Alma Viva Dance Studio

Alma Viva Dance Studio teaches Flamenco, Spanish Dance, and Latin styles to children and adults across two Calgary locations: Starchevski School of Ballet (200 Country Hills Landing NW) and Beddington Theatre Art Centre (375 Bermuda Drive NW). The studio is led by founder and artistic director Daniela Crestani, originally from Valencia, Venezuela, who began dancing at age five and trained for over 15 years in Ballet, Flamenco, Spanish Dance, Tap, and Jazz. She later refined her flamenco technique at the renowned Centro de Arte Flamenco y Danza Española Amor de Dios in Madrid, Spain, and has performed in Venezuela, the United States, and Canada. With over a decade of teaching experience, Daniela creates spaces where people feel supported and inspired to express themselves through movement.

Kids' classes follow a structured, progressive curriculum designed for young dancers. Each week children see their progress while developing focus, coordination, and creativity in a fun, supportive, non-competitive environment. Beyond learning to dance, they explore Spanish culture, music, and Spanish words. The studio aims to help every child build confidence and self-esteem while enjoying movement and sharing achievements in an end-of-year show. Classes are offered for ages 4–5 and 6–7 in Flamenco and Ballet Fusion across multiple days and locations.

Adult classes offer a space to reconnect with yourself and embrace the beauty of movement. Rooted in Flamenco, Spanish Dance, and Latin styles, each class follows a structured yet welcoming approach. Adults can take Flamenco Fundamentals (L1), Flamenco Beginner Basic (L2), or Spanish Dance (Flamenco and Ballet Fusion) at L3 level. A 6-week Teens Latin Styling Dance Program and a 3-month Latin Single Dance program in Salsa and Bachata are also available. All students have the opportunity to perform in the end-of-year recital—a joyful moment to share achievements with family and friends.

The studio runs seasonal 10-month programs and shorter 3-month programs. Summer classes are also offered. Trial classes are available for each dance style within your age group. The studio accepts KidSport Canada grants of up to $500 per eligible child per calendar year to help cover registration fees, making dance accessible to more families. A free trial class is the first step to finding the right fit for you or your child.

On your first visit, bring dress attire as close as possible to the dress code you'll wear throughout the season, though the studio does not expect full attire on day one. You'll be placed in a structured, supportive class where progress feels natural and rewarding, and you're welcome to video-record yourself or your child (photos are fine to share, but choreography videos should be kept as a surprise for the recital).

Daniela Crestani is the founder and artistic director. Originally from Valencia, Venezuela, she began dancing at age five and spent over 15 years training in Ballet, Flamenco, Spanish Dance, Tap, and Jazz. She trained in classical forms and was shaped by Venezuela's vibrant Latin social dance culture (salsa, merengue, bachata), later refining her flamenco technique at Centro de Arte Flamenco y Danza Española Amor de Dios in Madrid. She has performed in Venezuela, the United States, and Canada, and brings over a decade of teaching experience.

You are not required to have any experience before taking a basic-level dance class; all adult classes follow a structured yet welcoming approach where progress feels natural and rewarding.