Business Details
15 Years
experience
Premier Street Dance Education in Ottawa
Flava Factory was established in 2011 as Ottawa's only dedicated street dance studio, preserving and promoting Hip Hop culture through authentic dance education. Our mission is to provide high-quality instruction in breaking, popping, house, and other street styles while fostering a positive, inclusive environment for creative expression. With a team of internationally recognized instructors, we offer programs for all ages and skill levels, from youth classes to professional development workshops.We actively support Canadian street dancers by hosting events, competitions, and guest instructors from across the country. Our curriculum emphasizes both technical skill development and cultural education, ensuring students understand the history and values behind each dance style. Through community partnerships and outreach programs, we serve as a hub for Ottawa's street dance community while maintaining global connections to the broader Hip Hop world.
Services
Breaking Classes
Popping Instruction
House Dance
Hip Hop Workshops
Dance Competitions
Studio Rentals
Performance Groups
Choreography Sessions
Locking Classes
Dancehall Training
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We offer specialized instruction in authentic street dance styles from internationally recognized instructors
- Our curriculum combines technical training with cultural education about Hip Hop history
- We provide age-appropriate programs for children as young as 4 through adult classes
- Our instructors maintain active professional careers while teaching local students
- We host regular workshops with guest artists from across Canada and internationally
Services
Breaking Classes
Our breaking program teaches foundational elements including top rock, footwork, freezes, and power moves. Students learn both traditional techniques and modern innovations from instructors with international competition experience. Classes cater to all skill levels from beginners to advanced b-boys and b-girls seeking to refine their style.
Popping Instruction
This program focuses on the original California funk style featuring precise muscle contractions, robotic effects, and isolation movements. Students explore related styles like waving and boogaloo while developing personal expression through rhythm and musicality with experienced popping specialists.
House Dance
Originating from Chicago clubs, our house dance classes combine jazz, hip hop, and capoeira influences. Students learn essential elements like jacking, footwork, and lofting in a cypher environment that emphasizes improvisation and community interaction with instructors trained in authentic house traditions.
Hip Hop Workshops
These sessions explore contemporary hip hop expressions through choreography and freestyle practice. Instructors teach current trends while connecting them to the style's historical roots, offering students opportunities to develop both technical skills and personal style in a supportive learning environment.
Dance Competitions
We organize regular competitive events following authentic street dance formats. These gatherings provide performance opportunities for local dancers while maintaining connections to the global Hip Hop community through guest judges and special showcase performances by professional artists.
People
Sami Slynks Elkout
Studio Owner & Instructor
Founder of Flava Factory since 2011, Sami has been active in Ottawa's street dance scene since 2001. A former member of The Breadcrumbs Crew, he combines business expertise with deep Hip Hop knowledge to lead Canada's capital dance community.
Simon Klassic Xavier
Locking and Popping Instructor
Teaching since 2008, Simon is a multiple Under Pressure battle winner with international performance experience. He brings expertise from So You Think You Can Dance Canada and China's Crazy Dancing festival to his Ottawa-based instruction.
Vanessa Vlove Lovell
Hip Hop Instructor
With formal training from Canadian Dance Factory and Toronto's street scene, Vanessa specializes in house and hip hop styles. She co-produces local dance events while teaching technique-focused classes that blend grooving with choreography development.
Armel Shindano
Popping Instructor
A dedicated popper since 2010, Armel brings expertise from Montreal mentors and competitive experience to his Ottawa teaching. His focus on animation techniques and groundwork reflects years of dedicated practice and crew performance experience.
Chelsea Turcotte
Choreography Instructor
Active in Ottawa's dance community through Culture Shock and PNL Dance Co., Chelsea specializes in freestyle and choreography development. Her teaching emphasizes creative collaboration while maintaining strong technical foundations in street dance principles.
Questions
What should parents do during children's dance classes?
Parents are encouraged to give children space during classes but can explore nearby Hintonburg businesses. They're invited to join the last 10 minutes for the cypher session.
What should I wear to dance classes?
Wear comfortable movement clothing with indoor running shoes and bring a water bottle. No special equipment required for most beginner classes.
Are classes available for complete beginners?
Yes! Our classes cater to all skill levels. Instructors teach foundational techniques that welcome newcomers while challenging experienced dancers in the same session.
What age ranges do classes serve?
We offer programs for children as young as 4 through adult classes. Specific age groups include kinders (4-5), junior (6-8), kids (9-12), teen (13-16), and adult (17+) categories.
Can I try a class before committing?
Adult classes allow drop-in participation. For youth classes, we recommend the first session as a trial before full registration to ensure proper fit with our teaching approach.
How do I register for classes?
Register in person at our studio, by phone, or through our online sign-up system. We accept cash, cheque, debit, and major credit cards for payment.
Reviews (5)
Jason Garcia
Jan 11, 2020
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My daughter takes classes here. She loves it! She loves doing the different styles of dance and the instructors are all fantastic. More than that, they're great at fostering a sense of community and teaching the students about how to give back. Fantastic studio and my son starts his first course this week!
Canel Kadir
Dec 16, 2019
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Really enjoyed my experience at the Flava Factory. I specifically attended the drop in Heels class. The staff and teachers are friendly and I would specifically recommend you to attend a class with Momo as the instructor. The drop in classes are for intermediate dancers however dont let that discourage you to attend, there are many different classes that they also offer.
Sonia Doobay-Glew
Nov 13, 2019
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Absolutely fantastic experience, and such a great philosophy they have about dance, especially for kids! The kinder breaking program has given my son the confidence to not only perform as part of a group, but to also put moves together himself in a cypher setting. The instructors are passionate and the studio is welcoming, I would highly recommend to anyone and everyone!
Jon Bulatovic
Oct 06, 2019
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Have been taking my children here for many years now, the place has a positive energy and is very welcoming. Highly recommend this dance school for breakdancing and hiphop. Will be sending our youngest there in a few years
Jean Kim
Sep 28, 2019
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My teenage son has thrived in his dance skils (and attitude!) with the instruction and enviroment of this studio. The teachers, staff and community (guest instructors/workshop presenters, parents of other dancers, events goers, etc.) are the bomb!
