5 Best Dance Schools in Winnipeg That Are Sure to Bring Out Your Confidence
I’ve always wanted to learn how to dance, but felt too self-conscious to do so. So, when my friend asked me to join her dance class, my first instinct was to decline. But then, I said to myself, “Why not?”
I have to say, I wish I had joined her dance classes much earlier because I’ve been having loads of fun. I’m not claiming to be the next Shakira or a member of BLACKPINK, but at least I don’t have two left feet anymore.
I rounded up the top dance schools in Winnipeg. Hopefully, you’ll have a blast while learning how to dance, too!
How much are dance classes in Winnipeg?
Dance classes in Winnipeg typically range from $55 to $80 per month for a standard one-hour weekly session. If you prefer to drop in, individual classes usually cost $20 to $25 each, while private lessons can go up to $75 per hour.
1. Doreen Bissett School of Dance
Address: 120 Regent Ave E
Phone: +1 204-222-9368
Business hours:
- Depends on classes
Doreen Bissett School of Dance has been part of the Winnipeg dance scene for over 60 years. We love that they offer a wide range of styles, from hip hop to ballet.
A popular program they offer is Tiny Tots for 18-month to 2.5-year-old dancers. Here, your young ones will explore dance and teamwork while working on their motor skills.
Acro classes are available, too; they blend the flow of dance with the heart-pumping tricks of acrobatics. It’s a blast for anyone who wants to flip and stretch.
All that practice builds up to the big show: a yearly recital at none other than the Centennial Concert Hall! Getting to perform on such an iconic stage is a memory that will stick with you forever.
Just a heads up—this place is very popular, so make sure to enroll well in advance.
Teachers and staff are amazing with the little ones
“My daughter Ava has been attending here for 2 years now age of 4. The teachers and staff are amazing with the little ones and so comforting when parents have to leave. They get the children together quickly, motivated and focused. When I pick up my daughter, she’s always happy after.” — Lisa v, Google Review
The teachers are incredibly kind and patient
“My daughter Mayson has been attending the Doreen Bissett School of Dance for the past three years, and she absolutely loves every minute she spends there. The teachers are incredibly kind and patient, creating such a positive and supportive environment for all the kids. Mayson has not only made wonderful new friends but has also grown so much in confidence and independence (which I didn’t even think was possible!). We’re so grateful to be part of such a fantastic dance community. We cannot wait to see our little girl flourish!” — Nicole Harvey, Google Review
2. Exhale Dance Studio
Address: 1188 Dakota Street, 26 Molgat Ave
Phone: +1 204-996-8115
Business hours:
- Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Exhale Dance Studio is owned by Shannon Putter, who wants children to become the best, most confident versions of themselves.
Designed for the tiniest dancers aged 2 to 4, her studio’s Xploring Dance Pre-K program is a crowd favorite. They’ll learn basic motor skills through fun, imaginative exercises and interactive activities.
The fun isn’t just for the little ones, though. While they have a wide range of programs for toddlers to kids over 13, they offer adult classes as well.
You could even join their Performance Company, where they compete in contests or dance at various charity events.
We did hear complaints about teachers yelling at students. It would be wise to take them up on their free trial class offer just to see if the vibe feels right.
The Studio has been incredible for our girl
“The Studio has been incredible for our girl. She’s made friends, built confidence, social skills, and a joy for dance! The staff is all full of energy and compassion. Fully recommend!!” — Marc Levesque, Google Review
Teaches life skills just as much as dance
“A wonderful studio with great staff and great students! Exhale has the best to offer for every child. A studio that teaches life skills just as much as dance lessons. Could not recommend Exhale enough for anyone looking for a great Winnipeg dance studio.” — Kamryn Arran, Google Review
3. Marquis Dance Academy
Address: 55 Sage Creek Blvd, Unit 321
Phone: +1 204-255-8486
Business hours:
- Mon – Tue: 10 AM–8 PM
- Wed – Thurs: 12 PM–8 PM
- Friday: 3:30 PM–7 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–1 PM
If you prefer a dance school that’s a bit more high-end, try Marquis Dance Academy. This place is world-class level, which comes as no surprise since it’s led by Director Angele Lavergne, a certified teacher of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
Naturally, their Ballet Program (for ages 7 and up) is incredibly popular. It focuses on building perfect poise, posture, and grace.
On the other hand, their Contemporary and Lyrical classes for teens shift more toward self-expression and creativity; it’s a cool way to combine different genres.
