Dance Classes

Recreational Dance Classes for Children, Youth, and Adults

The Music & Arts School offers dance instruction to children, youth and adults in a warm and welcoming environment.

Our dance students have the opportunity to grow individually, expressively, and artistically as they explore the dance styles of ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, and hip hop.

Classes for Toddlers

Creative Movement (Ages 2 to 3 with Caregivers)

Our Creative Movement Dance Classes for toddlers (ages 2 to 3) and caregivers offer families a chance to connect through the joy of shared creative movement!

This program is returning Fall 2023 (registration opens August 2).

Classes for Children

Our dance classes for children offer kids a chance to learn the basics of western dance styles in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. This program runs throughout the school year and culminates with an end-of-year recital in June.

Ballet (Ages 4 to 8)

Learn the basics of ballet in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. No previous training required.

Dancers will learn strong fundamentals of ballet technique including good posture, turnout and supple use of feet and arms.

This program is returning Fall 2023 (registration opens August 2).

Hip Hop (Ages 4 to 12)

Learn the basics of Hip Hop in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. No previous training required.

Hip hop is inspired by pop culture, with a wide range of styles like breaking, locking and popping. Dancers work on finding their inner groove in this unique dance style.

This program is returning Fall 2023 (registration opens August 2).

Jazz (Ages 4 to 8)

Learn the basics of Jazz in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. No previous training required.

Jazz is technical and stylistic. It is one of the most popular styles of dance because of how enjoyable it is to learn and perform and how well it blends with other styles.

This program is returning Fall 2023 (registration opens August 2).

Musical Theatre (Ages 4 to 12)

Musical theatre classes at the Music & Arts School teach students a combination of singing, acting, and dancing. No previous training required.

Students will learn to develop their performance skills as they learn choreography and lyrics to a popular musical production.

This program is returning Fall 2023 (registration opens August 2).

Tap (Ages 4 to 8)

Learn the basics of Tap in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. No previous training required.

Tap dance is driven by rhythm and footwork. Dancers learn how to listen to music closely and in turn add their own rhythms to complement it.

This program is returning Fall 2023 (registration opens August 2).

Classes for Youth and Adults

Beginner Ballet for Youth and Adults (Ages 12+)

Learn the basics of ballet in these relaxed, non-competitive classes. No previous training is required.

Dancers will learn strong fundamentals of ballet technique including good posture, turnout, and supple use of feet and arms.

This program is returning Fall 2023 (registration opens August 2).

Student Portal

The Music & Arts School communicates information with students and families through University Settlement’s client portal. The portal allows parents and students to view activity schedules, register for other University Settlement programming and view all billing information!

Additional Info

2022/23 Calendar

Fall Term 2022

September 7

Fall Term begins

October 10

Thanksgiving CLOSED

December 13

Last Day of the Fall Term

Winter Term 2023

January 9

Winter Term begins

February 20

Family Day CLOSED

March 10

Last Day of the Winter Term

Spring Term 2023

March 20

Spring Term begins

April 7 to 10

Easter Weekend CLOSED

May 22

Victoria Day CLOSED

June 19

Last Day of the Spring Term

Summer Term 2023

July 4

Summer Term begins

August 6

Last Day of the Summer Term

August 7

Simcoe Day CLOSED

Updated July 26, 2022

Agency Membership Fee

In addition to program fees, an annual Agency Membership ($25 plus HST per year) is required for all individuals participating in Music & Arts School programs at University Settlement.

School Faculty

Our exceptional faculty of professionally trained teachers and performers offer one of the best music education opportunities in Toronto. All have a Bachelor’s degree in music and many have completed studies at the Master’s level. Each has a demonstrated commitment to the community.

Strings

Winds

Voice

Chamber Program

Concerts

Regular performances by students, teachers and special guests form an integral part of life at our School. Students of all levels have the opportunity to perform in a non-competitive environment. Past student recitals can also be viewed on the Music & Arts School YouTube channel.

Subsidies

Fee subsidies can help students age 18 or younger from families not able to afford the full cost of private lessons. Eligibility is based on the total household income, and the number of people in the family. Check the 2022/23 Program Guide for more information.

FAQ

What is the cancellation policy?

Due to the pandemic, the Music & Arts School is waiving its policy requiring students to provide 24-hours notice when cancelling a private lesson. Regardless of the notice given, should you cancel your private lesson, a make-up lesson will be arranged. There is a maximum of one make-up lesson per term. Should your teacher cancel a lesson, it will be rescheduled. Please note: Group classes are not eligible for make-up lessons.

What do I do if I can’t attend a lesson?

Please email us or call the Music & Arts School Office at 416-598-3444 ext. 243 or 244 to let us know that you are unable to attend.

What technical equipment do I need for online lessons?

It’s pretty simple. You need a device with video capabilities – a smartphone, tablet or laptop and a strong internet connection.

Is the School accessible?

Yes! An elevator provides access to all rooms used for private lessons and group classes.

School Staff

Victoria Medeiros, Managing Director

Prior to becoming the Managing Director of the Music & Arts School in 2014, Victoria was a voice instructor in 2013. She received a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music. Victoria has years of experience both as a performer and as a teacher.

Felix Flores, Program Assistant

Felix Flores is a violinist, composer and arranger who has experience performing in a wide variety of music genres including Classical, Jazz, Tango, Latin, and Contemporary music. A long-time teacher with experience in arts administration, he’s excited to take on this additional role at the Music & Arts School. View Felix’s artist bio

Lyf Stolte, Program Assistant

Lyf Stolte brings his passion for the arts to his role as Program Assistant. Having facilitated arts, storytelling and other workshops and events at his previous work, he is excited to bring these experiences with him to the University Settlement’s Music & Arts School. Lyf is married and has two sons, and two dogs!