Joy of Dance Centre
Ballet to hip hop to ballroom: all ages from 3 to 93 in Toronto.
Joy of Dance Centre is one of Toronto's best-established community-based dance studios, occupying the 3rd and 4th floors of 95 Danforth Avenue.
Photo: Joy of Dance Centre via Google
Before your first class
Classes for ages 3–5 teach FUNdamentals through playful, creative approaches; all age groups from 3 to 93 are welcome; adult pointe and Argentine tango beginner series are available.
Age-appropriate attire varies by class; ballet requires traditional ballet dress, hip hop requires loose-fitting clothing and sneakers.
For kids 3–5 ballet: canvas or leather ballet slippers (pink or skin tone for girls, black or white for boys), ballet tights (pink or skin tone), body suit (any colour).
Kids classes $368 (ages 3–5), $404 (ages 5–12), $438 (teens) plus HST per term; adult drop-in and term classes available; costumes and showcase tickets not included in term fees.
About this studio
Joy of Dance Centre is one of Toronto's best-established community-based dance studios, occupying the 3rd and 4th floors of 95 Danforth Avenue. The studio is rated 4.4 stars across 72 Google reviews and offers a diverse range of dance styles in a warm, welcoming environment where students of all ages can grow uniquely, individually, expressively, technically, passionately and with excellence.
The studio's class schedule spans kids (ages 3–5, 5–7, 7–10, 10–12), teens, and adults. For the youngest students, classes teach the FUNdamentals of dance with balance, expression and coordination through playful, creative approaches. Kids and teens progress through classes including ballet, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, tap, musical theatre and more. Adult classes range from ballet (including Adult RAD Exam Program) and ballroom & Latin to contemporary, hip hop & heels, dance fitness (Ginga, Dance Fitness, Zumba), and Argentine tango. The studio also offers private lessons, dance camps during school breaks, party packages, and event hosting.
Joy of Dance is an accredited Ballroom Dance Academy under the CDF, DVIDA and ISTD programs. The faculty includes accomplished instructors: Lorenz Banlawi teaches hip hop (trained in popping, locking, house, dancehall, with performances in DARK Dance's Junkyard Bandits); Shameka Blake, a George Brown College Commercial Dance Program graduate, teaches hip hop, lyrical, competitive and performance classes and founded the multidisciplinary group Artists In Motion; Allison Bradley teaches hip hop, contemporary, and strength & stretch classes (completed the International Student Visa Program at Broadway Dance Centre in New York and received the Outstanding Student Award in 2009); Mark Brenyo, a certified Irish Dance Instructor (TCRG certified September 2017) with competitive highlights including 5× Eastern Canadian Oireachtas Champion, teaches Irish step dancing; and Danielito Guajardo teaches Argentine tango, salsa, Latin dances, and casino rueda, with over ten years of teaching and choreographing experience and competition wins in salsa and other dances.
The studio runs drop-in and term-based classes. Kids' classes for the Fall/Winter 2026–2027 term run from Saturday, September 12, 2026 to Saturday, January 23, 2027, with term fees of $368 (ages 3–5), $404 (ages 5–12), or $438 (teens) plus HST per term. Costumes and showcase tickets are not included in term fees. The Fall/Winter 2027 Showcase takes place on Saturday, January 23, 2027 at the John Bassett Theatre in the Metro Convention Centre. Students and parents are welcome to visit and view classes; parents must vacate individual studios during class but can watch on a reception TV screen.
Adults can join drop-in classes and full-term programs. The studio also runs events and workshops, offers wedding dance instruction, hosts corporate and special events, and provides space rental for other dance professionals and companies. Private lessons are available for both kids and teens. Scholarships are offered. The studio has a mobile app for registration and online payment options are available.
What to expect
Your first visit
Walk in to find a welcoming, multi-floor studio where kids, teens and adults of all levels work alongside each other. Qualified instructors teach in age-appropriate settings with a mix of styles—you might find ballet storytelling classes for toddlers, high-energy hip hop for kids, or advanced ballroom technique for adults, all on the same day.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The faculty includes Lorenz Banlawi (hip hop, trained in popping, locking, house, dancehall, ballet, contemporary, jazz funk, commercial and street styles); Shameka Blake (hip hop, lyrical, competitive and performance, George Brown College graduate, founder of Artists In Motion); Allison Bradley (hip hop, contemporary, strength & stretch, Broadway Dance Centre-trained, Outstanding Student Award 2009); Mark Brenyo (Irish step dancing, TCRG certified, 5× Eastern Canadian Oireachtas Champion); and Danielito Guajardo (Argentine tango, salsa, Latin dances, casino rueda, over ten years' teaching and choreographing experience). Additional instructors named in youth classes include Maya Gale-Buncel (ballet), Kimberly Pilc (hip hop, lyrical, jazz), and Rachel Zinck (ballet).
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Classes for ages 3–5 teach FUNdamentals through playful, creative approaches; all age groups from 3 to 93 are welcome; adult pointe and Argentine tango beginner series are available.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Age-appropriate attire varies by class; ballet requires traditional ballet dress, hip hop requires loose-fitting clothing and sneakers.
What to bring
For kids 3–5 ballet: canvas or leather ballet slippers (pink or skin tone for girls, black or white for boys), ballet tights (pink or skin tone), body suit (any colour). For kids 3–5 hip hop: loose-fitting tops and bottoms, indoor sneakers (preferably not black-soled). Hair should be tidy and out of the face.
Styles offered
16 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Joy of Dance Centrehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
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Frequently asked about Joy of Dance Centre
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Joy of Dance Centre teach?
Joy of Dance Centre teaches General, Ballet, Argentine Tango, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Lyrical and 10 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Joy of Dance Centre located?
Joy of Dance Centre is located in Toronto, ON. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Joy of Dance Centre offer private lessons?
Contact Joy of Dance Centre directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Joy of Dance Centre teach kids and adults?
Joy of Dance Centre welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Joy of Dance Centre?
The fastest path is to visit Joy of Dance Centre via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.