Dance is second to none for developing and maintaining strength, balance, and mental focus in older adults—and that's in addition to the simple joy of dancing! Senior Swans is a program adapted from the Cecchetti method of ballet which enables seniors, even as complete beginners, to learn and enjoy ballet in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
Currently Enrolling for Autumn 2025:
Tuesdays 10:30–11:30 AM, September 9–December 9 (14 sessions)
Happy Soul Dance Studios, 3089 Oxford St Halifax (entrance on Bayers)
$252 + HST ($18/session)
Let us know you're interested.
We'll send you the official registration as soon as it's ready.
Ukrainian folk dancing is an ancient tradition intertwined with the history of ballet, but it has also found a home in modern Canada! Korus Dance Academy uses a curriculum from the internationally-renowned Shumka Ukrainian Dancers, based in Edmonton AB, which builds on fundamental ballet skills to bring a cultural tradition to life. No prior experience in ballet or Ukrainian necessary. Introductory class offered for ages 6–12.
Currently Enrolling for Autumn 2025:
Thursdays 4:30–5:30 PM, September 11–December 11 (14 sessions)
Happy Soul Dance Studios, 3089 Oxford St Halifax (entrance on Bayers)
$280 + HST ($20/session)
Let us know you're interested.
We'll send you the official registration as soon as it's ready.
Our goal is to make sure that your child's first introduction to dance is playful and supportive, while also giving them a good foundation for future dancing. Though exercises in rhythm, coordination, movement, and music appreciation, your preschooler will begin developing skills for a lifetime of artistic self-expression. Ages 3–5.
Currently Enrolling for Autumn 2025:
Thursdays 3:30–4:15 PM, September 11–December 11 (14 sessions)
Happy Soul Dance Studios, 3089 Oxford St Halifax (entrance on Bayers)
$224 + HST ($16/session)
Let us know you're interested.
We'll send you the official registration as soon as it's ready.
Babies and toddlers can be developing fundamental dance skills even at the earliest ages—and when parents dance with them, it builds the sense of connection and security that kids need to thrive. Plus, it's a whole lot of fun for both parents and kids! Ages 1-3.
Currently Enrolling for Autumn 2025:
Tuesdays 9:30–10:15 AM, September 9–December 9 (14 sessions)
Happy Soul Dance Studios, 3089 Oxford St Halifax (entrance on Bayers)
$210 + HST ($14/session)
Let us know you're interested.
We'll send you the official registration as soon as it's ready.
Katy von Bredow is a former pre-professional ballet dancer, wife of a pastor who has served in a rural retirement community, and a mother of two delightful little girls. Her experience in the professional dance world means that she brings deep knowledge and refined technique to the classroom, and her personal engagement with seniors and kids gives her perspective on the needs and goals of her students.
Katy trained with Deas Island Dance of Delta BC, where she studied ballet, modern, contemporary, musical theatre, jazz, and lyrical. She completed all her Royal Academy of Dance exams from Grade 2 to Advanced 2, with distinction. Katy danced in summer programs with the National Ballet School of Canada, the American Ballet Theatre in New York, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the Goh Ballet. She is a many-time scholarship recipient through the Vancouver Ballet Society, and her solo work and choreography has won awards at dance festivals all over British Columbia. She has 10 years experience teaching young children and teenagers.
After her time dancing, Katy went to study at the University of King’s College, receiving an undergraduate degree in Classics. Her love of ancient and medieval circle dances led to an interest in folk dancing traditions, and ultimately to receiving Ukrainian dance teacher training with the Shumka Dance Company. When we dance we enter into the dance of the heavens.
Motivanz Senior Swans
Certified Instructor
Shumka Canada
Tier 1 Instructor
Korus Dance Academy is a licensed studio with the New Zealand-based Senior Swans program. Senior Swans goal is to enable seniors, even as complete beginners, to learn and enjoy ballet in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
Our seniors ballet programs offer a classic ballet experience with a joint-friendly twist – we skip the jumps to protect your precious joints! Our classes seamlessly integrate strength-building exercises, revitalizing stretches, artistic expression, and formal ballet training. This holistic approach revitalizes your body, calms your mind, presents invigorating challenges, and ensures your complete satisfaction. Become a part of our flock and let's dance our way to a healthier, more graceful you!
During her time in pre-professional ballet, Katy excelled in "character" dancing—dance which integrates traditional cultural themes with the technical precision of classical ballet. So it's no surprise that she has found a home in Ukrainian dance, a living Eastern-European dance tradition from which many character dances draw their inspiration.
Shumka Dance of Edmonton AB is one of the world's foremost Ukrainian performing companies. The long history of Ukrainian immigration in the Canadian Prairies, plus a new wave of Ukrainian newcomers since the war, have made Canada a thriving centre for preserving the Ukrainian folk dance tradition. The Shumka curriculum which Katy uses builds on the classical ballet foundation of the Royal Academy of Dance, but integrates Ukrainian-specific forms and terminology throughout. For this reason, the Shumka curriculum can equip any dancer with fundamental technique which could be carried into classical ballet or many other forms of dance.
At Korus Dance Academy, children are very welcome to dive into Ukrainian dance without prior ballet experience—or any dance experience at all!
Ballet offers numerous benefits for preschoolers, both physically and emotionally. Young children are developing coordination, balance, and motor skills. They are also building strength, flexibility, and control over their movements. There's no better way to encourage this development than a in fun, supportive ballet class.
Beyond physical development, ballet also supports cognitive growth. Learning and remembering dance sequences improves memory and concentration. Following directions in a group setting teaches discipline and focus, valuable skills for school readiness.
Creatively, ballet allows children to express themselves through movement, boosting imagination and emotional development. Our preschool ballet program helps children connect music to storytelling, emotion, and self-expression.
But, besides all the benefits, ballet is just a whole lot of fun! Katy loves working with kids, and helps them to unlock the joy of dancing by being a supportive and encouraging presence.
Parent-and-tot dance classes are a wonderful way for young children and their caregivers to bond through movement and music. These classes create a playful and supportive environment where babies and toddlers can explore basic dance concepts, all while feeling safe and connected to a parent or guardian. As they move to the rhythm of the music, children develop essential motor skills like balancing, jumping, and marching, which help them build coordination and strength.
At the same time, these classes encourage a deeper emotional connection. Dancing alongside a parent provides a sense of security, helping children feel more confident as they explore new movements. It also strengthens the bond between parent and child, creating positive, shared experiences that can last a lifetime.
Parents don't need to have any dance experience to participate. This is all about helping both parents and kids together to connect with music and with one another.