The Laurie Tinkler School of Dance, located in Courtenay, has been a staple in the Comox Valley for over 35 years. Under the artistic direction of Laurie Tinkler, the studio prides itself on creating a family-like atmosphere that focuses on friendship and fun while encouraging dancers to achieve their goals. The faculty of instructors has over 100 years of combined teaching experience, ensuring that students receive high-quality training in a variety of dance styles.
The school offers lessons to all ages in Highland, Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Musical Theatre/Modern Stage, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Irish Dance. Students have the opportunity to participate in exams such as the SDTA Highland Exams, CDTA Ballet Exams, and AIDT Tap, Hip Hop & Modern Exams. The studio also provides many community performance opportunities for both competitive and non-competitive dancers.
In Highland dance, students learn traditional solo dances that require strength, endurance, and intricate footwork. Jazz dance combines techniques of classical ballet and modern dance with popular dance forms, emphasizing energy, rhythmical accuracy, and style. Ballet, considered the foundation of all dance, focuses on grace and precision of movement, with opportunities for Pointe work on approval.
Tap dance transforms dancers into percussive musicians with rhythmic tapping sounds created by metal plates on the shoes. Modern Stage/Musical dance routines are suited for stage productions, often drawn from Broadway Musicals and include dancing, acting, speaking, and singing. Hip-hop dance, derived from hip-hop culture, includes various moves such as breaking, popping, locking, and krumping, with an emphasis on improvisation and personal interpretation. Lyrical and Contemporary dance focus on flowing movements while incorporating Ballet and Jazz techniques, with an emphasis on interpreting the lyrics or mood of a song.
Irish dance, a traditional form that includes both social and performance elements, offers a high-energy style recognized for its rapid footwork.
Whether students are looking to dance competitively, improve their skills, or simply have fun, the Laurie Tinkler School of Dance provides a welcoming and supportive environment for dancers of all levels and ages. Register today and join a community dedicated to the art of dance.