The Melissa Kelly Dance Academy (MKDA) is committed to providing the highest quality of dance training in the North. Melissa Kelly-Lavoie is a graduate of Canada's National Ballet School - Teacher Training Program (2005). With a state-of-the-art facility, qualified & bilingual teachers, professional dance flooring & sounds system and observation areas for parents, it's no wonder MKDA has won "Best Dance School" since 2012. MKDA offers classes in Cecchetti Ballet, Pointe, Creative Ballet, Parent & Tot, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary/Lyrical, Acrobatics, Musical Theatre, Latin/Ballroom dancing for couples, Adult Classes and Aerial Silks. MKDA is also the only dance school north of Barrie to offer Aerial Silks of its kind. The Aerial Silks instructor is certified with the Toronto Circus School. MKDA offers recreational programs as well as a competitive program with professional auditions. Come join the fun of dance at MKDA: Live, Love & Dance!more...See more text
I have been a student at Melissa Kelly Dance Academy for a little over 4 years. I take Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Tap currently. I love how the dancing in the classes is very modern and in style. The moves you are taught are very up to date. They are always on top of what is new.
I danced here a few years and then switched because:
- unqualified teachers
- groups not well divided (30 year-olds dancing with 13 year-olds, people not at the same level at all)
- right techniques not taught
- too much time to learn choreographies; too slow
Not a place for someone who wants to grow as a dancer. The hip hop there is however very good, but I wouldn't recommend it for dancers who dance other than hip hop
I am very sorry that you're experience at MKDA was not fulfilled. I am the most qualified dance teacher in Timmins. We categorize students according to ability. If that means 14 year olds dance with 30 year olds, than so be it. The content of the class is suited for a specific level, not age. We promote high quality dance training and that is exactly what we provide. We follow the CDTA syllabus, Cecchetti syllabus & the Acrobatics Arts syllabus. We have very knowledgeable teachers who accommodate all learning styles. Term 1 we teach technique & Term 2 focuses on recital choreography. My class pace is based on how quickly my students learn. I judge according to the class majority. If I see the majority of my students are not grasping the choreography, I will slow down, take my time & repeat. If we rush, students end up leaving class without learning anything & feeling discouraged. This is not my style. I love seeing students leave my class with knowledge & a smile on their face.
By VerifiedUser03
November 23, 2011
Awesome Dance!
Everything about the Melissa Kelly Dance Academy is both educational and fun for my daughters. They improve so much each year and this is evidence of the experienced and dedicated teaching staff. I highly recommend the Melissa Kelly Dance Academy because it is a great family run studio. - S. C. -
I have been very satisfied over the years especially with the facilities and teachers at Melissa Kelly Dance Academy. The teachers seem to work well together to provide the best possible experience for the students! - Anderson R.
