|
Since 1988, Free House Dance Plus has proudly offered Calgarians a broad spectrum of programs in a non-competitive atmosphere. No matter your age, experience or skill level, whether it's dance, fitness or African drumming that you are after, we have something for you!
So why do we dance?
Click here to see a video about our Boys!
Click here to see our studio spotlight on Want to Dance.
Testimonials
What parents love about FHDP:
First and foremost, I love that my daughter comes out of every class excited about dance, brimming with confidence about her performance. She loves her instructor and
is excited to go to every class.
As a parent, the other thing that I love about Free House is that everyone I deal with is positive and friendly. There is a warm vibe, even if you are just speaking to someone over the phone. When everything else in your day is hectic, a friendly personal interaction is always welcome.
Thanks Free House!!
-Lisa (April 2012)
What sets Free House Dance apart from Calgary's other preeminent dance studios is that it is also an integral part of its community. Not only do folks come to dance and get some exercise but also to connect and catch up with their neighbours in a casual and comfortable environment - it's sort of like the coffee shop that HHBH doesn't have!
-Jeff (April 2012)
We love Free House because of the opportunities we get to explore new things and to learn and grow!
-Cristina (April 2012)
A note from a new student September 2011:
Having been at another NW dance studio for 4 years, it was a little scary for my daughter to move to a new studio. What a pleasant experience to begin dance at Free House - with its beautiful studios, clean entry and common areas, accommodating space for parents to wait, and welcome and warm reception and staff. She is quickly fitting right in, loving the instructors - and the dance of course! - and looking forward to making new friends. I am looking forward to seeing her continued development and enjoyment of dance with Free House Dance Plus.
-Karen Berg
A note of thanks from a parent:
Our family is moving to the far south (Somerset) this summer, so Emma will no longer be involved with Free House Dance. Thanks for 3 great years - I've loved seeing Emma get more confident every year on that stage, and the wonderful productions you've put on every year have been fantastic.
-Jacquie, Emma and Max
Sophia Wright was a student here for many years, who is now at Concordia University in Montreal, majoring in dance. Here is an excerpt from a letter she wrote:
"I'm writing to you to let you know how I am doing, but I am also writing so that I can thank you. Coming here, I had no concept of where I fit in in the real world of dance. I was expecting to be one of many and not really special in any way. I have only been here for a short time so far, but I am really starting to see how amazing Free House is and how much it gave to me. The knowledge and experience that I gained from your studio is indescribable and very special. After only a week in the dance program here, I have learned just how rare solid, well-rounded training is. There are a lot of dancers who have amazing ballet technique and a lot of people who are trained in competitive style jazz, but there are few who are trained across genres and styles. I wish all dancers could have the opportunity I had to dance at such an amazing studio. I now know I'm technically well-rounded and strong, and that is definitely thanks to the amazing classes, teachers and staff at Free House. Thank you so much....."
A note from Dr. Christine Hafer of Crowfoot ChiroCentre:
“Recently, one of your teachers recommended a student to see a chiropractor because she noticed a curvature in her spine. The student came into my office and I adjusted her spine.
I want to applaud you on your studios’ attention to your students. As you might know, catching spinal curvatures before the age of 15 (when pelvic ossification occurs) is very important so curvature will not progress into scoliosis.
As a health care professional, it is very pleasing to see teachers (especially teachers of the physical arts) concerned about the long-term wellness of their students. Wellness is often publicized and talked about, but rarely implemented. Thank you for your studio’s commitment to wellness.”
September, 2010
"I am a successful dancer and person because of the foundations laid by Free House. Without your studio and its dedicated teachers, I would not be where I am today... I truly believe that what your studio has given me has helped to make this dream a possibility. Your studio raises artists, not just dancers or recreational movers who are dancing to pass the time." -N Wasylenko
History
Free House Dance Plus was founded in 1988 by director Kathie Bernard in answer to a need for a quality, non-competitive dance studio with a personalized, feel good environment. Her multifaceted background, comprising the disciplines of dance and business, provide a strong balance of quality instruction in a secure, continually expanding and creative environment.
In 1991 serendipity brought the school to its' current bright location to accommodate both a growing student body and faculty. In 2002 a second storey was added to the building to accommodate a fourth classroom. The school is now the pre-eminent dance facility in Calgary.
The reputation of the school has steadily grown and the success of the students stand as testimony to the effectiveness of its training programs. The faculty has been carefully augmented over the years to maintain high standards and offer a broad spectrum of dance styles.
At Free House Dance Plus a distinct emphasis is placed on professionalism in the classroom so as to give valuable insight to the student into the world of the particular art they are studying. Students can feel confident that they are receiving the highest level of instruction possible. All people, from 3 years of age to seniors, from novice to pro, can enjoy and learn from the variety of programs which run throughout the year.
Free House Dance Plus is located in the quiet residential community of Briar Hill, 2 blocks east of North Hill Shopping Centre & Lion's Park LRT station.
|