Centro Flamenco
3398 Dunbar St.
Vancouver
604.737.1273
If you're looking for flamenco classes, artistic director Rosario Ancer has 'a wonderful staff of teachers,' says my correspondent.

Goh Ballet Academy
2345 Main St.
Vancouver
604.872.4014
The teacher's name is Marta Horvath. Here's the buzz: 'She is absolutely wonderful. I can't say enough. She is the teacher I started out with, and I continue to take all three of her classes each week (two beginner and one intermediate). Having been a principal dancer in communist Romania, her classes are Vaganova-based, perhaps integrating a bit more Cecchetti and always providing English (RAD) vocabulary for everything we do. She has lots of teaching experience with professional schools across Canada and is just basically lovely. She can integrate dancers of different abilities, giving corrections to those who want them/can take them, providing encouragement and advice to those who need that a bit more. If you seek more corrections, Marta will give them. At times I have wished Marta would give me more corrections, but later have realised that Marta can see when students are trying too hard, that what they really need to do is relax instead of concentrate more. She is very sensitive to these sorts of dynamics, and it has helped me so much. The beginner classes are quite slow and easy (although I still feel that I benefit greatly from them. The intermediate classes use more difficult combinations across the floor, more barre work on demi-pointe, and quicker tempos in petit allegro. This class can be a challenge, and there are some wonderful dancers in there. For this, it can also be inspiring. The school itself has a professional youth company associated with it, which groomed one of the principal dancers of the National Ballet of Canada, a number of dancers at Ballet BC, a soloist at the Washington Ballet, and many others. Saying that the school is not adult-oriented would be an understatement, but we are allowed to take part in the yearly recitals... fun!'

Harbour Dance Centre
927 Granville St.
Vancouver
604.684.9542
Directly from the keyboard of Sara, who recommended this school (as well as Boswell, below): 'This is a drop-in situation for all levels, and I'd recommend it for adults with some background already, although the introductory classes are definitely geared to those who know nothing. Beyond those classes, however, the work is quite difficult. Since these are drop-in classes, don't expect corrections on technique (though they may come!). You need a sense of humility for these classes as dancers from visiting companies, cruise ships, and touring groups will often drop in. Very inspiring if you can keep it in perspective and not get down on yourself.

And more on Harbour, from a different correspondent:
Although the classes are all drop-in classes, they vary in intensity and difficulty. There are four levels: intro to pre-ballet, pre-ballet, ballet 1 and ballet 2. The intro class isn't strictly an introductory level: Teachers do not define terms or slowly demonstrate. But, this level is great for those with a little experience who want to concentrate on maintaining alignment, and enjoy a little bit of a challenge. The pre-ballet is similarly not what one would ordinarily expect. Our reviewer says, 'I also take the pre-ballet class on Wednesdays and this, for me, is a considerable challenge when we get to the centre and moving across the floor. I need this challenge to improve, but it is by no means for all intermediate-beginners. It could be quite intimidating. The teachers that I have had the most experience with are Danielle and Marek. Both are GREAT. I had heard rumours that you get no corrections in Harbour Dance ballet classes, but I don't find this at all. Both Marek and Danielle give me corrections almost every class, and these classes are quite full. Both teachers are quite rigourous and both teach with great senses of humour.
Another great class is the barre a terre with Marlise. It's challenging and intense: She warms you up with these amazing breathing/stretching exercises which MAKE YOU FEEL INTENSELY WARMED UP! Hands down the best class I've taken in terms of increasing my muscle awareness, especially in the whole pelvic area (lower back, hips, inner thighs, and lower abs). This class could benefit all dancers -- modern, jazz, ballet -- everyone.'

Boswell Dance Academy
303 Third Ave.
New Westminster
604.522.4424
Essentially a RAD school, but the adult beginner class is not set in stone: 'The teacher of this class is Marnie Goessman, and she is great. Very supportive and willing to work you as hard as you want to be worked. This class is enjoyable for beginners, but can also benefit a more experienced adult dancer as a back-to-fundamentals type of class, but not boring!' Adults with stronger backgrounds are welcome in regular, non-adult classes, ages ranging from 14-30. These intermediate-level classes are taught by Sharon Boswell, director of the school. My correspondent writes, 'I can't say enough about Sharon . . . always smiling, the class has a cheery, inspiring atmosphere. This is a great school.'

Recommended Ballet and Dance Teachers of Adult Students
British Columbia

Stories about the adult dance student phenomenon from The Dallas Morning News, The Washington Post, and more.

The newsletter exclusively for the adult dance student. In-depth articles and exercises to improve flexibility, technique, turnout, diet, and more. Read what others have to say about this great learning tool -- and receive a special free gift when you subscribe.

Guys who started dance study as 'creaky' adults speak out! I'm looking for new stories. If you have one to tell, please e-mail me.