Innovate Dance Arts

As District 69’s original dance studio, we have created performing artists for over 50 years.

We are a community of students, teachers, mentors, and artists who believe dance is a powerful vessel for learning.

We believe the growth within the dance studio transforms us & will stay with our dancers for a lifetime!

Our class offerings

Welcome to Innovate Dance Arts, where our passion for dance meets a commitment to excellence in dance education. We offer diverse dance programs tailored to enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Whether looking to train…

  • At a pre-professional level with a focus on technique, artistry & a competitive edge

  • As a beginner embarking on a dance journey

  • Or to dance simply to explore the love of dance with a focus on fun & fitness.

Our expert team is dedicated to nurturing the dancer’s growth & development. We have created a community dedicated to making your dreams come true.

Our mission at Innovate Dance is to inspire creativity, foster a lifelong appreciation of dance, and provide an exceptional learning experience. We believe in supporting each dancer’s journey, empowering dancers to reach their goals, and sharing the joy and fulfillment of dance.

Come join our Innovate community & let’s dance towards a brighter, more artistic tomorrow.

Intensive

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General

Our general programming is an ideal place for anyone who just wants to explore dance and perform for fun!

Intensive

Our intensive dance program is tailored for the dancer who wants to take their dance more seriously. This should be the main extracurricular activity due to the time commitment required to train a true dance artist. Dancers must be invited to participate in this program. Ballet technique will always dictate placement in one of the following levels:

  • Mini – Age 7-8 (minimum 3-4 hours per week)

  • Petite – Age 8-9 (minimum 4-5 hours per week)

  • Pre-Junior – Age 9-11 (minimum 4-6 hours per week)

  • Junior – Age 10-11 (minimum 5-7 hours per week)

  • Pre-Intermediate – Age 11-13 (minimum 10 hours per week)

  • Intermediate – Age 12-15 (minimum 10 hours per week)

  • Senior – Age 14+ (minimum 8 hours per week)

  • Pursuit (1/2 day) – Age 14+ (minimum 11 – 14 hours per week)

  • Bridge Intensive levels – where required, bridge programs will be offered for dancers who are between training levels. The focus is to build technical strength & stability with some competitive opportunities. Age ranges from 12 – 16 years (minimum 5-8 hours per week)

*Please note that age ranges are only a guideline, and dancers are placed at the discretion of the faculty & directors.

All dancers in our intensive programming MUST take certain required classes based on the level they are asked to train at. All dancers must prepare for ballet exams (and tap for those who tap), but they will only be entered at the faculty or directors’ discretion.

Shop

Innovate Dance offers a curated line of dancewear and spirit clothing designed to meet the needs of dancers of all levels and styles. Our collection includes a range of leotards, tights, leggings, shorts, shoes, and accessories meticulously selected to combine comfort, style, and durability.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned dancer, our clothing line aims to enhance your performance & inspire confidence in the classroom.

News


Important Dates

Sept 30thTruth & Reconciliation – No regular classes

Oct. 14th – Thanksgiving – No classes

Oct. 25th – District Pro – D Day – WE ARE OPEN

Oct. 31st – Halloween – No classes

Nov. 1st – District Pro – D Day – WE ARE OPEN

Nov. 9th – Tentative Mock ballet exams (Pre Inter & Intermediate intensive only)

Nov. 11th Remembrance Day – No classes

Nov. 29th – District Pro -D Day – WE ARE OPEN

Dec. 13th – Winter Showcase rehearsals (VIU Malaspina Theatre, Nanaimo) (General program dancers only)

Dec. 14th – Winter Showcase (VIU Malaspina Theatre, Nanaimo) (General program dancers only)

Dec. 15th to Jan. 5th - IDA Winter Break

Jan. 6th – First day back after winter break


2024/2025 Schedule

You can find our 2024/2025 schedule here.