ABOUT US

The ACDA Philosophy

ACDA provides quality, affordable dance instruction in a non-competitive, inclusive program. While dance increases fitness and coordination, the benefits dance instruction offers students extends well beyond the physical. The child who dances is involved in creating, imagining, sharing, expressing, and cooperating. The process of learning a dance involves counting, remembering, and visualizing. Performing for an audience develops individual discipline, poise and confidence, as well as the satisfaction of creation through commitment and collaboration with a group. The program is designed to allow for all levels of experience and ability, and to promote excellence, while accommodating anyone with a desire to dance.

StFXU and ACDA

Since its incorporation as a non-profit, charitable organization in 1977, ACDA has had close ties to the campus community. The founding members of the organization were faculty and/or their family members. Most of our classes take place in rented facilities on StFXU campus. University students with qualification often teach classes for ACDA.

In 2004, ACDA initiated the first StFXU Dance Team, which has continued to provide competitive level dancers the opportunity to perform at athletic events and compete regionally.

Opportunities for all

Whether a student dreams of seriously pursuing a career in dance, or simply loves to move to music and wants to take a class with friends for fun, ACDA has a wide range of choices in many disciplines and for every age group.

Traditional Step dance is part of the living culture of our area, and continues to. be a popular choice for children and adults

The articulate grace of ballet has always attracted young students who wish to explore this beautiful art form. Many dancers who have not started training early, or have taken jazz or other forms are discovering an urge to expand their technique and commitment to dance by joining ballet in their teens. If you are one of these, be assured: it’s not too late! Please ask for possible entry level ballet classes.

The popularity of Hip Hop is not showing any signs of diminishing. Formerly offered by ACDA only to teens, we now have hip hop classes for kids starting at age 10, and younger students jazz classes also incorporate the styling and energy of hip hop, while assuring exposure to basic alignment and movement basics.

Do you know someone, or are you a person who likes to make up your own dances? Each year, creative young dancers look forward to the very rewarding experience of choreographing a dance for the February Student Choreography Showcase. This is an informal and non-competitive showcase that brings out the talents of students from 8 to 18 years old.

ACDA is committed to making dance available to everyone, there for with the help of the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program many children who whose families might not have the means to enroll them have received help to be part of the program.