The facility itself is gorgeous and custom-designed specifically for dance—we’re talking four large studios flooded with natural light, each with feature viewing windows. There are spacious, tasteful lobbies and change rooms as well.
However, a few parents have told us that some instructors can come across as a bit rude or cold.
Offers excellent dance instruction at reasonable rates
“Marquis Dance Academy offers excellent dance instruction at reasonable rates, under professional management. I have been very happy with the quality of dance education, the reasonable expectations, and the positive impact it has had on my daughter. The studio itself is beautiful and safe, and the instructors are very knowledgeable and caring. MDA provides wonderful and unique opportunities for students seeking additional growth.” — Jodi Johnson, Google Review
Facility is beautiful, and the instruction is top-notch
“My daughter has been dancing at Marquis Dance Academy for 10 years and absolutely loves it there. As a mother, I have also been so impressed with Marquis. The facility is beautiful, and the instruction is top-notch. The teachers are kind, supportive, and so knowledgeable. What a great experience it has been dancing at Marquis!” — Nicole Marion, Google Review
4. Shelley Shearer School of Dance
Address: 133 Scurfield Blvd. Unit 125
Phone: +1 204-488-9091
Business hours:
- Monday: 12 PM–5 PM, 6–8:30 PM
- Tuesday: 12 PM–7:30 PM
- Wednesday: 12 PM–6:45 PM
- Thursday: 12 PM–7:30 PM
- Friday: 12 PM–5 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–2 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM–2 PM
Shelley Shearer School of Dance has been around for over four decades. It’s helmed by none other than Robert Boge, who has led roles in productions like West Side Story and Mary Poppins at Rainbow Stage and DDP Calgary—just to name a few!
The magic starts with the littlest dancers through their cute Storybook Ballet program designed for three-year-olds. They’ll learn basic dance steps like skipping, galloping, and hopping on one foot.
Once they’ve mastered the basics, they can graduate into the Prep Steps program. This gives the kids a little bit of everything: ballet, jazz, musical theatre, and tap!
All this hard work leads up to the grand finale—an annual performance at the prestigious Winnipeg Centennial Concert Hall.
Sadly, because their programs are geared towards kids, teens and adults need to go elsewhere.
Best dance school in the city of Winnipeg
“I have been dancing at Shelley’s for 23 years, first as a student and now as an assistant teacher, and I can say hands down that this is the best dance school in the city of Winnipeg, and in my opinion, in all of Canada. The quality of teaching and attention to detail that goes on at Shelley Shearer School of Dance is the best that you will find. The staff are all extremely friendly (and of course talented) and spread their passion and love for dance with all of their students.” — Vanessa W, Google Review
The curriculum is well-designed
“My daughter is expecting to have the Ballet and Jazz classes every Saturday. Newly enrolled, but I enjoyed it a lot. The teachers are nice, the teaching methods are great, and the curriculum is well designed.” — HUIZHEN PENG, Google Review
5. Royal Dance at the Forks
Address: 1 Forks Market Rd
Phone: +1 204-943-4978
Business hours:
- Monday: 9 AM–12 PM, 5 PM–9:30 PM
- Tuesday: 9 AM–2 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM–12 PM, 5 PM–9 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
Miss Kendra has been running Royal Dance at the Forks for over 30 years, and her passion for dance is still going strong. She puts her Ballet Education Diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance to good use, teaching kids of all ages.
For the little ones, the Triple Threat class is very popular. Kids spend the first half of the year mastering ballet and jazz, then in the second half, they learn tap, which is surprisingly very engaging for toddlers.
There are also amazing jazz classes for both teens and young adults; you’ll get to learn big jumps and sharp turns.
If you’re unsure, sign up for their complimentary class pass, so you can try a session for free and experience the vibe firsthand. We just heard a few complaints about inattentive teachers, so keep an eye out.
The staff is amazing with our kids
“Absolutely love Royal Dance! The staff is amazing with our kids and so friendly with parents. They really love seeing the growth in your child and help provide so much confidence in their lives! 10/10 recommend!” — Ashley Emek, Google Review
She couldn’t stop smiling and practicing
“The staff are all super warm and welcoming, my daughter is normally pretty shy, but she came out of her first class feeling confident and so proud of herself! She couldn’t stop smiling and practicing, and it’s all she talks about! I would give this space, class, and the teachers a 10/10!! Thank you all so much! Highly recommend.”— Ashley Kule, Google Review