Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance School in Squamish, BC
Howe Sound Dance Academy has been dedicated to fostering a lifelong passion for dance since 1998. Our academy provides professional instruction in a wide range of styles, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop, catering to students aged 3 to adult. With certified instructors and a focus on technical excellence, we offer Royal Academy of Dance exams, AIDT Modern exams, and Acrobatic Arts programs. Our commitment to creating a supportive environment ensures students develop both artistically and personally. We prioritize safe, inclusive spaces where dancers of all levels can thrive.Our faculty includes experienced professionals with extensive competition and performance backgrounds. Through competitive and recreational classes, we help students achieve their full potential while celebrating individuality. Our 25-year legacy in Squamish reflects our dedication to quality dance education. We also host spring and summer camps that combine dance training with creative activities. Our alumni and instructors continue to contribute to the dance community locally and beyond.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Hip Hop
Competitive Classes
Summer Camps
Acro Dance
Lyrical
Modern
Tap
Contemporary
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of professional dance instruction experience.
- Our faculty includes certified instructors with competition expertise.
- We provide Royal Academy of Dance and AIDT exam programs.
- Our inclusive environment supports dancers of all skill levels.
- We host award-winning summer dance camps with diverse activities.
Associations and certifications
- Royal Academy of Dance
- Association of International Dance Teachers (AIDT)
- Acrobatic Arts
What people say
Lifelong friendships
Dedicated teachers
Safe environment
Confidence growth
Professional instruction
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program follows Royal Academy of Dance curriculum for ages 3+. Students develop technical precision, grace, and performance skills through graded exams and vocational training. Certified instructors provide personalized attention in a supportive studio environment.
Summer Camps
Week-long camps combine dance styles with crafts and games for ages 3-9. Professional instruction includes jazz, ballet, and acrobatics in a fun, non-competitive atmosphere. Half-day sessions run July-August with themed activities and performance opportunities.
Competitive Classes
Advanced training prepares dancers for competitions in various styles. Our award-winning teams receive specialized coaching in choreography, technique, and stage presence. Regular evaluations ensure proper skill development and team placement for ages 6+.
Acro Dance
Certified instructors teach flexibility, balance, and tumbling skills using Acrobatic Arts curriculum. Classes focus on safe progressions from beginner tricks to advanced aerials for ages 5+. Special attention to injury prevention and proper technique.
Hip Hop
Modern hip hop classes teach urban dance styles for ages 6+. Curriculum includes freestyle movement, choreography, and performance techniques. Instructors emphasize musicality, creativity, and self-expression in a high-energy studio environment.
People
Alicia Fortin
Director
Alicia has taught dance for 20+ years, certified in AIDT Modern syllabus. She trained from age 3 in multiple styles and mentors students in technical excellence and personal growth.
Kaitlyn Ziegler
Instructor
Kaitlyn specializes in ballet and acro with RAD exam achievements. She teaches ages 3+ and focuses on safe training methods, holding Acrobatic Arts level 1 certification.
Lyndsay Westall
Instructor
Lyndsay is certified in Acrobatic Arts and aerial silks. She teaches jazz and acro with emphasis on safe technique, bringing 15+ years of competition experience to her classes.
Kelsey Visser
Instructor
Kelsey has 9.5 years teaching RAD ballet exams. Certified Acro adjudicator with 24 years in performing arts, including Olympic opening ceremonies and professional sports halftime shows.
Elias Siemaczeski
Instructor
Elias trained at HSDA since age 12, completing senior RAD exams. He brings competition experience and international performance opportunities to his engaging teaching style.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, tap, acro, modern, and novelty classes for ages 3+.
Do you have competitive dance teams?
Yes, we have award-winning competitive teams in multiple styles with regular performance and competition opportunities.
Are summer dance camps available?
Our summer camps run July-August for ages 3-9 with themed dance instruction, crafts, and games.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our staff includes Royal Academy of Dance certified instructors, AIDT Modern specialists, and Acrobatic Arts certified teachers.
How do I register for classes?
Create an account on our parent portal, select classes, and complete payment through PayPal to secure your spot.
What are your class age requirements?
We offer classes for children aged 3+ through adults, with specific programs tailored to different age groups.
Reviews (6)
Kim Habgood
Nov 16, 2019
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We moved to Squamish 2.5 years ago and HSDA was recommended to us as "the dance school" in Squamish; we have never looked back. My daughter is going into her third year and loves it. She did her first RAD ballet exam last year and was very nervous about it. The teachers were amazing with her and she was able to successfully complete the exam last February. The confidence and self esteem she gained from that experience is priceless. Thanks HSDA for being so dedicated and patient with our kids, it doesn't go unnoticed! -Kim
Linda & Tim Rempel
Oct 11, 2019
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HSDA has been a part of Emily's life for the past 11 years. Her love for dance grows each year, and It keeps her active in a safe, supportive environment. I couldn't have asked for better friendships and mentors than what she has at HSDA. It truly is her dance "family.
Patricia King
Jun 18, 2019
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New owners Alicia and Kyle Fortin ,Wow, the new uplift of Howe sound dance is amazing. The students seem very enthusiastic. The parents are pleasantly surprised at the new looks. There are new teachers. Come and check it out. They teach ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip hop, tap and acro. Ages 3-18years.
Payton Burgin
Jun 12, 2018
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Amazing round of shows this weekend!! I loved Seeing how much all the dancers care about each other and their heartfelt dance with their instructor was beautiful! Too bad there isn't another theater in Squamish with more seating so that more people could see the show, but they definitely do the best with the resources Squamish has to offer! So much hard work goes into the year end shows and it clearly paid off, good job dancers!
Mike Violette
Jun 09, 2018
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Just left a howe sound dance 20th anniversary at eagle eye theater Saturday june 9th . Bought 2 tickets for 40 bucks total. Was let into a full theater with no seating available. We left to find no one at the front door. later when I spoke with the owner of the howe sound dance academy on the phone . she would not let me finish speaking before interupting me as well implying that I was lying to her when I told her no one was at the door when I left. I just wanted to share my experience.
Ofelia Quiaoit
Dec 04, 2014
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State of the art dance studio with sprung and Marley floors for the dancers' safety. Highly qualified & caring teachers, Royal Academy of Dance graded and vocational ballet examinations and AIDT jazz examinations.
