Degas’s dancers
On Tuesday evenings, the small gym at the CMCC is filled with lively music and active children pursuing dance and movement training offered by Peterborough’s Premiere Studio of Dance.
The school has been offering high quality dance instruction in a high energy and fun environment at their location at the north end of Peterborough for more than twenty years. A few months ago, owner Robyn Carter decided to offer classes in the Millbrook area and is thrilled with the facilities available at our community centre.
The Millbrook classes have a local touch as they are delivered by Millbrook resident Eryn Masterson. Eryn began her training as a child at the Premiere School and continued her studies at the Alvin Ailey School, an internationally recognized school of dance located in New York City. After live performance work ended when COVID struck, Eryn returned home and joined the dance studio as an instructor while she completes her academic studies at Trent University.
All teachers at the Premiere school are certified through the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD). They are experienced teachers who are trained in dance styles, techniques and dance education. Some have Early Childhood Education and gymnastics training as well. Many instructors have won choreography awards and are judges in dance competitions across the country.
The school is not just for serious dance students, however: with competitive programs as well as recreational ones for students who just want to learn how to move, it offers courses for students of all ages and skill levels. Students as young as two join the school’s Tiny Tot classes, while older dancers can focus on dance styles including classical ballet, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary classes. There are also classes for budding Broadway stars combining acting and musical theatre experiences.
At the moment, classes available in Millbrook are for students from age two to teenagers, and there are currently a few openings in the classes for older students. At the end of the season, all students participate in a recital performed at Showcase in Peterborough in June.
Summer programs for the Millbrook area are currently in development. Registration will be limited so those interested should contact the school early to secure a spot in this new program.
Those who are interested in trying a class without commitment, the studio is offering a variety virtual classes on demand for both kids and adults.
Whether you are new to dancing, or an experienced performer, Premiere Studio of Dance can help build dance skills in classes for ages 6 months to adults, delivered by trained experts. For more information about the school and its programs, visit www.premieredance.ca or call 705-741-6545. KG
