Business Details
26 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Thunder Bay
Dance Dynamics Studio has been a leader in dance education since its founding in 2000 by Wendy Holmquist. Our studio specializes in holistic child development through dance, offering programs for ages 3 months to adults. We hold certifications in Acrobatic Arts, ADAPT, and Intellidance, with instructors trained globally in child development and dance pedagogy. Our team includes award-winning choreographers and certified examiners who have performed internationally. We emphasize technical proficiency while fostering confidence, creativity, and coordination through research-based curricula.With 24 years of operation, we've developed programs like Ready Set Dance and Acrobatic Arts exams that serve over 400 studios worldwide. Our competitive teams have earned top honors at national competitions, and we maintain partnerships with CLI Studios and Rhythm Works Integrative Dance. We prioritize safety through First Aid/CPR-certified staff and evidence-based teaching methodologies. Our facility in Thunder Bay accommodates 70+ students in productions like 'We Came to Party' while maintaining small class sizes for personalized instruction.
Services
Acro
Jazz
Hip Hop
Tap
Ballet
Lyrical
Musical Theatre
Contemporary
Adult Classes
Competitive Teams
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with 20+ years of combined teaching experience
- Research-based curriculum developed by industry leaders
- Acrobatic Arts exam center with global recognition
- Award-winning competitive teams with 70+ members
- Specialized programs for children with developmental needs
Associations and certifications
- Acrobatic Arts
- ADAPT (Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers)
- Intellidance
- Rhythm Works Integrative Dance
- CLI Studios
What people say
Award-winning choreography
Exceptional child development
Certified instructors
Nurturing environment
Technical excellence
Services
Acro Dance Classes
Our Acro program combines dance and acrobatics with certified instruction through Primary to Pre-Professional 3 levels. Students develop flexibility, strength, and coordination while learning safe spotting techniques. Classes follow a structured syllabus with annual exams and progress tracking.
Competitive Teams
We offer six competitive teams training in ADAPT and Acrobatic Arts syllabi. Participants engage in exams, workshops, and competitions from August to May with optional summer training programs. Teams have earned multiple awards at national events.
Preschool Programs
Intellidance and Ready Set Dance programs cater to children aged 3 months to 6 years. These research-based curricula develop motor skills, social interaction, and musicality through playful, structured activities led by certified instructors.
Adult Dance Classes
Our adult classes welcome both beginners and experienced dancers with styles including jazz, hip hop, and tap. These sessions focus on fitness, stress relief, and community building in a non-competitive environment.
Tap Dance Instruction
Certified instructors teach tap dance from beginner to advanced levels, including preparation for ADAPT exams up to Pre-Advanced. Classes emphasize musicality, precision, and performance skills with opportunities for competition participation.
People
Wendy Holmquist
Owner/Director
With 51 years of dance experience, Wendy founded Dance Dynamics Studio in 2000. She holds certifications from Acrobatic Arts, ADAPT, and Progressing Ballet Technique. Her background includes fitness instruction and adjudication roles across Canada.
Melissa Holmquist
Assistant Director
A multi-award-winning choreographer, Melissa directs core programs and competitive teams. She holds Acrobatic Arts Examiner status and completed teacher training in Ready Set Dance. She leads professional development initiatives for staff.
Gina Tozzo
Senior Teacher
With 20+ years at Dance Dynamics Studio, Gina teaches Hip Hop and Jazz while holding ADAPT certifications. She completed High Five Training for child development and earned Rhythm Works Integrative Dance certification for special needs instruction.
Darrah Beebe
Tap Specialist
A 15-year studio veteran, Darrah teaches Tap and Adult classes. She holds ADAPT Pre-Advanced certifications and represented Canada at international tap championships in Germany and Croatia.
Mariah Meredith
Choreographer
An award-winning instructor, Mariah teaches Contemporary and Acro while pursuing a Kinesiology degree. She holds Acrobatic Arts Graduate certification and completed CLI Studios' strength training program.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer programs for babies (3 months) through adults, with specialized curricula for each developmental stage.
Are your instructors certified?
All lead instructors hold multiple certifications including Acrobatic Arts, ADAPT, and First Aid/CPR.
Do you offer competitive programs?
We have six competitive teams with annual participation in exams, workshops, and national competitions.
What dance styles are available?
We teach Acro, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, and Conditioning.
How do you support special needs students?
Our Rhythm Works-certified instructors adapt classes using evidence-based practices for diverse learning needs.
Can adults join classes?
Yes, we offer adult classes for both beginners and experienced dancers in multiple dance styles.