Dance Should Be for Everyone.
Every Class. $10 or Less.
Start Anytime.
At Studio to Stage, we believe dance should be accessible, flexible, and welcoming to everyone. That’s why we’re doing things differently — with affordable monthly pricing, the freedom to join throughout the year, and opportunities for dancers to learn, grow, perform, and be part of a community.
Whether you’re just starting out, returning to dance, or ready to try something new, you don’t have to wait for a new season to begin. If there’s space in the class, you can start when you’re ready.
Discover Our Studio
Our Mission
At Studio to Stage, we believe everyone who wants to dance should have the opportunity to dance.
Our mission is to make dance more accessible while providing a welcoming place where dancers of all ages and experience levels can learn, grow, perform, and be part of a community. Whether someone is stepping into a dance studio for the first time or working toward bigger goals, we want them to feel supported, challenged, and excited to keep dancing.
We believe great dance experiences shouldn’t be limited by age, experience, or financial circumstances. By keeping dance affordable, allowing dancers to start throughout the year, and creating opportunities for both recreational and competitive dancers, we’re building a studio where more people have the chance to discover what dance can bring to their lives.
Who We Are
Studio to Stage Performing Arts is a welcoming dance studio in Nanaimo, B.C., created for dancers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.
Our dancers can explore a variety of styles in a supportive environment that balances strong training with creativity, confidence, and the enjoyment of dance. Whether someone wants to dance recreationally, perform on stage, compete, or simply try something new, there is a place for them here.
Our studio was built with dancers and families in mind, including proper sprung flooring to help reduce the impact of training and viewing windows that allow parents to watch classes without distracting dancers. Our instructors bring different backgrounds, strengths, and experiences to the studio, giving students the opportunity to learn from a diverse teaching team.
Built for Dancers
Studio to Stage was built with dancers in mind from the very beginning. From an empty space, we created a studio designed to support dancers as they learn, grow, and perform.
Our studio features proper sprung flooring to help reduce the impact of training, along with viewing windows that allow parents to watch classes without distracting dancers. Every part of the space was created to make the studio a comfortable, welcoming place for dancers and their families.
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Join Us
Find Your Place at Studio to Stage
Whether you're looking for your child's first dance class, a place for an experienced dancer to continue growing, or an opportunity to get back into dance as an adult, there's a place for you at Studio to Stage.
With classes for young children through adults, dancers can explore different styles, build their skills, perform, make friends, and enjoy being part of a supportive dance community.
Classes for Every Stage
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Tots & Minis
A fun and encouraging introduction to dance where younger dancers can build confidence, coordination, musicality, and a love of movement. -
Juniors & Teens
Classes for recreational and competitive dancers who want to develop their technique, explore different styles, perform, and continue growing as dancers. -
Adults
Whether you're returning to dance or trying it for the first time, our adult classes offer a welcoming way to move, learn, and enjoy dance. -
More Than Weekly Classes
Throughout the year, dancers can also take part in performances, workshops, special events, and other opportunities to learn and connect.
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Tots and Minis
Creative Dance Foundations
Our Tots & Minis classes introduce young dancers to movement, music, and the joy of dance in a fun and encouraging environment. Dancers build confidence, coordination, creativity, and foundational skills while exploring styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, and creative movement.
What to Expect
Classes are designed with young dancers in mind, combining age-appropriate instruction with plenty of opportunities to move, learn, and have fun. As dancers grow, classes gradually introduce more structure, technique, musicality, independence, and performance skills.
Youth & Teens
Strong Foundations,
Room to Grow
Our Youth & Teen classes give dancers the opportunity to strengthen their technique, build confidence, and continue developing as performers. Whether dancing recreationally or working toward competitive goals, dancers are encouraged to challenge themselves while enjoying being part of a supportive studio community.
Explore Different Styles
Dancers can explore styles including ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theatre. Classes combine technique, musicality, creativity, and performance skills while giving dancers opportunities to discover the styles they enjoy most.
