Pegasus Dance Studios: Using dance to nurture and empower

Pegasus Dance Studios has been teaching children in the community for over 30 years. From preschoolers to teens, and even some adult drop-in classes for those who want to work out and embrace their inner dancer, the studio offers classes at every level and across many different genres, creating an environment ideal for any level and ability.

But it’s not just about the pliés, jetés and arabesques, Pegasus teaches dance through a more holistic approach while cultivating a strong community. It’s not simply an environment to walk students through the technical fundamentals of ballet, jazz, tap, acro dance, modern dance, hip-hop, music and art classes, Pegasus focuses on instilling strength, confidence and self-esteem in a nurturing and empowering environment.

Owner Jane Davis-Munro founded Pegasus Dance Studios in 1986 with her mother, Lynda Johnson. It continues to operate with an incredible staff, including her sister and children among the other instructors. The core values that drove the development of the studio are a strong part of what has drawn generations of families to return. Jane has taught the children and even grandchildren of some of her former students.

Pegasus doesn’t focus on developing professional dancers, it strives to instill a passion for dance, music and art while developing positive body image, self-expression and confidence. It has recently become one of the first studios in Canada to certify under the YPAD program – Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (ypad4change.org). The YPAD program fosters an environment where bodies are not sexualized and where emotional and physical safety are valued and promoted. It includes stringent vetting of all staff, including background checks and first aid certification.

Through dance and arts, Pegasus Dance Studios also instills leadership and a sense of community. “Performance groups do local events. We use our art form to empower our youngsters here, near and afar. It’s more than just great dancing, it’s how we’re using the art to empower the children,” she explains. Teaching and investing core values in the development of the whole child is an essential element.

As students move through the years and levels at Pegasus Dance Studio, Jane describes the community as an extended family. With so many children growing up in the program, starting at two years of age, and continuing to hone their passion and skills through to high school graduation, she says it’s emotional seeing kids move on into the world—but they leave having been empowered by their years in the school. There are even dance graduations and alumni events as students enjoy staying connected to their dance family and lifelong community.

Pegasus Dance Studios is located at 361 Glebeholme Blvd. | 416.469.2799 |
pegasusstudios.com

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