Business Details
43 Years
experience
Premier Dance School in Guelph for All Ages
At Holly Hughes Dance Academy, we dedicate ourselves to teaching and inspiring students through dance, sharing the finest techniques from prestigious syllabi. Established in 1983 by founder Holly Hughes, our academy offers professional and recreational dance instruction for ages 2 to adult in Guelph. Our instructors, trained at institutions like Juilliard and Alvin Ailey, prioritize quality education while fostering self-expression and creativity. We emphasize discipline, self-motivation, and artistic development, creating a nurturing environment where dancers build lifelong skills.Our mission promotes dance as a performance art that enriches lives through rhythm, coordination, and self-discipline. Students gain confidence through social interaction with peers who share their passion. With both recreational and competitive programs, we cater to diverse goals while maintaining a family-oriented atmosphere. Our dress code ensures professionalism, and our summer camp and private lessons provide additional opportunities for growth. We believe dance cultivates resilience, teamwork, and individuality, preparing students to meet challenges in all aspects of life.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Classes
Tap Classes
Hip Hop Classes
Acro Classes
Modern Lyrical
Musical Theatre
Pointe Training
Summer Dance Camp
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- Established in 1983 with decades of dance education experience
- Instructors trained at prestigious institutions like Juilliard and Alvin Ailey
- Offers 8+ dance styles including ballet, jazz, and hip hop
- Competitive teams winning awards at national competitions
- Nurturing environment fostering self-expression and confidence
What people say
Amazing teachers
Strong sense of family
Loved learning
Hands-on approach
Happy we made the move
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision through structured training in pointe work, barre exercises, and center combinations. Students learn classical repertoire while building strength, flexibility, and grace. Classes follow progressive levels from beginner to advanced, preparing dancers for both recreational enjoyment and professional aspirations.
Competitive Teams
Four competitive teams (Comp Mini to Comp E) train in multiple styles for national competitions. Programs include mandatory strength conditioning and choreography workshops. Dancers participate in solos, duets, and group routines, consistently earning top awards at industry events throughout the competition season.
Acro Classes
Acro combines dance with gymnastic elements, focusing on flexibility, balance, and controlled movements. Classes integrate cartwheels, walkovers, and handsprings with dance technique, emphasizing safe progression through skill levels while maintaining artistic expression.
Summer Dance Camp
Week-long summer programs offer immersive training across multiple dance styles. Campers participate in technique classes, choreography sessions, and creative workshops designed to improve skills while fostering friendships in a fun, collaborative environment for all experience levels.
Private Lessons
Customized one-on-one instruction addresses specific goals for technique refinement, competition preparation, or personal growth. Sessions focus on individual progress through personalized feedback and targeted exercises tailored to each dancer's unique needs and aspirations.
People
Holly Hughes
Founder & Artistic Director
Holly Hughes established the academy in 1983 after studying at Juilliard and training with renowned institutions including Alvin Ailey and American Ballet Theatre. With decades of experience, she leads a team dedicated to technical excellence and artistic development.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern lyrical, acro, musical theatre, and pointe. Both recreational and competitive programs are available for ages 2 to adult.
Are there competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, our four competitive teams (Comp Mini to Comp E) participate in 4+ annual competitions, consistently winning top awards in group and solo performances across multiple dance styles.
What are the dress code requirements?
All students wear black attire with specific footwear per style. Hair must be neatly secured. Detailed dress code guidelines are provided for each class type and age group.
How do I register for classes?
Registration occurs through our Jackrabbit Parent Portal. Contact us via email or phone for enrollment details, class schedules, and competitive program auditions.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, our summer dance camp provides week-long intensive training across multiple styles, combining technical instruction with creative workshops in a fun, collaborative environment.
Reviews (6)
Pearl Cooley
Apr 01, 2021
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I danced there on and off throughout the years from the ages of 5-18. Holly is an amazing business owner and an amazing teacher! I am happy to be back again and volunteering with screening.
David Williams
Jun 15, 2020
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Our 7 year old has been dancing here for 4 years now. They are an amazing school. The teachers are wonderful, the staff are great and the owner is a delight! We chose the school randomly because it was close to our house. We are beyond pleased and so glad to be here. They produce amazing dancers while having fun and building into people.
Alan K.
Dec 02, 2019
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Absolutely terrible. Currently, my parents do not have enough money to even pay my first year of my UNIVERSITY TUITION EVEN WITH OSAP Because this place just sucks all the money out of your parents account just for months of dancing that you could learn from YouTube videos.
Margie Shaver
Aug 27, 2019
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All my daughters did class there for many years and now my granddaughter is in her second year. They all love the teachers and Ms. Holly
Brianna Beverly
Jun 09, 2019
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My daughter just finished her very first recital with Holly Hughes. She absolutely loved it, and her teacher Miss Julia! we will definitely be coming back next year!
Blingswager Msp
Jan 20, 2019
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I have danced here for my whole life!All the staff are amazing!Everyone has fun the whole time in the class
