Royal City School of Ballet and Jazz hit 45 years in business this year, and is showing no signs of slowing down.
The school takes a self-described “serious, but non-competitive attitude” in their teaching style, and that approach seems to be paying off. Students from RCSB have gone on to Canada’s National Ballet School, Dutch National Ballet, Italia Conti Theatre in England, University of Windsor Theatre, and careers in musical theatreTV and film.
But not every student wants to pursue dance as a career, and RCSB is a school for them too. The staff are committed to maintaining a culture of friendliness and positivity, to ensure that every individual can enjoy themselves as they learn. High quality training and learning proper technique are a vital part of all classes.
RCSB offers dance classes for ages 3-adult, with registration ongoing and currently open. Classes are run Monday-Saturday every week, with a range of dance styles available, from ballet, jazz, and lyrical, to acro, contemporary modern and musical theatre. Fall classes will start on September 16th.
The teachers at RSCB are veterans in performing and instructing. Director Brandi Matheson holds registered teacher status with the Royal Academy of Dancing and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance and is a level-two Acrobatic Arts teacher, amongst other certifications. Patricia McLeod, founder of Royal City School of Ballet and Jazz, received her dance training from Bush Davies Theatre School in London, England. Mrs. McLeod has her Solo Seal from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), which is the highest examination level offered by the organization.
For those concerned that it’s too late to take up dance, RSCB says that their oldest student is over 75. In addition to their regular adult classes, the school offers a special class on Fridays called “Ballet for Life,” for individuals aged 55+.
Whatever your age and skill level, dance offers benefits that are physical, social, and mental-health related. Dance eases tension, depression and anxiety by reducing cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. If your goal for autumn is to reduce everyday stress, signing up for dance classes might be a great next “step.”
For more information or to register, visit www.danceroyalcity.ca.
For tuition information or other questions, contact [email protected] or (519) 836 8971.