Class Descriptions

WEE FOLK Sessional Dance classes (2-4 years old)

Wee Folk sessions are 6 week long sessions that are specially created for the tiniest dancers. Classes are teacher-guided and filled with child-inspired imaginary play with a focus on physical exploration. Wee-Folk sessions are NOT full-year classes like most other FadaDance classes.

One session is offered in the fall and one session is offered in the spring.

Fall 2024
Sep. 28, Oct. 5, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9

Spring 2025
Mar. 8, 15, 22, 29; Apr. 5, 12 (Dance Share Apr. 12)

The ages are as follows:
Wee Folk:  2 & 3 years old (Accompanied by a parent / caregiver)
"It is a happy talent to know how to play." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

This 6 week session is a teacher-guided, child-inspired imaginary play with a focus on physical exploration. Using seasonal songs, stories, rhythm and rhyme, the session is a gentle reminder about the pleasure of creative play.

3 & 4 years old (Able to attend class without parent / caregiver)
"Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning." - Mr. Rogers

This 6 week session is a teacher-guided, child-inspired imaginary play with a focus on physical exploration. Using seasonal songs, storytelling, rhythm and rhyme, the session is a gentle transition for those still learning how to navigate in a bigger creative world.

GOLDEN WEE FOLK Sessional Dance classes
(2-4 years old)

Golden Wee Folk:  2 to 4 years old (Accompanied by a grandparent OR other non-primary caregiver)

"Everything in the universe has a rhythm; everything dances." -Maya Angelou

An accessible, easygoing, joyful dance connection between our youngest dancers and their special older ones in their lives.

A four-week "dance date" for a young one, ages 2-4, finding their footing in this big world alongside a grandparent* who is remembering their own (*other non-primary caregivers welcome). Calling all kokums, opas, abuelas, AND even older aunties and uncles! 

Here is your weekly chance to move, sing, enjoy and share this valuable time together.

Winter 2025
Feb 1, 8, 22; Mar 1
Saturdays, 9:30am to 10am*

*10am "Easy Out" - Our "Easy Out" (10am-10:15am) allows for an easygoing exit from the studio - in case your young one needs an extra lap around the studio skipping, dancing, or meeting their new dance-friend.

CREATIVE DANCE (4-7 years old)

Embark on a whimsical journey of self-expression with our Creative Dance classes designed for young movers aged 4 to 7.  In a safe, supported environment dancers begin to discover the dance within themselves through exploration of their natural, inherent movement.

In these creative dance classes tailored for children, dancers will become aware of basic dance concepts including levels, pathways, directions, tempo, rhythm, shape, balance, and dynamics. The dancers will build movement vocabulary whilst developing an understanding of body alignment and awareness. Dancers explore contemporary/creative dance through the context of stories, composition, rhythm, music, and art.

4 year-olds

Children develop skills of body awareness, locomotor movement, cooperating with others, and following directions. The material is presented in a fun-filled constructive atmosphere.

These classes will begin in Mid-September and run until May 10, 2024.
(Please note that children must be toilet trained to enter these classes.)

5-7 year-olds

As young dancers progress, they continue to explore, experiment, and problem-solve with movement, gaining a better sense of themselves as dancers. Dancers will dive into creating dances through led explorations where they will blend and sequence an array of dance movements. With a focus on exploring the elements of dance they learn basic dance concepts and choreography rooted in age appropriate themes and concepts.  These sessions support dancers developing their skills both independently and collaboratively.

The “levels” of these creative dance classes correspond with a dancer’s age.
For example: Dance 6 & Dance 6B are for 6-year-olds. Dancers must be the correct age by October 31st of each year to be eligible for the class.

CONTEMPORARY DANCE (8-18 years-old)

Contemporary dance mirrors the essence of our current world, drawing inspiration from evolving movement philosophies and the intricate connections between the body and mind. In these classes, tailored for dancers aged 8 and above, students are invited to explore the rich tapestry of contemporary dance techniques and creative approaches.

Through a fusion of structured compositions/choreography, choreographic exploration, and improvisational exercises, dancers are empowered to expand their artistic horizons and develop their own unique movement vocabulary. Improvisation serves as a cornerstone, igniting innovation and fostering a deep connection to the creative process.

While nurturing individual expression and creativity, emphasis is also placed on technical refinement, ensuring that students strengthen their skills and fluency in contemporary dance. Join us as we embark on a journey of exploration, discovery, and artistic growth in the vibrant world of contemporary dance.

TECHNIQUE FOR THE YOUNG DANCER
Youth Technique classes emphasize strength, flexibility, coordination, good posture, muscle toning, and musicality. Barre, floor barre, center work, and movement combinations are used to develop a strong foundation in contemporary dance technique. Technique class incorporates various approaches to dance conditioning to improve strength, flexibility, and alignment.

Classes are offered in a relaxed and supportive learning environment, nurturing a personal sense of well-being.

• For ages 8-10 Technique is strongly advised and completely encouraged.

• For ages 11 and older Technique is mandatory in addition to a dancers’ contemporary class (unless you have permission from the teacher or AD of school).

Current students are informed of their level of Technique Class to take.  For new students, please contact Misty at misty@fadadance.ca or Heather heather@fadadance.ca to discuss what level of Technique Class is appropriate for your child.

ADULT BEGINNER CONTEMPORARY - Beginner  (Isabella)

This is a high-energy contemporary dance class for adults who may not have previous dance experience, but have an itch to move and perform. Each class will begin with a combination of guided improvisation, cardio and floor work to warm up and explore movement. Dancers will then be challenged to learn beginner contemporary dance phrases and to work in groups to improvise and create their own movement phrases. As phrasing is developed, this will evolve as choreography to develop a piece for the year-end FadaDance performance. A commitment to regular attendance and a desire to perform is required.

INTERMEDIATE KATHAK - Intermediate/Advanced  (Misty)

This class will offer a comprehensive introduction into all the facets of the Kathak form.  These include basic knowledge of the north Indian rhythmic systems (taal), body vocabulary (ang), spoken language (bol) and recitation (padhant).  Traditional compositions, introduction to  Sanksrit Sloka, poetics such as Kavita, and songs rendered in narrative gesture are also explored.  Work will be rooted within the kathak form, as well as be infused with Misty’s evolving body of kathak infused contemporary dance. This class is for students with intermediate to advanced dance experience and that are new to Kathak.

The Instructor for this class is Misty Wensel.  Misty is a student of Joanna de Souza of M-Do Toronto.  (www.kathaktoronto.com)