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 onStFXU campus.

In 2002 a longtime dream became a reality for ACDA. St FXU, in response to the very evident need in the community for a proper dance facility, included the Dance Studio in the Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre. Every effort is made while scheduling to have as many of our students as possible take dance class in this state-of-the art dance facility.

Many of our teachers and dancers participate in Theatre Antigonish productions. Many

StFXU students participate in our classes, and observation of our Saturday children’s program is a part of the course requirement for Human Kinetics movement and dance courses. Four of our young teachers are X students. Through the StFXU Service Learning Program, fourth-year Human Kinetics students provide important role models and gain experience as student teachers in our boys’ class. ACDA has initiated the first StFXU Dance Team that will be available to perform at athletic events.

Opportunities for all

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 only 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: its not too late! In the Older Beginner class, maturity and motivation to learn often allows teens to progress quickly. ACDA is pleased to be offering students this opportunity.

Each year, creative young dancers look forward to the very rewarding experience of choreographing a dance for the February Choreography Showcase. Sometimes, however, the obstacles in terms of developing an idea and finding the time and space to work on their creation prevents them from completing a piece in time for this fun-filled annual event. In Modern 1-2, teacher and award winning choreographer Francine Boucher will have the students create a dance together as part of the class.