Guelph Youth Dance Celebrates 20 Years of Movement, Creativity & Community 

This year marks our 20th anniversary — two decades of nurturing dancers of all ages (from 2-years to adult), helping them grow, move, create and thrive.

At GYD, we believe dance is more than technique. It’s an art form that nurtures the whole person — body, mind, and soul. Over the past 20 years, we’ve built this with you, through our core values:

• A trusting and nurturing environment

• A safe, creative, open space for all

• Opportunities for children and adults to move, sweat, laugh and play

• A comprehensive and rigorous dance curriculum

• The joy of dancing to live percussion

• A tight-knit community of friends, parents, teachers, choreographers, and health-care providers

• Commitment to physical and mental well-being

• A phone-free studio space where in-person interaction is highly encouraged. 

• A non-competitive atmosphere fostering expression, risk and innovation

• Encouragement of independence, responsibility and individuality

• High-quality instruction by well-prepared, enthusiastic educators who respect each student

Over the years, GYD has grown and evolved. We now serve over 500 students weekly in styles including parent & child, creative dance, contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip hop, and conditioning. We’re proud of our dancer wellness program, and of our 4 Youth Dance Companies: Apprentice I, Apprentice II, Young Company, and GYD Company.

Our dancers have represented us locally and beyond — performing in Guelph (including the Guelph Dance Festival), in Toronto, Ottawa, Nova Scotia, and internationally (China, Spain). Many of our dancers have worked with acclaimed Canadian choreographers, including Suzette Sherman & David Earle; Janet Johnson; Robert Desrosiers; Jordana Deveau; Kate Hilliard; Julia Aplin; Keiko Kitano; Lacey Smith; Mio Sakamoto; Karen Kaeja; Lina Cruz & Suzanne Miller; Sylvie Desrosiers & Anik Bourvrette; Nickeshia Garrick; Haley Dimeck — among others.

Many of our graduates have gone on to pursue careers in dance, somatics or are health practitioners.. We now even see alumni regularly teaching and choreographing on the younger students. This is such a joy!

Leadership is evolving with the times: in 2024, Co-owner Janet Johnson transitioned to Denman Island, B.C. and after many years of teaching and studio management, Kelly Steadman stepped into the role of co-owner alongside Catrina von Radecki. Kelly leads as Studio Director, Catrina as School Director, and Tara Butler as Company Director. They — with our entire team — remain deeply committed to kindness, care, excellence, and fostering artistic growth.

What’s Coming: 20th Anniversary Plans

To mark this milestone, here’s how we’ll be celebrating — and we hope you’ll join us every step of the way!