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Business Details
21 Years
experience
Premier Dance Training in Timmins, ON
Founded in 2005, Melissa Kelly Dance Academy (MKDA) has been a cornerstone of dance education in Timmins, Ontario, offering comprehensive training for students aged 3 to adult. Our mission is to foster a joyful, inclusive environment where dancers develop technical excellence, creativity, and lifelong confidence. With a team of certified instructors holding credentials from institutions like Canada's National Ballet School and the Canadian Dance Teachers Association, we provide expertise across ballet, hip hop, contemporary, and acrobatics. Our facilities feature two professional studios with observation areas, change rooms, and smart technology for competition critique review. MKDA emphasizes community engagement, evidenced by our director Melissa Kelly-Lavoie receiving the 2024 Nova Awards' Newmont Porcupine Young Leader Award for youth development through dance.

We balance structured curricula with personalized attention, ensuring students progress safely while maintaining a passion for dance. Our competitive team participates in industry auditions, and our recreational programs prioritize accessibility for all skill levels. Parent testimonials consistently highlight MKDA as a 'dance family' that nurtures growth, teamwork, and artistic expression. Through annual teacher training at conventions and workshops, we remain at the forefront of evolving dance pedagogy. Our commitment to transparency, safety, and holistic development has established MKDA as a trusted leader in Northern Ontario's performing arts community.
Services
Ballet Hip Hop Contemporary Acrobatics Musical Theatre Tap Pointe Adult Classes Competitive Training Jazz
Details
  • Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
  • We offer 20+ years of dance expertise with certified instructors from Canada's National Ballet School.
  • Our facilities include two professional studios with observation areas and smart technology for critique review.
  • We provide competitive opportunities through industry-standard auditions and training programs.
  • Our staff maintains active professional development through annual dance conventions and workshops.
  • We prioritize a safe, inclusive environment with security personnel and CPR-certified staff.
What people say
Dance family Positive environment Team spirit Professional instruction Lifelong confidence
Update Listing
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program follows the Cecchetti method, teaching barre work, pirouettes, and adagio techniques. Students develop posture, discipline, and foundational skills essential for all dance styles. Classes run 45 minutes to 1 hour for ages 5+.
Hip Hop
Hip hop classes focus on rhythm, freestyle, and coordination using funk and modern styles. We offer mixed and all-boys classes for ages 6+ with 45-minute to 1-hour sessions. Adult hip hop incorporates house dancing techniques.
Acrobatics
Acrobatic Arts-certified instruction develops tumbling, flexibility, and partner stunts. Required for ages 7+ with 1-hour classes. Ballet or jazz enrollment is mandatory to complement technical development.
Competitive Training
Professional audition-based programs prepare dancers for competitions. Includes choreography coaching, team building, and performance critique sessions. Recipients of multiple regional awards and scholarships.
Adult Classes
Adult programs include lyrical, ballet, hip hop, and burlesque styles. Classes emphasize creativity, fitness, and self-expression for ages 18+ with 1-hour sessions focused on technical growth.
People
Melissa Kelly-Lavoie
Owner & Director
Graduate of Canada's National Ballet School with 30+ years dance experience. Holds certifications from ISTD, CDTA, and Acrobatic Arts. Recipient of 2024 Nova Awards' Newmont Porcupine Young Leader Award.
Julie Bouwman
Faculty Member
CDTA-certified instructor since 2005 with expertise in competitive choreography. Holds Acrobatics Arts certification and serves as MKDA's office administrator. Award-winning choreographer with 18+ years teaching experience.
Carter Chalmers
Instructor
2023 MKDA Scholarship recipient with advanced training in tap, jazz, and hip hop. Former competitive team member with 10+ years teaching assistant experience. Specializes in youth mentorship and technical development.
Miss Cristy
Dance Instructor
20+ year teaching veteran with certifications from Broadway Dance Centre and Acrobatic Arts. Specializes in tap and jazz instruction. Believes in dance as a transformative tool for personal growth and creative expression.
Matthew Dub
Hip Hop Specialist
MKDA alumnus with 10 years training in hip hop and contemporary styles. Holds Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Administration. Attended Be Discovered and Surge Hip Hop conventions. Focuses on musicality and performance skills.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer classes for children as young as 3 years old through adult programs. Specific age requirements apply per discipline.
Do you offer competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, we provide competitive team auditions and training programs for dancers seeking performance competitions and technical advancement.
What certifications do your instructors hold?
Our staff maintains certifications from institutions including Canada's National Ballet School, CDTA, Acrobatic Arts, and ISTD.
Are parent observation areas available?
Yes, both studios feature observation areas for parents to watch classes without disrupting instruction.
Do you offer adult dance classes?
We provide adult programs in lyrical, ballet, hip hop, and burlesque styles for ages 18+ with no experience required.
What safety measures are in place?
We employ certified security personnel, CPR-trained staff, and maintain first aid protocols for student and family safety.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Amori Montagnus
Aug 20, 2021 Report
For a place that promotes health and wellness in children I am appalled to see that MKDA is promoting vaccination for dancers in the upcoming season. It is a well known fact that this experimental poison is not for children under 12 which would make up most of the dancers. Advising children to inject this untested poison in their developing systems sure in contradictory to what a dance academy is supposed to promote. All respect and support is lost for MKDA, here's hoping the other dance schools have more sense, what a shame.
Paul Smith
Nov 21, 2017 Report
Melissa is such a hard working and dedicated instructor. Her passion and energy shines through in every one of her students. Above all, she has created an atmosphere of positivity and excitement, that is greatly appreciated. She also has the most kick butt studio manager named Mardi ;)
Lester Mills
Dec 20, 2016 Report
Melissa has such an amazing and positive energy every class. Her enthusiasm is amazing and she lights up any room she enters. You can see that it spreads to her students as well. My wife and I definitely love this place.
Casey Mallone
Dec 13, 2015 Report
Melissa Kelly Dance Academy gives your child the opportunity to learn and grow as a dancer. There are so many opportunities available. They offer a variety of classes such as jazz, hip hop, and even musical theater.
Sidney Holiday
Aug 21, 2015 Report
My daughter has danced at Melissa Kelley for about two years now. She loves the hip hop class they offer. So far, being a member of this dance school has been a very positive experience for her.