🎉 Say Hello to the New Dance Season
Our new dance season began on September 8, and it’s been wonderful to welcome our dancers back to the studio after the summer break!
A quick reminder: the Fall Term runs through February 8, 2027, and the 2026–2027 dance season continues through June 28, 2027. We look forward to seeing our dancers continue to learn, grow, and develop their skills throughout the season.
Thank you to all our families for your continued support, and a warm welcome to everyone joining the Yi Dance family this year. Here’s to a fun and rewarding season ahead!
📖 Your Yi Dance School App: Everything in One Place
Starting this term, Yi Dance is introducing the Studio Pro Portal app to all families.
Download instructions and initial login details have recently been emailed to each family. If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, please do so as soon as possible.
Think of the app as your go-to place for all things at Yi Dance!
With the Studio Pro Portal, you can:
View your class schedule and personal calendar
Access school emails and important announcements in one place
Check school holidays and closure dates
Receive updates on class cancellations due to severe weather
Contact the school office directly
Stay up to date on schedule changes and other important updates
Change your login password at any time
A Quick Reminder: Starting this term, all school holiday and closure announcements will be shared through the app. If you can’t find the initial login details we emailed a few days ago, please contact the school office, and we’ll be happy to resend them.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support as we make it easier for our families to stay connected with Yi Dance!
🏆 Meet the 2027 Yi Dance Competition Team!
The 2027 Yi Dance Competition Team is officially formed! Following auditions and recruitment, dozens of dancers have been selected for this season’s team, and training is now underway. The focus will soon shift to choreography, rehearsals, and competition preparation as our dancers get ready for the 2027 season.
From refining technique to bringing each routine to life, every detail takes time, dedication, and hard work. Beyond developing their dance skills, we hope this journey will help our dancers build stage presence, teamwork, and confidence.
Yi Dance News
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Yi Dance News 〰️
Thanksgiving Day
Please note that the school will be closed on Monday, October 12, for Thanksgiving Day. There will be no classes that day.
NBOC: Tickets for the New Season
The National Ballet of Canada’s new season is underway, and its 75th anniversary season features an exciting lineup of performances!
Highlights include John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet, returning for the first time since 2009, James Kudelka’s beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker, and Echoes of Stravinsky, a triple bill celebrating the power of live music.
Season subscriptions for this milestone season are in high demand, so families interested in attending are encouraged to book early!
🎫 For tickets and the full performance schedule, visit: national.ballet.ca
World Ballet Day 2026 Returns
World Ballet Day returns on Thursday, October 29, 2026! First launched in 2014, this annual global celebration brings together leading ballet companies from around the world, offering free online access to company classes, rehearsals, and behind-the-scenes footage.
This year’s theme, “How Stories Are Made,” explores the creative process behind ballet productions. Participating companies will share free content through their own platforms, including livestreams and pre-recorded videos.
The full programme has yet to be announced. In the meantime, dancers can visit the official website to explore the list of participating companies and check their websites for viewing details.
New School Screening
This Month’s Feature: The Sleeping Beauty
Featuring some of Tchaikovsky’s most beautiful and romantic music, alongside Petipa’s elegant and intricate classical choreography, The Sleeping Beauty premiered in Russia in 1890 and has remained a treasured part of the repertoire of ballet companies worldwide for well over a century.
This screening features The Royal Ballet’s production. With its beautiful score, exquisite choreography, and outstanding performances, this is a production not to be missed.
Dancers, enjoy this enchanting classical ballet with us between class time at the studio!
Q1: My child is starting pointe classes this term. Where should we buy pointe shoes? Can we order them online?
A: Congratulations on reaching this exciting milestone!
Starting pointe work is a big step in a dancer’s journey, and finding the right pair of pointe shoes is essential for both safety and support. Before purchasing your dancer’s first pair, here are a few important things to keep in mind.
❓ Why is an in-person fitting at a specialist store so important
1. Every dancer’s feet are different
Pointe shoes are not like regular shoes—you can’t simply buy a size up and expect them to fit later. Foot length, width, arch, toe shape, and heel shape all affect the fit. Even shoes in the same size can feel very different across brands and styles.
For young dancers whose feet are still growing, proper fit and support are especially important. Shoes that are too tight may put excessive pressure on the toes, while shoes that are too soft or do not fit properly may not provide adequate support. An experienced pointe shoe fitter can help find the right style, width, and shank strength for the dancer.
2. Different brands and styles fit differently
Every brand has its own shoe shape and fit. Some styles suit particular toe shapes, while others are designed for wider or narrower feet. Trying on different options in person is the best way to find a pair that fits properly.
A professional fitting also allows the dancer to assess how the shoes support feet and alignment. They can check for slipping heels, cramped toes, and other fit issues that are difficult to assess when shopping online.
💡 Let your dancer speak up during the fitting
Parents play an important role, but remember that the dancer is the one wearing the shoes. Encourage them to communicate honestly with the fitter about how each pair feels.
They should speak up if:
Their toes feel cramped or have room to move.
The heel feels loose or too tight.
There is pressure or discomfort across the top of the foot.
They feel stable or unsteady when rising onto demi-pointe.
Any particular toe feels pinched or uncomfortable.
🩰 Pointe Shoe Fitting Tips
Wear ballet tights with holes for the fitting, as required by Yi Dance’s dress code.
Try on both shoes. Feet are often slightly different in size.
Don’t buy shoes that are too small on the assumption that they will stretch to fit.
Don’t buy shoes that are too big to allow room for growth. Pointe shoes need to fit closely to provide proper support.
Take your time. Try several pairs and follow the fitter’s guidance rather than rushing into a decision.
Keep a record of your fit. Note the brand, style, width, and shank strength to make future fittings easier.
📍 Recommended Pointe Shoe Store
The Shoe Room
Website: The Shoe Room
Address: 406 Jarvis St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G6
Phone: 416-964-5100
Email: theshoeroom@nbs-enb.ca
Important: An appointment is required. Please contact The Shoe Room in advance to schedule a pointe shoe fitting or add to the waitlist.
Q2: I may need to miss a class or change the dance schedule. What shall I do?
A: We understand that coordinating dance classes with school, family, and holiday plans can be a challenge. Here’s a quick guide to Yi Dance’s make-up and class change policies.
Class Changes & Make-Up Classes
Under our regular policy, each registered course allows one class change per term and up to three make-up classes for reported absences per term. All make-up classes must be completed within the same term.
For exceptional circumstances, such as a short-term trip overseas, families may request additional class changes or make-up classes within the same term by providing supporting documentation. Requests are subject to approval.
Reporting an Absence
Regular classes: Please report absences at least 4 hours before class.
Private lessons: Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice.
If the school office is closed, you can leave a voicemail, send us an email or use your Yi Dance school app (Studio Pro Portal). Our team will record your absence and respond when the office reopens.
Booking a Make-Up Class
Please book make-up classes at least 24 hours in advance.
Make-up classes are complimentary and cannot be rescheduled once booked. If a student misses a scheduled make-up class, another make-up will not be provided.
When you arrive for a make-up class, please let the front desk know so we can direct your dancer to the correct classroom. You can also check the class schedule on the TV to the left of the entrance and take your dancer directly to the assigned room.
Holiday & Severe Weather Closures
As winter approaches, please note that Yi Dance will follow the relevant school board guidelines when making decisions about class cancellations due to severe weather.
Classes cancelled due to statutory holidays or severe weather will not count toward the three make-up classes allowed per term. Additional make-up classes may be arranged for these cancellations.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to another wonderful year of learning and growing together with our dancers and families!