Business Details
42 Years
experience
Expert Dance Instruction in Pickering, Ontario
Jacqueline's School of Dance has been a cornerstone of dance education in the Durham region since its founding in 1984. Our studio provides a welcoming, family-friendly environment where students of all ages and skill levelsfrom toddlers to adultscan explore dance through recreational or competitive programs. With four spacious, climate-controlled studios and a faculty of highly qualified instructors certified by organizations like the British Association of Teachers of Dancing and Acrobatic Arts, we prioritize technical excellence and musicality across disciplines including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and contemporary.Our commitment to personalized guidance ensures each student finds a program aligned with their interests and abilities. Recognized by the Ajax Pickering News Advertiser as the Best Dance Studio eight times, we celebrate student achievements through annual showcases, examinations, and competitive teams that perform nationally and internationally. The studio's administrative team and faculty work collaboratively to maintain operational efficiency while fostering a supportive atmosphere where dance becomes a joyful, transformative experience.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Hip Hop
Contemporary
Musical Theatre
Acro
Lyrical
Twinkle Toes
Competitive Dance
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in dance education with certified instructors
- Our competitive teams have earned national and international awards
- Family-friendly environment with programs for ages 2 to adult
- Personalized guidance ensures appropriate class placement for every student
- State-of-the-art facilities with four climate-controlled studios
Associations and certifications
- British Association of Teachers of Dancing
- Acrobatic Arts
- Paula Morgan Technique
What people say
Unparalleled technical training
Supportive family environment
Competitive team success
Experienced certified instructors
Well-structured programs
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical precision and grace through structured training from beginner to advanced levels. Students learn proper body alignment, turnout, and classical repertoire while building foundational skills applicable to all dance styles. Classes emphasize musicality, discipline, and artistic expression through progressive curriculum aligned with BATD examination standards.
Competitive Dance
The JSOD Competitive Elite Dance Team offers intensive training in choreography, technique, and performance excellence. Dancers participate in regional and international competitions across solo, duo, and group categories while developing life skills like teamwork and resilience through structured mentorship programs with advanced dancers.
Twinkle Toes
Designed for children aged 2-5, this program introduces basic dance concepts through playful movement activities. Classes focus on body awareness, rhythm development, and creative expression while preparing young dancers for formal training through age-appropriate exercises and imaginative play.
Summer Camps
Our Inspire Arts Camps provide immersive dance experiences combined with drama and arts activities during summer months. Participants aged 5-16 engage in multiple dance styles daily while developing performance skills through collaborative projects and end-of-camp showcases in a supportive, creative environment.
Acro
Acrobatic Arts-certified instruction combines dance technique with gymnastic elements to develop flexibility, strength, and balance. Classes progress through skill-based levels focusing on safe execution of cartwheels, walkovers, and aerials while integrating these elements into dance choreography.
People
Jacqueline Kelly-Willis
Director
With over 35 years of dance education experience, Jacqueline founded JSOD in 1984. Certified in BATD, Acrobatic Arts, and Paula Morgan Technique, she holds an E.C.E. diploma from Centennial College. Her choreography awards and faculty training programs have shaped generations of dancers pursuing professional careers in performance and education.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, acro, and twinkle toes programs for ages 2 through adult.
Are there competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, our Competitive Elite Dance Team participates in four annual competitions across Ontario, Quebec, and internationally with training starting at age six.
Do you accept new students mid-season?
We accept ongoing enrollment throughout the dance year when space permits, with class placement based on age and experience level.
What summer programs are available?
Our Inspire Arts Camps run during summer months for ages 5-16, combining dance training with drama and arts activities in one-to-three-week sessions.
How are instructors qualified?
All instructors hold certifications from recognized organizations like BATD, Acrobatic Arts, and Paula Morgan Technique, with ongoing professional development.
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