Business Details
17 Years
experience
Premier Dance Academy: Excellence in Dance Education
Established in 2009, Premier Dance Academy has dedicated 14 years to delivering premier dance training in the Waterloo Region. Our academy fosters a professional yet enjoyable environment where students of all ages develop technical excellence in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, acro, tap, and hip hop. We prioritize character development, self-esteem, and artistic passion through limited-class-size instruction led by experienced faculty.Our curriculum caters to full-time competitive, part-time competitive, and recreational programs, ensuring personalized attention. With a focus on both performance opportunities and foundational technique, we guide students toward achieving their artistic aspirations while maintaining a nurturing atmosphere.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Instruction
Hip Hop Workshops
Competitive Team
Summer Camps
Acro Training
Tap Dance
Lyrical Classes
Choreography Services
Youth Programs
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer 14 years of specialized dance instruction in Waterloo Region
- Our faculty includes certified instructors with professional performance experience
- Limited class sizes ensure personalized attention for every student
- We provide competitive opportunities at 4+ annual regional competitions
- Our curriculum develops technical excellence in 7+ dance disciplines
Services
Competitive Dance Team
Our competitive program prepares dancers for regional competitions in multiple styles. Dancers receive advanced training in technique, choreography, and performance skills. The team attends 4+ annual events with opportunities for awards and professional development.
Recreational Classes
Recreational programs cater to ages 2+ with classes in ballet, jazz, hip hop, and more. Students develop technical skills while enjoying creative expression in a supportive environment. Classes include year-end performance opportunities.
Summer Dance Camps
Themed summer camps (ages 4-14) combine dance training with creative activities. Programs include daily instruction in multiple styles, team-building exercises, and end-of-week performances. Intensives focus on technical development for serious dancers.
Choreography Services
Professional choreographers create custom routines for competitions and performances. Our instructors specialize in innovative combinations across jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop styles. Services include rehearsal guidance and performance preparation.
Adult Dance Classes
We offer specialized classes for teen and adult dancers focusing on technique refinement and creative expression. Programs include jazz, contemporary, and ballet instruction for various skill levels.
People
Holly Ankucza
Director & Owner
Founder of Premier Dance Academy since 2009, Holly holds Advanced 2 RAD ballet certification. She brings 20+ years of competitive dance experience and specializes in developing technical syllabi. Her background includes bodybuilding and dance nutrition.
Emily Kieswetter
Director & Owner
Co-owner since 2017, Emily is a certified PBT instructor with 15+ years teaching experience. She performed with Ballet Jorgen and Moscow Ballet, bringing professional performance expertise to our training programs.
Sarah Hoekstra
Assistant Director
Teaching since 2012, Sarah specializes in innovative choreography winning competition awards. She serves as Dance Attack faculty member and guest instructor at studios across North America.
Rikki Ciminsky
Competitive Instructor
OCT-certified educator with 15+ years teaching experience. She combines pedagogical training from York University with practical dance instruction for both recreational and competitive students.
Marcela Leon
Recreational Instructor
Professional dancer with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and Netflix productions. Holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Madrid Conservatory. Brings international performance experience to our teaching staff.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, acro, and tap for ages 2+.
Do you have competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, our competitive team attends 4+ annual regional competitions and showcases.
What summer programs are available?
We offer themed dance camps (July-August) and technique intensives for serious dancers.
How are class placements determined?
Students are placed by age but can move based on ability and teacher recommendations.
What uniform requirements exist?
Specific attire varies by class but ensures proper technique development and safety.
How to register for classes?
Register online through our website or contact us directly for enrollment assistance.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Owen Allerton
Oct 02, 2020
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Amazing, best dance school in town! Teachers are fantastic and give students the 1:1 attention they need and deserve!
Maggie Deveau
Sep 06, 2020
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This is the best dance studio in KW. The studio offers a full range of competitive and recreational lessons from Tiny Tots to Senior level. The teachers and staff are friendly, supportive, encouraging and extremely skilled. They have large and bright studios and with exceptional cleaning protocols.
Sam McCauley
Oct 18, 2019
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Cant say enough about this dance studio. The teachers are extremely talented instructors who care for their students. They put so much thought and effort into each dance routine they create. If you want a dance studio that will provide great experience and fun for your children this is your place! Everyone becomes part of the family at PDA.
Lexy Deveau-Carter
Oct 30, 2018
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I have many of the young kids in my family dancing at PDA, including my niece, cousin, and family friends. The teachers are committed and encouraging, and work hard to help each individual kid work on their technique and to further their skills. They have a warm and welcoming environment, and the whole studio has a great family feel. All kids work together and help each other, and look up to one another.
Lexy Deveau
Jul 26, 2018
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My cousin and Niece both dance here and I have been lucky enough to see first hand the attention and training given to the dancers! The teachers here truly care about each dancer, they have students of all ages and abilities and each one leaves feeling encouraged! I highly recommend this family based studio, I don’t think any other studio can compare!
Sam McCauley
Jul 26, 2018
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Experienced & amazing teachers, positive & encouraging atmosphere, so many wonderful things to say about this dance studio!! Would highly recommend to anyone with dancers young and old!