Find a Class
Explore our current classes to find the style, level, and time that works best for your dancer. Our class listings are kept up to date with the latest schedule and availability.
Ready to Join?
Whether you're new to dance, returning after time away, or looking for a new place to continue your training, you don't have to wait for a new season. If there's space in the class, you can start when you're ready.
Adults
Continue Dancing
Dance at Your Stage
Find a Class
Ready to Join?
Whether you're continuing dance after high school, looking for a new place to train, or simply don't want your dance journey to end, Studio to Stage offers a place to keep learning, performing, and enjoying dance as an adult.
Adult dancers come with different goals and different levels of experience. Classes can provide opportunities for younger adults continuing their training as well as adults returning to dance or stepping into a studio for the first time.
Explore our current adult classes to find the style, level, and time that works best for you. Our class listings are kept up to date with the latest schedule and availability.
You don't need previous dance experience, and you don't have to wait for a new season to begin. If there's space in a class that's right for you, you can start when you're ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do classes cost? Answer: We believe dance should be accessible, affordable, and easy for families to budget for. 1 class per week — $40/month 2 classes per week — $70/month 3 classes per week — $95/month 4 classes per week — $115/month 5 classes per week — $135/month 6 classes per week — $155/month Each additional class — +$20/month For the 2026/27 season, there are no additional fees.
Can my child try a class before we commit? Answer: When joining a new or newly forming class, we ask families to register for the first month rather than attend a free trial. At just $40 for a once-a-week class, this gives your dancer several classes to settle in, get to know their teacher and classmates, and decide whether the class is a good fit. If it isn’t the right fit, there’s no obligation to continue the following month. Once a class is established and running, we’re happy to welcome friends of our current dancers for a complimentary trial class.
Why is dance at Studio to Stage so affordable? Answer: Because we believe a full dance experience doesn’t have to come with an overwhelming price tag. We keep tuition affordable by being thoughtful about where families’ dance dollars go. We reuse and responsibly source costumes when practical, offer low-cost costume rentals, and look for ways to reduce unnecessary expenses without reducing the quality of training or the experience our dancers receive. Affordable doesn’t mean less dance. It means we’re being intentional about how we deliver it.
Can my child have a full dance experience without competing? Answer: Absolutely. Competition is an opportunity at Studio to Stage, not a requirement. Dancers who choose not to compete still train, develop technique, learn choreography, perform, and participate fully in the Studio to Stage community. Dancers may choose not to compete at all, participate in one competition, or take part in additional competitive opportunities depending on their goals, readiness, and what works for their family.
How do payments work? Answer: Our preferred method of payment is e-transfer to: kidsprogramsS2S@gmail.com Payment by Square is also available at the studio by arrangement. Payment must be received before your dancer’s first scheduled class to confirm their registration. For ongoing monthly classes, payment information and due dates will be communicated to families as part of registration.
Does my child have to take ballet or technique classes? Answer: Ballet foundations are incorporated into every Studio to Stage lesson plan, regardless of the style of dance your child is taking. A separate ballet class is not required for dancers following the Performance Pathway. Dancers choosing the Competitive Pathway are required to participate in Technique & Improv and Choreography classes. Ballet is strongly encouraged for competitive dancers who want to further develop their technique, but it is not automatically required.
Does my child need previous dance experience? Answer: Absolutely not! We welcome dancers with all levels of experience, including complete beginners. Class placement isn’t based solely on age or previous dance experience. We also consider where a dancer will feel comfortable, confident, and best able to learn and enjoy themselves. We’re happy to work with dancers and families to find the class that feels like the right fit.
What ages do you teach? Answer: Studio to Stage offers dance programming for ages 3 through adult. For our youngest dancers, we generally begin at age three, when many children are ready to participate in a dance class independently. Because every child develops at a different pace, readiness is just as important as age. From our youngest dancers through to adults, we offer age-appropriate classes for beginners as well as dancers with previous training. Not sure which class is the right fit? We’re always happy to help with placement.
