Business Details
46 Years
experience
Trusted Highland Dance Instruction in Guelph, ON
Established in 1980, Mary Ellen Cann Highland Dance Studio has dedicated 45 years to preserving the artistry and tradition of Highland dancing. Our studio provides comprehensive training for dancers aged 3 to adult, offering both recreational and competitive pathways tailored to individual advancement. We maintain strict adherence to safety protocols set by RSOBHD, Scotdance Canada, and Ontario government guidelines, ensuring a secure environment with class sizes limited to five students. Our curriculum includes foundational techniques like Highland Ballet and Rope Skipping, advanced championship steps, and specialized preparation for BATD/SDTA examinations. With a proven track record of producing award-winning dancers and scholarship recipients, we combine historical authenticity with modern pedagogical approaches.Our experienced instructors provide personalized attention, fostering both technical excellence and artistic expression. The studio's commitment to excellence is evidenced by its consistent success in national competitions and its role as Guelph's official Highland dance institution. We offer flexible scheduling with in-studio classes, drop-in sessions for university students, and online Zoom options. Our facilities at Willow West Mall's basement level provide dedicated spaces for strength training, balance exercises, and choreography development. By maintaining small class sizes and rigorous standards, we ensure every dancer receives the support needed to achieve their full potential.
Services
Highland Dance Classes
Competitive Training
Adult Dance Lessons
Online Zoom Classes
Dance Exams Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- 45 years of specialized Highland dance expertise since 1980
- Small class sizes with maximum 5 dancers for personalized attention
- Proven competition success with championship-level instructors
- Official Guelph Highland dance studio with certified methodologies
- Flexible options including drop-in classes and online instruction
Associations and certifications
- RSOBHD
- Scotdance Canada
What people say
Championship-level instruction
Personalized advancement plans
Experienced certified instructors
Safe small-class environment
Proven competition success
Services
Highland Dance Classes
Our Highland dance instruction combines historical authenticity with modern teaching methods. Students learn traditional dances emphasizing endurance, strength, and graceful movements. Classes follow RSOBHD-certified methodologies with age-appropriate curricula for children (3+), teens, and adults. The program includes foundational techniques like Highland Ballet and Rope Skipping.
Competitive Training
Specialized training for competitive dancers includes championship steps, choreography development, and performance preparation. Two-hour classes focus on advanced techniques required for SDCC competitions and BATD examinations. Instructors provide personalized advancement plans and competition strategy guidance.
Adult Dance Lessons
Drop-in classes for university students and adults feature flexible scheduling with Monday/Wednesday evening sessions. The curriculum balances technical training with recreational enjoyment while maintaining professional standards. Classes accommodate both beginner and experienced dancers seeking to develop their skills.
Online Zoom Classes
Remote learning options maintain the same rigorous standards as in-studio classes. Certified instructors deliver live sessions covering technique development, choreography, and examination preparation. Virtual classes provide flexibility while ensuring continuity of training for students unable to attend in person.
Dance Exams Preparation
Comprehensive preparation for BATD and SDTA examinations includes focused training on required dances, technical assessments, and performance evaluations. The program has produced multiple award-winning candidates and maintains a strong success rate in certification exams at elementary through advanced levels.
People
Mary Ellen Cann
Studio Director
With over 45 years of experience, Mary Ellen Cann established Guelph's official Highland dance studio in 1980. Her teaching methodology has produced multiple championship winners and scholarship recipients at national competitions. She maintains active involvement in curriculum development and instructor training.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for Highland dance classes?
We offer classes for children starting at age 3, with teen, adult, and university student options available.
Do you offer competitive dance training programs?
Yes, we provide specialized competitive training including championship steps, choreography development, and SDCC competition preparation.
Are there flexible class scheduling options?
We offer in-studio classes with drop-in sessions for adults on Monday/Wednesday evenings and online Zoom alternatives.
Do you prepare students for dance certification exams?
Yes, we provide comprehensive preparation for BATD and SDTA examinations at all levels from elementary to advanced.
What safety measures are in place for in-person classes?
We follow RSOBHD guidelines with small class sizes (max 5 dancers) and maintain Ontario government-mandated safety protocols.
Can new students join mid-season?
Yes, dancers may join at any time during the year with flexible enrollment options for both recreational and competitive pathways.
