Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Colwood
Westshore Dance Studios has been dedicated to fostering a vibrant dance community in Colwood since 1997. Founded by Debbie Halusiak, a Royal Academy of Dance-certified instructor with over 50 years of teaching experience, our studio combines technical excellence with a nurturing environment. We offer a comprehensive range of dance styles, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Contemporary, taught by professionally trained instructors. Our three-studio facility accommodates students of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing character development alongside dance education. With a legacy of producing award-winning performers and fostering lifelong friendships, we maintain strong affiliations with international dance accreditation bodies.Our commitment to community extends beyond the classroom through annual recitals, competitions, and family-friendly amenities. We pride ourselves on maintaining rigorous technical standards while creating an inclusive atmosphere where every student can thrive. Our graduates consistently credit the studio with developing their confidence, discipline, and artistic expression. Located in a convenient, amenity-rich area, we provide flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy families. Through our structured examination programs and performance opportunities, we help students achieve measurable progress while cultivating a lifelong love of dance.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Lyrical
Musical Theatre
Contemporary
Acrobatics
Mom and Tot
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with decades of professional teaching experience
- Accredited dance programs recognized by international dance organizations
- Three-studio facility with dedicated spaces for different dance styles
- Family-friendly environment with convenient amenities for parents
- Proven track record of developing confident, skilled performers
Associations and certifications
- Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
- Association of International Dance Teachers (AIDT)
What people say
Wonderful dance studio
Great teachers
Community feeling
Lifelong connections
Positive influence
Services
Ballet
Our Ballet program follows Royal Academy of Dance curriculum, developing grace, poise, and musicality. Students progress through structured levels with examination opportunities. Classes emphasize proper technique while fostering artistic expression in a supportive environment.
Tap
AIDT-certified Tap classes focus on timing, rhythm, and musicality. Students learn traditional and contemporary tap techniques through progressive syllabi. Our program develops coordination and musical awareness while maintaining the joy of percussive dance.
Hip Hop
Modern Hip Hop instruction covers current dance trends and foundational techniques. Classes emphasize rhythm, style, and self-expression through urban dance vocabulary. Students learn choreography while developing individual artistry in a dynamic group setting.
Acrobatics
Our Acrobatics program integrates dance with gymnastic elements, focusing on flexibility, strength, and control. Classes teach safe progressions of tumbling skills applicable to multiple dance styles while maintaining proper dance technique.
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre combines dance, singing, and acting in a performance-focused environment. Students develop stage presence and storytelling skills through choreographed numbers from popular musicals, preparing for theatrical performances and competitions.
People
Debbie Halusiak
Owner/Director
Royal Academy of Dance-certified instructor with 50+ years teaching experience. Founder of Westshore Dance Studios in 1997, previously taught at major dance schools across Canada. Holds advanced credentials in multiple dance disciplines.
Julie Evans
Dance Instructor
Specializes in Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and Jazz instruction. Completed RAD ballet and AIDT modern exams. Experienced performer and choreographer with festival participation and teaching credentials.
Jessica Paniz
Dance Instructor
Alumni-turned-instructor with extensive performance experience. Trained in multiple dance styles at Westshore Dance Studios. Brings practical expertise and personal connection to student development.
Virginia Stephenson
Dance Instructor
Professional dance instructor with comprehensive training across multiple disciplines. Focuses on technical precision and artistic expression in a supportive learning environment for all skill levels.
Abby Martin
Dance Instructor
Certified dance educator with specialization in youth instruction. Emphasizes foundational technique while maintaining engaging, age-appropriate classes that foster love for dance.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Acrobatics, and Mom and Tot classes for all ages and skill levels.
Are your instructors certified?
Yes, all our instructors are professionally trained and certified through recognized programs like Royal Academy of Dance and AIDT.
How do I register for classes?
Complete our online registration form available on our website. Contact us if you need help choosing appropriate classes.
What makes your studio unique?
We combine technical excellence with community building, offering accredited programs in a supportive environment that fosters lifelong friendships and character development.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes, we provide annual recitals, competitions, festivals, and performance-focused classes to showcase student progress and talent.
Reviews (5)
Anja Tolman
Jan 15, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value
My daughter grew up dancing with Westshore Dance Studios and always considered it her second home and second family. I am very appreciative of the excellent dance training my daughter received at Westshore Dance along with the positive influence the studio had on her upbringing. I would recommend WSD to any prospective dancer.
My daughter grew up dancing with Westshore Dance Studios and always considered it her second home and second family. I am very appreciative of the excellent dance training my daughter received at Westshore Dance along with the positive influence the studio had on her upbringing. I would recommend WSD to any prospective dancer.
Alex Morris
Dec 25, 2020
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My daughter went to this dance studio and unfortunately did not receive quality instruction for the 6 months she attended prior to Covid. The 45 minute classes she attended were supposed to be 45 minutes of instruction (ballet and modern) however much of the time was spent checking in with fellow dancers and discussing how their day/week was rather than dancing. It seemed that socializing and telling stories was a big part of each class and only about 15 minutes were actually spent dancing. Very disappointing for my daughter who was eager to learn! We will not be returning to this dance school
Gordon Tolman
Nov 29, 2020
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My family has been part of Westshore Dance Studio since it's inception, involving both learning and teaching dance. Westshore Dance Studio is a community of dancers and families that work hard together and have so much fun! The studio has been such a positive influence for so many. I would certainly recommend this school to anyone interested in dance!
Kris Buch
Nov 22, 2020
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Westshore Dance Studios have been a big part of my families life for the last 8 years. My daughter started taking two classes the first year and just wanted to do more and more styles of dance based on her positive experiences there. The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. Every spring they put on an incredible recital! Every year I am impressed by how much thought they put into the class schedule as they try to make it work best for families. I cant wait for another year at WDS!
Allissa Paniz
Oct 26, 2020
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Positive:Quality
Myself and 3 of my sibling have been a part of Westshore dance studios for about 16 years. The instructors are amazing and the studio is very family-friendly. Im grateful to have had the opportunity to dance with such a wonderful group of people for so long.
Myself and 3 of my sibling have been a part of Westshore dance studios for about 16 years. The instructors are amazing and the studio is very family-friendly. Im grateful to have had the opportunity to dance with such a wonderful group of people for so long.
