Gabriola Dance Classes - For Children & Adults

Gabriola has a new Dance instructor who is offering a variety of courses catering to both children & adults. The classes start this Saturday at the Agi Hall and this Saturdays classes are free! There is a variety of different classes listed below, including Pilates for teens & adults...

Adult classes on Sat. & Thursday.
Kids’ classes are on Saturdays and include a dress-up or storytelling session at the end for younger children. In class recitals on last day. Young children should wear comfortable clothing. Girls over 5 should wear tights, leotard and ballet slippers if possible. Boys should wear black shorts and white shirt and slippers.

Parent and Tot- You are welcome to accompany your 2 ½ to 4 year old to this class. In this class Children play with music as they learn simple choreography and explore their own creations. Emphasis is on creativity, music appreciation and listening skills. An in class recital will be held on the last day. Saturday 9:15-9:45 $40.00

Creative Dance for pre-schoolers. In this class girls and boys will wiggle like spaghetti and leap like a dolphin while learning the fundamentals of dance technique. For even more fun, each class will conclude with dress-up or storytelling. An in class recital will be held on the last day. Saturday 11:30-12:30 $60

Kinderdance- Specially designed for your kindergartener, this class introduces the young dancer to their first real steps. Time will be spent both at the Barre and in the Centre. The dancer will begin to learn the artistic vocabulary associated with dance while they create their own choreography. For even more fun, each class will conclude with dress-up or storytelling. An in class recital will be held on the last day. Saturday 12:45-2 $65.00

Creative Dance-6-9years old- In this class, children will begin to explore the world of dance on a deeper level with the focus on fun! Barre and Centre work will focus on alignment and body awareness. Some basic anatomy will be taught as well. For even more fun, each class will conclude with dress-up or storytelling. An in class recital will be held on the last day. Saturday 2:15-3:30 $65

Creative Dance –10-12 years old- Dancers in this class will be taught at the Barre, in the Centre and across the floor with a focus on strong technique. An emphasis on artistry will be fostered through fun creative choreography, lyrical dance and storytelling. An in class recital will be held on the last day. Saturday 3:45-5 $65

Teen Ballates-This fun class is a combination of the core strengthening techniques of mat pilates and the artistry of ballet technique. Participants will develop a strong body and keen technical skills that will benefit them in any other dance form or sport. Contemporary and classical music will be used for centre choreography. Musical suggestions are welcome for the creative dance section which wraps up the class. Sunday afternoon at The Gathering Place 247-8020 for info

Pilates- Mara is a BCRPA certified pilates instructor. The beauty of Plates is that exercises are adaptable to suit seniors with medical concerns as well as to suit the most fit of atheletes. In this class, participants will learn the basics of Beginner Mat Pilates including correct breathing, pelvic, spinal, shoulder stabilization and how to strengthen the core and back muscles. The benefits of this practice include firm abdominals, realignment of posture, stronger back, increased strength & flexibility and the alleviation of aches and pains. Please bring a towel or mat. Saturday and/or Thursday 5-6 $70 for one class a week. Save 20% on your 2nd adult class, 30% on your 3rd class and 40% on your 4th class. Teens also welcome to register. Drop in’s welcome -$13

Adult Ballet – Don’t worry-it’s not scary! These lighthearted classes help the beginner and advanced dance student to explore the art of dance in a safe and challenging environment. Mara will guide you through a traditional floor warm up, ballet barre, centre and stretch emphasizing correct placement and encouraging flexibility, while building strength, coordination and musicality. While the execution of skills is the outwardly appearance of dance, a truly skilled dancer understands that dance is an art form. Mara infuses this philosophy into her classes so that dancers gain an understanding and appreciation of their relationships to dance. Saturday 10-11:30 and Thursday 7-8:30 $80 for one class a week. Save 20% on your 2nd adult class, 30% on your 3rd class and 40% on your 4th class. Teens also welcome to register. Drop in’s welcome-$15.

BIOGRAPHY: Miss Mara grew up in Montreal where she began to dance 30 years ago. After training in the Danish Ballet technique and teaching ballet for the City of Montreal she moved to Bowen Ialsnd where she has been a dancer, choreographer and ballet teacher for 10 years. Her view of ballet as an art form resonates with honesty and passion. Now living on Gabriola, she promises to create ballet and pilates programs for children, teens, adults and seniors that encourage the development of strong technique, body awareness, poise, and grace. It is her hope that students will be given opportunities to perform in community based events and eventually hold their own full scale productions. Dance is a joyful, kinetic experience that encourages skill building, focus, creative thought and an appreciation for one’s self and the arts. Mara’s classes are designed to provide an enriched dance experience in a supportive and safe environment, while also ensuring dancers of every age develop a love and appreciation for dance that lasts a lifetime.


Mara Brenner 250-247-8538