Business Details
31 Years
experience
Your Journey to Dance Excellence Begins Here
Founded in 1995, Vancouver Academy of Dance (VAD) has established itself as a premier institution for multi-disciplinary dance education in Richmond and Vancouver. Our mission centers on inspiring creativity, developing artistic potential, promoting cultural diversity, and fostering appreciation for the performing arts. With a faculty comprising internationally recognized instructors, we offer comprehensive training in classical ballet, Chinese dance, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, acrobatics, and K-pop. Our curriculum caters to students from preschool age through adulthood, emphasizing technical excellence, artistic expression, and personal growth. VAD's graduates consistently achieve distinction in regional, national, and international competitions, while our examination division students excel in Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) assessments.The academy's performance division has represented Canada at global events including the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, United Nations World Urban Forum, and international dance festivals in Macau and New York. Through structured programs in general, examination, competitive, and adult divisions, we provide pathways for dancers to develop discipline, self-confidence, and professional skills. Our commitment to quality education is evidenced by partnerships with prestigious organizations and recognition as an approved center for RAD, ISTD, and Acrobatic Arts curricula.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Lyrical
Hip Hop
Contemporary
Acrobatics
K-pop
Chinese Dance
Examination Prep
Performance Training
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of expertise in classical ballet and Chinese dance instruction
- Our faculty includes Royal Academy of Dance international examiners and certified specialists
- We maintain a 98% pass rate in RAD and ISTD dance examinations
- Our students have performed at the Vancouver Olympics and international festivals
- We provide structured pathways from recreational to professional dance development
Associations and certifications
- Royal Academy of Dance
- Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance
- Acrobatic Arts
Services
Ballet Training
Our Royal Academy of Dance-certified instructors provide comprehensive ballet training from foundational techniques to advanced professional development. Students develop proper alignment, technical precision, and artistic expression through structured curricula. The program prepares dancers for examinations, competitive performances, and potential careers in classical dance while emphasizing injury prevention and anatomical awareness.
Acrobatic Arts
Acrobatic Arts-certified instruction combines dance and gymnastics to develop flexibility, tumbling, and hand-balancing skills. The program enhances dancers' physical capabilities while maintaining safety standards through progressive skill development. Classes focus on controlled movements, strength building, and integration with dance techniques to enhance overall performance quality.
Performance Division
This invitation-only program offers advanced training in multiple dance styles with regular performance and competition opportunities. Students participate in 2-5 annual competitions while developing stage presence, teamwork, and professional discipline. The curriculum includes choreography workshops, costume design, and production experience for comprehensive performance preparation.
Chinese Dance
Specialized instruction in traditional Chinese dance techniques combining classical ballet foundations with ethnic movement vocabulary. The program preserves cultural heritage through authentic choreography while developing technical versatility. Students learn historical context, costume traditions, and performance practices for both solo and ensemble presentations.
Examination Division
Approved by Royal Academy of Dance and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, this program prepares students for graded examinations. Instructors follow standardized curricula to develop technical proficiency and artistic interpretation. Successful candidates earn Fine Arts credits toward BC secondary education while building foundational skills for professional dance careers.
People
Anabel Ho
Artistic Director
With 36 years of international experience, Anabel Ho holds Royal Academy of Dance international examiner status and multiple teaching certifications. She has choreographed for the Vancouver Olympics, performed for British royalty, and directed dance productions across five continents.
Lisa Ho
Advisor
A Royal Academy of Dance-certified instructor and former Broadway performer, Lisa Ho specializes in ballet and contemporary techniques. She holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology and has served on arts organization boards while developing innovative dance education programs.
Val Ho
Hip Hop Instructor
Valerie Ho brings 20+ years of street dance expertise, having studied with hip hop pioneers and performed for Queen Elizabeth II. She teaches at Juilliard School and Broadway Dance Centre while maintaining her role as a cultural ambassador for urban dance forms.
Regan Calicetto
Acrobatics Instructor
Renowned acrobatics specialist Regan Calicetto combines contemporary dance with tumbling techniques. With international performance experience and competition judging credentials, she focuses on safe progression and artistic integration of acrobatic skills in dance training.
Tess Browning
Ballet Instructor
A former San Francisco Ballet School scholar, Tess Browning brings professional ballet experience to her teaching. She earned the Royal Academy of Dance Solo Seal award and performed in major productions before transitioning to education and choreography.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, acrobatics, Chinese dance, and K-pop with specialized curricula for each discipline.
Are there programs for different skill levels?
Yes, we offer general, examination, performance/competitive, and adult divisions to accommodate all experience levels from beginner to pre-professional.
How do students prepare for performances?
Our annual year-end production and competitive performance division provide structured rehearsal schedules, costume design, and stage production training for professional-level performances.
Can students earn school credits?
Yes, our examination division students can earn Fine Arts credits toward BC secondary school graduation through Royal Academy of Dance and ISTD programs.
What are your instructors' qualifications?
Our faculty includes Royal Academy of Dance examiners, certified Acrobatic Arts instructors, former Broadway performers, and internationally recognized choreographers with decades of teaching experience.
Do you offer summer programs?
We provide summer intensives and workshops in multiple dance styles with guest instructors and special performance opportunities during our annual summer session.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Nicole L.
Feb 03, 2020
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Great staffs, teachers and parents! Their community is strong and fun to be a part with! Great place for students to received high quality dance exam and competition training!
R. Li
Jan 15, 2020
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All teachers are very knowledgeable and professional! It's an amazing place to be in. High quality service and education!
Tyler Heath
Jun 18, 2016
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Professional environment, amazing facilities! Students are very mature, can't wait to be back to teach again this summer!
