About the Studio
Welcome to Studio to Stage Performing Arts, Nanaimo's newest dance center. This beautiful studio is located in central Nanaimo on the top floor of 324 Terminal Ave.
Studio to Stage offers complete programming for ages 3 to adult. The staff at our beautiful facility are hand picked to deliver the best instruction in several genes of dance. At Studio to Stage the location and equipment have been carefully selected to optimize each dancers development and potential. In our facility we have two spacious studios for a total dance area of 1400 square feet. One of our studios is equipped with 800 square feet of sprung floors making it premium flooring with shock absorption for jumps and leaps.
Aside from qualify equipment our programming will be unique to other studios in Nanaimo. Studio to Stage will strive to offer a full dance education by collaborating with other dance professionals and a variety of cultural dance groups. Today it more important than ever to be inclusive and incorporate as many groups from the dance community as possible. We will be hosting studio wide events that students families will be encouraged to participate in. At Studio to Stage we believe that dance is more than just learning steps and movements. It is our goal that the dancers obtain life skills as well as dance skills. The mentor program at Studio to Stage has been inspired by the roots of empathy and buddy reading programs used in many Elementary schools. It is a practice in most studios that older students are selected to assist in the younger dancers classes. This is a great opportunity for those older dancers that are selected but unfortunately it leaves many dancers out that may have an aptitude towards working with younger children. Our mentor class gives aspiring teachers a chance to choreograph, assist and perform with the younger dancers.
Last but not least at Studio to Stage we are well aware what a quality arts program costs. Just like every detail at Studio to Stage pricing has also been very carefully thought out. Similar to a gym membership Studio to Stage is prepared to offer it teen students a monthly membership rate. Benefits of student membership will include unlimited classes and use of studio space when available. Teens can get together and have extra practice time.
At Studio to Stage many life skills will be learned and will carry through to all aspects of each dancers journey. Come join us at Studio to Stage Performing Arts and help make our dance space “The place to be”.
About Me.
​Hi everyone, I am Christin.
I am so excited to be on this journey at Studio to Stage. Opening a dance studio has been a longtime dream of mine. Growing up in rural Alberta, there were few opportunities for dance and up until I was 11, the children of my small town (Calahoo) were only able to take jazz classes once a week upstairs in the hockey arena. I wished for a studio where everyone could flourish together through their love of dance.
After finishing college, I moved to Edmonton and had the opportunity to study Irish dance. I loved the discipline of Irish dance and progressed through all the competition levels. In Edmonton, I had the privilege to teach Irish dance at various studios. I ran my own program in the Sherbrooke community and taught adult classes through the Continuing Education program for the City of Edmonton. I enjoyed many performance opportunities in Edmonton, the highlight being part of the closing ceremonies for the 2001 World Championships in Athletics.
A few years later my husband and I planted our roots out here on beautiful Vancouver Island. I continued to teach dance but it turns out there is not much of an Irish dance community in Nanaimo!
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I have always loved working with children. In Edmonton I ran an in-home daycare, taught skiing and did programs for youth through the City of Edmonton parks and recreation.
Just as I encourage my students to continue to grow in dance, I am always striving to continue my education in dance. I am currently studying ballet, jazz, lyrical and modern.
My goal is to instill a love of dance and life skills to every dancer that walks through the door. We warmly welcome you to the Studio to Stage family!
Studio Information and Etiquette:
The studio is located on the top floor of 324 Terminal Ave.
Parking is available at the Skinner street parade or across the street at the ABCB parking lot. You may not park on the south side (where the large mural is) but we prefer it is used used as a drop off zone for our little dancers that need accompaniment into the building.
Please assure your child is prepared for class having all necessary attire and shoes with them. Please park and escort your child to the door of the building, teachers can only be responsible for your child's safety when they are on site.
Please be punctual for classes, arriving late distracts the class. Anyone arriving later 5 minutes will not be allowed enter class as it is unsafe and may lead to injury.
No outside shoes on studio floors, if dancers are wearing sneakers please ensure they are non-marking. Outside shoes bring in debris that night puncture the marley covering and could make for an unsafe dance surface.
Please keep the conversation in the parent's waiting area positive and in support of all dancers and teachers at the studio. If there is an issue with any staff member or dancer please bring it to the attention of management.