Are there any additional fees? Answer: For the 2026/27 season, there are no additional required fees beyond your regular monthly tuition. Optional opportunities, such as competitions, conventions, private lessons, or other special activities, may involve additional costs. These will always be clearly communicated in advance so families can decide what works for them.
What is Studio to Stage’s approach to competitive dance? Answer: At Studio to Stage, competition is an opportunity—not a measure of a dancer’s worth or success. Our approach changes as dancers grow. For younger dancers, we focus first on confidence, skill development, and positive performance experiences, with select individual competitive opportunities available when a dancer is ready. As dancers get older, they may choose a Performance Pathway, a Competitive Pathway, or a combination of both. Competition can be an exciting part of dance training, but it isn’t required to progress, perform, or be an important part of Studio to Stage.
What are Dance Talks? Answer: Dance Talks are age-appropriate opportunities for dancers to learn, ask questions, build confidence, and explore the bigger world of dance. Topics may include dance history, confidence, leadership, mentorship, performance, goal-setting, and navigating the pressures dancers may encounter through dance and social media. They also give us time to check in with our dancers, hear their questions, and help them understand that dance is about much more than learning a routine.
What dance shoes does my child need? Answer: For dancers under age 12, appropriate footwear for the style of dance is required. For example, ballet dancers need ballet slippers and jazz dancers need jazz shoes. From approximately age 12 and up, dancers who have developed the necessary technique, strength, and body control may have more flexibility during class. Depending on the class and teacher, dancers may train in dance shoes, half soles, or socks. Appropriate shoes will still be required for performances. If you’re unsure what your dancer needs, please ask us before purchasing—we’re happy to help.
How do I register? Answer: Simply click View Classes or Register Now on our website to access the Studio to Stage registration portal. From there, you can view available classes and register your dancer for the class or classes that work for you. Once registered, payment must be received before your dancer’s first scheduled class to confirm their spot.
What styles of dance do you offer? Answer: Studio to Stage offers a variety of dance styles, including: Ballet • Jazz • Lyrical • Contemporary • Hip Hop • Musical Theatre Dancers are welcome to explore different styles or focus on the ones they enjoy most. As our studio community grows, our class offerings will continue to grow with it.
What about costumes and costume costs? Answer: We take a practical approach to costuming at Studio to Stage. Whenever possible, we reuse, adapt, rent, or carefully source costumes rather than automatically requiring families to purchase brand-new ones. Quality previously loved costumes are carefully cleaned, inspected, repaired or altered as needed before being used again. For opportunities that require a specific costume, we'll work with families to find an option that makes sense while keeping costs as reasonable as possible.
What performance opportunities are available? Answer: Studio to Stage believes performing is an important part of the dance experience, and we look for opportunities for our dancers to share what they’ve learned both inside and outside the studio. Dancers may have opportunities to perform at community events, Studio to Stage performances and showcases throughout the year, with competitive opportunities available for those who choose that path. Performance opportunities vary depending on the event, age group, and participating dancers.
Where are you located and where do we park? Answer: Studio to Stage Performing Arts is located at 324 Terminal Avenue in downtown Nanaimo, on the upper floor of the building. Our recommended parking is the parkade directly north of the studio, approximately half a block away. When travelling north past the studio on Terminal Avenue, take the first right after the building to access the parkade. There is also a small parking lot on the south side of the building, but spaces are limited. If you’re visiting for the first time and aren’t sure where to go, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
What should my child wear to class? Answer: Studio to Stage does not have a strict studio-wide dress code. We want dancers to feel comfortable and be able to move freely in class. For most styles, dancers may wear leggings, athletic wear, sweatpants, cargo-style dance pants, or other comfortable clothing that allows unrestricted movement. Jeans and clothing that restricts movement are not permitted. For ballet, fitted clothing is required so instructors can clearly see alignment and body placement, but traditional tights and a bodysuit are not required. Leggings with a fitted top or bodysuit are perfectly acceptable.
Still Have Questions?
If you have a question that isn’t answered in our Frequently Asked Questions, we’re always happy to help. Please feel free to reach out to us by email, text, or phone call, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.