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.
Get $10 off Spring classes: Use code MASGROUP10 to get $10 off select Dance Classes.
Featured Classes
Jazz Dance Classes for Kids
Jazz classes are now offered on Sunday morning for kids ages 4 to 8.
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Beginner Ballet Classes for Adults and Youth
Beginner Ballet classes are now offered on Sunday afternoons for adults and youth.
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
2023/24 Calendar
Fall Term 2023
September 5
Fall Term begins
October 7 to 9
Thanksgiving Weekend CLOSED
December 11
Last Day of the Fall Term
Winter Term 2024
January 8
Winter Term begins
February 17 to 19
Family Day CLOSED
March 8
Last Day of the Winter Term
Spring Term 2024
March 18
Spring Term begins
March 29 to April 1
Easter Weekend CLOSED
May 18 to 20
Victoria Day CLOSED
June 17
Last Day of the Spring Term
Summer Term 2024
July 2
Summer Term begins
August 4
Last Day of the Summer Term
August 5
Simcoe Day CLOSED
Updated January 29, 2024
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.
Drums
Piano
Strings
- Alex Cheung (Violin)
- Felix Flores (Violin)
- Joel Tangjerd (Cello)
- Robert Carroll (Classical Guitar)
- Robert Maddocks (Ukulele)
- Yoona Kang (Violin)
Winds
- Katherine Anderson (Flute)
- Alberto Di Priolo (Saxophone)
Voice & Choir
- Ewa Cybulska
- Sherry Squires (Choir)
Chamber Program
- Keith Reid (Chamber Coordinator)
- Alberto Di Priolo (Coach)
- Alex Cheung (Coach)
- Robert Carroll (Coach)
- Katherine Anderson (Coach)
- Laraine Herzog (Coach)
- Felix Flores (Coach)
- Joel Tangjerd (Coach)
Dance
Art
Early Childhood Music
Theory & Ear Training
- Alberto Di Priolo (Ear Training)
- André McEvenue (Theory & Harmony)
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 2023/24 Program Guide for more information.
FAQ
What is the cancellation policy?
Regardless of the notice given, should you cancel your private lesson, a make-up lesson will be arranged, maximum of one make-up lesson per term. Should your teacher cancel a lesson, it will be rescheduled. Please note: Missed 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!
Grace’s Story —“We’ve watched Grace grow up at the Music & Arts School where she has studied flute, piano and dance for 12 years…”
We’ve watched Grace grow up at the Music & Arts School where she has studied flute, piano and dance for 12 years and became a dedicated volunteer during the past five.
“The University Settlement community is a close-knit one and volunteering here has been an important part of my community and creative life,” said Grace.
As Grace polished her dance skills, she became qualified to take on the role of volunteer dance assistant. In addition to helping create a safe and inspiring atmosphere in dance classes, Grace encouraged students by participating in their warm-up routines, helping to build their self-confidence, and engaging new students, many of whom had not studied dance before.
“The Dance program has taught me to reflect on my own character, and develop empathy, patience, attentiveness, teamwork, as well as hone my communication skills.
“Over the past five years, I’ve been able to share my passion for dance, and become a leader and role-model. I also got to know the students and appreciate their individual progress.”
Last year [2021], Grace expanded her volunteer portfolio when she joined the Music Advisory Committee as a student representative. A major focus of the committee has been the organization of the Music & Arts School’s 100th Anniversary celebrations.
“Grace is one of our most committed and disciplined students. Having her thoughtful voice and enthusiasm at the table has been extraordinarily valuable,” said Victoria Medeiros, Managing Director of the Music & Arts School.
We’re so proud that Grace is this year’s recipient of the White Family Volunteer Scholarship and wish her well as she leaves to begin a new chapter as a student at Queen’s University in the Health Sciences program.
Help Us Make A Difference
When you give to University Settlement, you make it possible for students, like Grace, to pursue their artistic talents at the Music & Arts School.
Make a donation. Make a difference.