Programs

Introductory Programs

Our Introductory Programs are designed as a prelude to the popular dances and the teaching methods of The Dance Centre. It's designed to fulfill your immediate dance needs while allowing your instructor an opportunity to evaluate your dancing with respect to your future learning. Be prepared to spend about 2 to 3 months on this program.

Emphasis is placed on:
1. The basic steps and patterns in the dance(s) of your choice
2. The rhythm and timing
3. The basic dance positions
4. Lead and/or Follow

This program will provide you with enough variety to keep your learning experience interesting and enjoyable.

Bronze Program

The Bronze Program focuses on technique and styling in all the dances while further developing your lead and/or following ability, rhythm, expression and confidence to look and feel natural and comfortable on the dance floor. Dancing at this level will allow you the ability to dance with any partner, to any kind of music, on any size dance floor, anywhere in the world and be completely confident and comfortable. This is the recommended social dance standard. This Program can take from 8 months to 18 months to complete.

Silver Program

The Silver Program is for dancers who desire a high degree of styling. At this level, you will stand out on the dance floor as a result of flowing, continuous, fluid movements enhanced with very flashy styling. Increased balance, control, styling and power allows silver dancers to maneuver with ease and grace. This program can take 2 to 4 years to complete.

Gold Program

The Gold Program is the absolute in showmanship, styling, choreography and technique. Intricate movements and styling makes this a level for the serious dance fanatic. Be prepared to clear the dance floor. For the Hobby dancer, this program can last as long as you continue to enjoy dancing.

Competitive and Exhibition

Competitive and Exhibition dancing is for those who thrive on the thrills and excitement of DANCESPORT. Training is available at all levels from novice to professional. Be prepared to work very hard as dancesport may be comparable to many forms of athletics. Contestants may compete as amateur couples or as pro/am with their teachers. This is the ultimate in perfection.

What is DanceSport?

Competitive ballroom dancing, as distinct from the leisure activity, has recently been renamed throughout the world as "dancesport" (the sport of competition dancing). Dancesport has a highly organized international competition structure and is conducted at the highest competitive level. Dancesport was included in the 2000 Olympics as a demonstration event. Dancesport is categorized in a complex way. There are two styles: Standard, as it is now known internationally, incorporating the Waltz, Tango, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep and Viennese Waltz; Latin American, incorporating the Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive. Competitions are divided into amateur and professional categories. Amateur dancers are divided up as Juvenile (under 13 years), Junior (13 and under 16), Adult (16 year and over) and Senior (over 35). Eligibility is determined generally by the age of the older partner, and it is not uncommon to have further special age divisions such as under 11, for the tiny tots, and youth categories of 16 to 19 years.

Stamina: Dancesport competitors proceed through heats to semi-finals and finals. In each championship section, competitors must perform five two minute dances a round. From an athletic viewpoint, a 1986 study conducted by the University of Freiburg, Germany, demonstrated that the muscle exertion (measured by the production of lactic acid) and breathing-rates of competitors performing one competition dance of about two minutes were equal to those of cyclists, swimmers and an Olympic 800 metre runner over the same period of time.

Toronto's Latin & Ballroom Dance Specialists
Quality, Fun Ballroom and Latin Dance Lessons for all levels from Beginners to Competitors!
Award winning coaches teaching the latest in social and competitive Ballroom and Latin Dance!

416-277-2785