography project for the Sunday Showcase in January.
- Participating in an educational trip to a major city in Canada.
Schedule
Mondays (4-6PM) - Ballet with Grace Simpson-Fowler in the Green Studio |
Tuesdays (4-6PM) - Contemporary 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 Andrea 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.
Opportunities & Commitments
- 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)
- Opportunity for Student Choreography project for the Sunday Showcase in January.
- Participating in an educational trip to a major city in Canada.
Schedule
Mondays (4-6PM) - Ballet with Sachi Kambara in the Blue Studio |
Tuesdays (4-6PM) - Contemporary with Grace Simpson-Fowler in the Green Studio |
Wednesdays (4-6PM) - Ballet with Sachi in the Blue Studio |
Thursdays (4-6PM) - Jazz with Michelle Fishermayr in the Green Studio |
Fridays (4-6PM) - Choreography with Grace Simpson-Fowler in the Pink Studio |
Required Supplies
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
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.