Since the moment I stepped foot into a dance studio, I was hooked. I loved the expression, creativity and the family atmosphere. From a young age, I knew dance was more than an outlet for me; it was my future.
My life as a dancer began at the Ida Sauve Dance Studio (now known as Dance Evolution) at the age of four, the studio quickly became my second home. By the time I was eight, I danced competitively and at 11 I was assisting teachers in their classes. It was while I was assisting that I discovered my passion for teaching. I went on to compete across Ontario until the age of 21 and won numerous special awards and medals for both group and solo performances.
I’ve trained in Tap, Jazz, Acrobatics, Lyrical, Contemporary and Hip Hop and am a certified ADAPT (Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers) teacher in both Tap and Jazz. The teachers at Dance Evolution and I are all YPAD (Youth Protection Advocated in Dance) certified, which means we are committed to ensuring age appropriateness in all facets of our work, including music selection, costuming and overall atmosphere at the studio.
Becoming YPAD certified has played a huge role in my commitment to creating a safe space for my students to learn and grow into confident and empowered young people. I use my teaching role as an opportunity to show my students that dance is so much more than competing or winning. Every time I step into a class, it’s a new opportunity for me to teach my students the importance of community, respect and self-love, and to show them just how strong they are physically, mentally and emotionally. In the age of social media, it’s extremely important to me that I teach my students how to love and appreciate their body for all that it does for them, and all that it is capable of.
At Dance Evolution, community involvement has always been a priority. We’ve been dedicated to supporting various charitable organizations including; NEO Kids, NOFCC, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Blood Services, and Northern Lights Festival.
This past year, stepping into my new role as Owner and Director of the studio has been very exciting for me and has only strengthened my passion for dance. I am committed to creating a safe space where students feel inspired, motivated and supported in their growth into becoming confident, empowered young people.
- Taylor Austin