Business Details
25 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Aurora, ON
At Northern Lights Dance Studio, we understand the challenges families face in balancing commitments, which is why we prioritize flexibility and accessibility. Our studio offers a nurturing environment where children and adults can develop technical skills, confidence, and creativity through dance. With decades of combined experience, our instructors teach across all levels, from recreational to competitive programs, ensuring a fun and engaging atmosphere. We maintain low student-to-teacher ratios to provide personalized attention, especially in our early childhood classes.Our facility includes a playroom for siblings and expanded waiting areas to accommodate families. We offer a 10-month payment plan with no registration fees and have developed award-winning competitive teams that require only 4-6 hours of weekly commitment. Our diverse dance genres include ballet, jazz, tap, acro, hip hop, and contemporary, with new offerings like adult tap and Mommy and Me classes. We pride ourselves on age-appropriate choreography and costumes, fostering a safe, self-assured environment for every dancer.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Hip Hop
Acrobatics
Lyrical
Contemporary
Musical Theatre
Kinder Dance
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- Our instructors have decades of combined dance teaching experience
- Family-friendly scheduling with no Sunday classes or holiday closures
- Competitive fees with a 10-month payment plan and no registration fees
- Low student-to-teacher ratios in early childhood dance programs
- Award-winning competitive teams with 4-6 hour weekly commitments
Associations and certifications
- ADAPT (Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers)
What people say
Nurturing environment
Experienced instructors
Family-friendly scheduling
Award-winning teams
Safe environment
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program follows the Checchetti method, focusing on technique, strength, and flexibility. This foundational dance style improves poise, posture, and coordination for students aged 3 and up. Classes prepare dancers for advanced ballet and other dance forms while emphasizing proper form and discipline.
Acrobatics
This dance-gymnastics hybrid develops strength, flexibility, and control through acrobatic skills. Students learn safe progressions for tumbling and balancing techniques while maintaining dance artistry. Classes are available for ages 5-18 with appropriate skill level placement.
Hip Hop
High-energy hip hop classes teach current street dance styles to popular music. Students build physical fitness and rhythmic awareness in a non-technical environment suitable for all experience levels. Classes emphasize self-expression and musicality for ages 5 and up.
Kinder Dance
Introduction to dance for 3-4 year olds using ballet fundamentals with children's music. Classes develop motor skills, group interaction, and basic dance steps in a playful setting. Focuses on making dance fun while establishing foundational movement patterns.
Lyrical
Combining ballet and jazz techniques, lyrical dance emphasizes emotional expression through movement. Requires strong ballet and jazz backgrounds to execute controlled, interpretive performances. Classes develop artistry and technical proficiency for advanced students.
People
Christine Maiers
Co-Director
Christine began dancing at age 3 and teaching at 18. She co-founded Northern Lights Dance Studio in 2001 after assisting at established studios. Certified through ADAPT's intensive program, she trains award-winning dancers while maintaining a family-friendly studio environment.
Shirley Firman
Co-Director
Shirley started dancing at 3 and studied at York University. As co-director, she brings professional performance experience from the York Dance Ensemble and national tours. She focuses on choreography and teacher development at the studio.
Molly Georgopoulos
Instructor
Molly trained at Northern Lights from age 2 and danced professionally at venues like the Air Canada Centre. She teaches multiple styles while sharing her industry experience from MTV, MuchMusic, and national commercials.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, acrobatics, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, and Kinder Dance classes for ages 3-18 and adults.
Do you have competitive dance teams?
Yes, we have award-winning competitive teams that train 4-6 hours weekly while maintaining strong technical foundations and performance quality.
What are your class schedules like?
Fall classes run September-May with session options. We offer classes for ages 3-18 on weekdays and Saturdays with no Sunday classes.
Do you provide dancewear and shoes?
Yes, all required dancewear and shoes are available for purchase at the studio, including tights, bodysuits, and specialized dance footwear.
Are there family amenities?
Our facility includes a playroom for siblings, expanded waiting areas, and viewing windows so parents can observe classes comfortably.
Reviews (4)
Rich Morra
Aug 21, 2021
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Can't say enough about NLDS and the great work they do!! Christine, Shirley, and Molly make dancing such a great experience for my daughter's who have been dancing there for years now. They've built friendships, self-confidence, and self-esteem. The passion and creativity brought by each teacher helps keep the kids engaged and excited to walk through the studio door for each and every class they have. Thanks NLDS!! Keep up the great work!! Would highly recommend.
Connie Youell
Aug 12, 2021
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My daughter has danced with Northern Lights for a few years, and she cant get enough of it! Shirley, Christine and Molly bring so much joy to each class. You can see the passion that have not only for dance, but also for teaching. I would recommend this dance studio to anyone who is interested in having their child learn in a fun and supportive manner.
Lynn Pearson
May 21, 2021
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Northern Lights is a very welcoming and family-oriented studio. Dancers become each others biggest fans, and always encourage each other while building life-long friendships. Teamwork, and support is part of the core values whether the dancers are in the recreational or competitive classes. The teachers are dedicated to building the students confidence and ensuring their love of dance. We had seven wonderful years here and would highly recommend this studio!
Bev C.
Oct 29, 2018
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Our daughter has been dancing at Northern Lights for 4 years and we ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! The teachers not only love dancing but truly care for the whole well being of their students. They teach them to love themselves for who they are and encourage them to strive for their best where they are most talented. They also ensure that their dances and costumes are age appropriate and still come out winning top choreography and top studio at competitions! There is no other dance studio that could compare!
