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, musical theater, 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, 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. If your dancer loves their class and has a friend who would like to join them, they may have an opportunity to come along and give it a try!
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. At Studio to Stage, we've taken a thoughtful look at where families' dance dollars really need to go. We keep tuition affordable, 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 we provide our dancers. Our dancers still receive proper instruction, learn technique and choreography, perform, explore different styles and have opportunities to grow. For those who want more, competitive training, competitions, conventions and additional performance opportunities are available—but families aren't expected to participate in everything in order for their dancer to belong or progress. This approach comes in part from firsthand experience as a dance parent. We know how quickly the extras can add up, and we believe families should be able to make thoughtful choices about which opportunities are right for their dancer and their budget. 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.
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. We love ballet and recognize the tremendous value it can bring to a dancer's training. It develops strength, alignment, control, coordination and many of the technical foundations that carry into other styles of dance. We also recognize that not every dancer loves ballet—and we want dancers to enjoy the training they choose. 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.
Does my child need previous dance experience? Answer: Absolutely not! We welcome dancers with all levels of experience, including complete beginners. At Studio to Stage, 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. Sometimes the class that looks right on paper isn't necessarily the class where a dancer feels they belong. We're happy to work with dancers and families to find the placement that feels right. Whether your dancer is stepping into a studio for the very first time, returning to dance after some time away, or bringing years of previous training, our goal is the same: to meet them where they are and help them grow from there.
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. We want a child's first experience with dance to be positive, comfortable and fun. From our youngest dancers right through to adults, we offer age-appropriate classes with options 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: No additional fees apply to your monthly tuition. There are no registration or sign-up fees. Should the student not want to participate in the year end show or competitions there are no additional fees. We want families to know what to expect when it comes to the cost of dance, so any costs outside of regular monthly tuition will always be communicated clearly and in advance. Costume rental, performance, and competition fees will apply when a dancer chooses to participate. Families will always be informed of these costs in advance. Costume rentals: Rather than requiring families to purchase a new costume for every performance, Studio to Stage offers a costume rental program. The rental fee is $20 for the first costume and $10 for each additional costume required. If your dancer falls in love with a costume—or you would simply like to keep a special costume as a keepsake—families will have the option to purchase it at a fair price. Performances, competitions and conventions: These are optional opportunities and may involve additional costs. Depending on the opportunity, expenses may include performance or registration fees, competition or convention entry fees, choreography, private lessons, costumes and other associated expenses. These costs will always be discussed with families before they choose to participate. Your child does not have to compete or attend conventions to be part of Studio to Stage or to have a full dance experience. Our goal is to keep these additional costs as minimal and accessible as possible, while being upfront about what families can expect. Parents can then decide which opportunities make sense for their dancer and their family's budget.
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 our 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. We believe the right dance experience is different for every dancer. Competition can be a valuable and exciting part of training, but it isn't required in order to progress, perform or be an important part of Studio to Stage.
What are Dance Talks? Answer: At Studio to Stage, we want to know and support our dancers beyond simply teaching them steps and choreography. Dance Talks will be incorporated into our programming as age-appropriate opportunities for dancers to learn, ask questions, build confidence and explore the bigger world of dance. Topics will change depending on the age and needs of the dancers. Younger dancers might explore Dancing Through the Decades, learning how dance and music have evolved over time and discovering influential dancers, choreographers and performers. Older dancers might discuss topics such as confidence, leadership, mentorship, performance, goal-setting and navigating the pressures and expectations they may encounter through dance and social media. Dance Talks may also give older dancers opportunities to develop leadership skills and mentor younger dancers within the studio. Most importantly, they 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. For younger dancers, proper footwear is an important part of learning safely. Dance shoes help with appropriate foot placement and provide the right amount of grip and movement for the style being taught. Socks alone can be too slippery for younger dancers who are still developing their technique, balance and core strength. From approximately age 12 and up, dancers who have developed the necessary technique, strength and body control may have more flexibility in what they wear on their feet during class. Depending on the class and teacher, dancers may train in dance shoes, half soles or socks. Dancers will still need the appropriate shoes for performances. For example, jazz dancers will require jazz shoes for showcases, competitions and other performance opportunities, even if they are permitted to train in socks or half soles during class. If you're unsure what shoes your dancer needs, please ask us before purchasing. We're happy to help make sure you purchase what's actually needed.
How do I register? Answer: Simply click View Now 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. Through our relationships and collaborations with local organizations, dancers may have opportunities to perform at community events throughout the year. Studio to Stage has connections with organizations such as the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Acclaim Celtic Dancers and Kiwanis Village, along with other community groups and events. Dancers may also have opportunities to participate in Studio to Stage performances and showcases, with competitive opportunities available for those who choose that path. Performance opportunities will vary throughout the year 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 for unrestricted movement. Jeans are not permitted in dance classes. Clothing that restricts a dancer's movement is also not permitted. For ballet, fitted clothing is required. This does not mean dancers must wear traditional tights and a bodysuit. Leggings with a fitted top or bodysuit are perfectly acceptable. Teachers need to be able to clearly see a dancer's alignment and body placement so they can make appropriate corrections and ensure dancers are developing safe technique.
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.