Poise Dance

Business Details

Premier Dance Classes in Toronto for All Ages & Skill Levels

Poise Dance is a premier dance education institution dedicated to nurturing artistic expression through a comprehensive curriculum. Founded on principles of passion, discipline, and confidence, we offer specialized training in ballet, acro, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, and tap for students aged toddler to adult. Our artistic director, Linda Leowinata, brings decades of professional experience from the National Ballet of Canada, fostering a supportive environment where students develop technical proficiency and creative freedom.

With two Toronto locations in Leaside and East York, we emphasize individualized instruction, community engagement, and performance opportunities that build character and resilience. Our faculty, handpicked for their expertise, maintains rigorous standards while ensuring classes remain enjoyable and accessible to all skill levels. The annual recital showcases students' progress through professionally produced performances, reflecting our commitment to excellence in dance education.

Services

Ballet Acro Hip-Hop Jazz Contemporary Tap Conditioning Combo Classes Toddler Classes Adult Classes

Highlights and features

We offer specialized dance training developed by a former National Ballet of Canada principal dancer
Our faculty maintains rigorous technical standards while prioritizing student well-being
We provide performance opportunities that build confidence and stage experience
We adapt instruction to individual learning needs across all skill levels
Our community-focused approach fosters lifelong appreciation for dance arts

What people say

Amazing Dance Academy Outstanding teaching staff Professional recitals Positive learning environment Dedicated instructors

Website

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Services

Ballet

Our ballet program develops foundational technique through structured training in classical repertoire. Students learn proper body alignment, musicality, and artistic expression while building strength and flexibility. Classes emphasize progressive skill development from basic positions to advanced pointe work, preparing dancers for professional pathways or recreational enjoyment.

Acro

This fusion of dance and acrobatics combines flexibility training with tumbling techniques. Students master safe progressions from basic cartwheels to advanced aerials while maintaining dance quality. Classes focus on core strength, spatial awareness, and integrating acrobatic elements seamlessly into choreography for stage performances.

Hip-Hop

Our hip-hop classes teach street-style dance fundamentals in a high-energy environment. Students learn breaking, popping, and locking techniques while developing rhythm and improvisation skills. The curriculum emphasizes personal style development through contemporary choreography that keeps students engaged with current dance trends.

Contemporary

This expressive style explores movement through emotional storytelling and technical precision. Classes focus on floor work, improvisation, and dynamic control while encouraging individual creativity. Students learn to connect movement with narrative, preparing for competition routines and theatrical performances that showcase their artistic growth.

Toddler Classes

Designed for young children, these introductory classes develop motor skills and musicality through playful movement activities. Instructors use imaginative themes and props to teach basic dance concepts while fostering social interaction and classroom etiquette. The program builds foundational coordination and love for dance in a supportive environment.

People

Linda Leowinata

Artistic Director

Former principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, Linda brings 25+ years of professional experience to Poise Dance. She develops curriculum that balances technical rigor with creative expression, mentoring instructors to maintain high standards while nurturing student growth in a supportive environment.

Questions

What dance styles do you offer?

We teach ballet, acro, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, tap, and combo classes for toddlers through adults. Our curriculum balances technical training with creative expression.

Are there performance opportunities?

Yes! Our annual recital at John Basset Theatre showcases student progress through professionally produced performances with original choreography and storytelling.

What are your class sizes?

We maintain small class sizes to ensure individual attention. Toddler classes have maximum 8 students, while advanced classes typically have 12-15 dancers.

Do you offer trial classes?

We provide complimentary trial classes during our Bring-a-Friend Weeks. Check our website for current dates to experience our teaching approach firsthand.

What are your safety protocols?

We follow public health guidelines with optional mask policies. If feeling unwell, please stay home. Our staff maintains clean facilities and safe spacing during all dance activities.

Can adults join classes?

Yes! We offer adult ballet, jazz, and hip-hop classes for recreational dancers. These sessions focus on technique development and fun choreography for all experience levels.

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Reviews (7)

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Alexandra Gekas

Dec 23, 2021 Report

What can I say about the staff and faculty at Poise? Outstanding! Amazing! Professional! Skilled! The list goes on an on. I feel so happy to have my daughters at this studio. We were stuck without a dance school since our last one closed due to Covid. We heard about their dance camp, tried it out, and LOVED IT!!! We continue to be impressed with how involved and engaged Miss Linda is. Her passion for the success of the school and the students is evident in her interactions with parents and the dancers themselves. Miss Itas friendly face is such a warm welcome, and warm departure. Cant wait

Carol Aslanian

Nov 30, 2021 Report

As a grandmother of one of your young dancers, I was so impressed with what you have taught her at her early age of four. The talent shown by the instructors and the care they take in instructing these young dancers is so impressive. I am pleased with what I witnessed and would recommend the Academy to anyone who wants to have their child trained so well!

Liz A. Lorenzoni

Nov 16, 2021 Report

We are thrilled to have found Poise Dance Academy! The teachers and the owner Linda have been so welcoming to my daughter and our whole family. It is a great studio that offers excellent dance teaching while also creating a personalized, warm experience!

Ria Sarmiento

Oct 29, 2021 Report

I am so happy to see my daughter happy and thriving at Poise Dance Academy. We joined the Poise Dance family right before the pandemic hit and was very impressed with how they responded to the situation. My daughter begged to join for another comp season "even if it was virtual" because of the relationships she's made with her teachers. A sincere thank you Ms. Linda, Ms. Ita and all the teachers at Poise for accommodating and making my daughter feel welcome, engaged and motivated to do her best!!

Nikki Kumar

Oct 02, 2021 Report

Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
I only have positive feedback about Poise. The Director, Linda, is lovely and the teachers are excellent. The studios are spotless. My girls are so happy here and I recently started adult ballets classes - which are fantastic. Highly recommend!

A. Rajan

Sep 09, 2021 Report

We are so happy we chose Poise Dance studio for our daughters dance classes! We are so impressed with the teachers and their professionalism, and their warmth and ability to engage with the kids in the class. They manage health and safety procedures very well and are super friendly. The studio is also beautiful, bright, airy, and easy to get to. The team is very welcoming, and Ms. Linda, Ms. Stella, and Ms. Ita (and all other staff) make all parents feel welcome and included in their kids dance journey. We are so so grateful for the team at Poise for making our daughters first experience

Sarah Andersen

Jan 10, 2021 Report

This is our first year at Poise after dancing at two other places in the past and my daughter absolutely loves this new studio. She loves Ms. Linda, and all her amazing teachers. In this short time that we have been with Poise, I see my daughter's dance skills, competence and confidence soar to new levels. Ms. Linda has welcomed us into the dance family and I have utmost confidence that she is keeping my daughter and other dancers and teachers safe. So happy we decided to switch studios.