Laurier Recreation is proud to offer a wide variety of instructional dance classes. Many different styles and levels are offered to suit a multitude of participants.
Dance is a great way to try something new or enhance your own abilities while receiving a great weekly workout. All classes occur weekly for approximately 10 weeks and are 1 hour and 15 minutes in length.
Our performance classes choreograph dance routines performed at the end of each semester in the Dance Showcase. This is a chance for participants to demonstrate their talent and what they have accomplished during the semester. In our non-performance classes you can drop in any week to learn new choreography, these classes do not perform in the Dance Showcase.
Information regarding the times, locations, price, and class descriptions of all recreation programming can be found online through the registration site, visit the Shop tab for details.
Dance Class Levels
Beginner/Intro
No dance experience necessary! Beginner classes are geared towards dancers who have never taken a dance class. Dancers will learn the basic elements and steps.
Intermediate
For intermediate classes, some dance experience is necessary as dancers must know how to execute basic dance steps. Intermediate levels are for dancers who prefer a slower paced class.
Advanced
Dancers wishing to take an advanced level class are required to have extensive dance experience. They must be able to pick up choreography quickly and remember it week to week. Dancers will also be required to execute various technique.
No Level Listed
This class is open to all, regardless of dance experience! Beginner, intermediate, and advanced dancers are welcome to participate. Some dance experience is recommended, but not required.
Dance Classes Offered:
Acro
This class is based around acrobatics incorporated with dance. We will focus on tricks and lifts throughout this semester and our end goal will reflect all that we have worked on. This is an advanced level class and previous experience in acro or gymnastics is recommended.
Afro-Fusion
Afro-fusion is a dance style that combines African dance traditions with modern and global dance genres. It's characterized by rhythmic movements, energetic footwork, and vibrant expressions, with dancers encouraged to use their entire body to communicate through movement.
Ballet
Ballet is comprised of barre work, center floor, and across the room incorporating the fundamentals of dance. This classical style focuses on elegant lines and technique to develop the proper body alignment required for ballet. Ballet is taught at an open level meaning that it is open for anyone to try.
Contemporary (available in Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels)
This style is founded on natural movement, creativity, expression, technique, dynamics, body awareness and the use of space. Students will explore modern dance movement through warm-ups, various exercises and combinations, as well as improvisations.
Dancehall
Dancehall is an energetic, expressive, and upbeat type of dance branched from reggae. This style of dance incorporates a fusion of hip-hop and afro dance moves. Dancehall dance moves are fluid, although require high-energy.
Drop In Dance
This class is for dancers with no experience looking to learn some basic moves. In Beginner Dance you will get the chance to learn various styles, which may include Lyrical, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet and more. This is a drop-in class on our
Group Exercise schedule, and is currently free for Laurier Students.
Drop In Dance: Technique - NEW for Fall 2025!
Designed for experienced dancers, this class sharpens core skills through focused work on alignment, control, strength, and precision. In addition to refining technique, dancers will practice jumps, kicks, turns, and other advanced skills to keep their training performance-ready. Perfect for those looking to elevate their technical foundation and take their dancing to the next level. This is a drop-in class on our Group Exercise schedule, and is currently free for Laurier students with a
Group Ex pass and corresponding OneCard sticker.
Feel The Beat
Feat the Beat, developed by a Laurier alumni, is a class comprised of young adults with developmental disabilities from the KW community as well as Laurier student volunteers. In combination with great music, great moves, and great exercise, Feel the Beat provides participants and volunteers with a great learning experience both creatively and socially through various styles of dance and activities focused on fostering a cohesive group atmosphere.
Heels* (available in Beginner and Advanced levels)
This class is for everyone looking to find their fierce. Bring your heels and leave your inhibitions at the door. This class is meant to be fun! *Previously called Burlesque.
Hip Hop (available in Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels)
This class uses the latest sounds in Rap, R&B, Dance Music, Pop & Old School in combination with classic hip hop dance elements such as poppin', locking, and freestyle movement.
Jazz (available in Intermediate and Advanced levels)
An exciting and ever evolving dance form full of rhythm, syncopation, passion and life. Jazz dance brings energy to all those who dance it. Classes explore body isolations of the head, shoulders, ribcage, feet and arms, and encourage individual expression and the development of personal style. Ever evolving, jazz dance is taught with the music of today together with the classical jazz of the past.
Jazz Funk
Jazz Funk is a fusion style combining elements of both jazz and hip hop. It is known as a more commercial style and is often featured in your favourite music videos and concerts. This style is upbeat, sassy, and everything in between.
K-Pop
K-pop Dance is an energetic, creative, and expressive dance style that incorporates hip hop and jazz funk elements. It involves aspects of both group choreography and artistic formations, all while keeping true to the original artist/group performances.
Latin - NEW for Fall 2025!
Explore the passion and precision of Latin dance in this high-energy, open-level class, where everyone is welcome! You’ll learn the basics of salsa, bachata, merengue, and reggaeton, with a strong focus on salsa. Go at your own pace, experiment with the moves, and add your own personal style as you build confidence on the dance floor. Get ready to loosen those hips, feel the music, and have fun in a supportive, vibrant atmosphere!
Lyrical (available in Intermediate and Advanced levels)
Lyrical dance combines techniques developed through jazz, modern, and ballet. The focus of lyrical is on the emotion expressed through the dancer and the piece of music. Due to the influence of other dance styles on lyrical, this class is designed for experienced dancers. Each class is composed of warm-up, developing jump and turn techniques, and learning a routine to be performed at the end of the semester.
Open (available in Intermediate and Advanced levels)
This class is a chance for dancers to carry on with their high level of training. This class will combine disciplines such as jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, and acro. A dancer does not have to be trained in all forms to join, but should be interested in learning new styles. This class will give all dancers a chance to improve their technique, flexibility and learn creative choreography. A technical and creative piece will be put together at the end of the semester. Previous dance experience is required.
Tap
Do you find your toes tapping to the beat of the music? If yes, then it's time to take a tap class! Tap is a unique style of dance, with intricate rhythms and exciting combinations of steps that can be performed to any type of music. This class will focus on learning new rhythms, developing tap technique, and having fun while still being challenged. Beginners are welcome, but previous experience is recommended.
