by Jo Barnes | photo by Amanda Cribdon Photography –
You find your feet and your form. You find your rhythm from your soul. But often, when it comes to dance, you find your family.
For over 20 years, Allegro Performing Arts Centre, operated by Lesley Arnold, Nadine Cowland and Jennifer Robin, has been a place where children and adults not only learn and perfect dance steps but also come to appreciate the connection, support, and joy of the dance community.
“It’s a fun, positive environment here and there is something for everyone,” shares Lesley. “We’re one big happy family.”
Adds Jennifer: “Dance is for everyone, as a fun hobby, as a recreational activity, and as a passion that fills your soul.”
Situated in the former Sansbury School in North Saanich, the flourishing dance school boasts a large faculty of instructors.
There is a diversity of dance classes offered including tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, modern, lyrical, musical theatre, and Acro (acrobatic style). Students range in age from three to adult.
The school was launched in 2001 when Lesley, Nadine and Jennifer purchased the business from Pam Van Patten, owner of Elite Dance School. Keen to make a fresh start and initiate their own approach, they sought a new name for the school. Students were asked to submit names, and an entry was chosen.
“A young dancer at our studio at that time came up with the name Allegra,” says Lesley. “We chose the name, but we changed the A to O. We liked the ring of it better.”
The name Allegro, meaning a fast pace, befits the dance centre as it’s definitely a place of constant movement and high energy. Whether executing their first pliés or polishing intricate routines, all are engaged in the language of dance and the joy and satisfaction it brings.
“Teaching and just being in the dance studio can always change my mood from bad to good!” remarks Lesley.
Teachers here well understand the training and trials that are a part of becoming a dancer. It is this experience that enables and informs their teaching. Often dance is something that began in childhood or was inspired by parents or family members.
“My parents were jive dancers,” says Lesley. “I looked up to them. They were so smooth when they danced and went to dances all the time. Dad taught me to jive dance.”
“I got involved because my big sister was a dancer, and naturally I wanted to be just like her!” says Nadine. “We both went on to be dance teachers, specializing in different genres.”
Teachers have been inspired by those who first instructed them and urged them to share their skills.
“My teachers have been incredibly inspirational and encouraging throughout my training,” remarks Jennifer.
As with many dance schools, students at Allegro participate in dance examinations, recitals and competitions. These are opportunities for personal development, building teamwork and learning also about success and failure. Everyone is encouraged to work hard, try their best and always to have fun.
“Every class I walk into, I am there to share my love of dance and teach my students how to appreciate music and movement,” shares Jennifer. “I want everyone to feel proud of their accomplishments, to develop their own individuality, to set goals and reach for them, again and again.”
“We like to encourage what you can do and not focus on what you can’t do,” says Lesley. “It’s really great to see a student become their own person and see their confidence grow.”
While the arrival of the pandemic brought significant challenges, it also prompted an increase in connections within the dance community.
“We have good networking with other dance studios and met with other teachers via Zoom to brainstorm ideas,” says Lesley.
Physical distancing has meant new health and safety protocols including limited entry. Parents drop off their children rather than accompanying them into the school. The new routine, however, has helped students to become more independent and responsible for themselves and their preparations for dance. Older students help younger ones, and the school family bonds grow.
The comraderie and community of creating dance carries on as it has for so many years.
“Even after 20 years of co-owning Allegro, I still can’t believe how lucky I am to be able to do that,” says Nadine. “I love teaching kids, and I am very passionate about dance, so for me, it is the perfect combination.”
The desire to pass along knowledge and experience so that others can learn and access the joy inherent in dance; these things are fundamental at Allegro. You might come for the dance, but you’ll also discover new confidence and a new community.
