University of Waterloo Athletics

Instructional programs begin the week of September 21st.

Instructional programs conclude the week of November 30th.

No, the instructional programs will not run during reading week in fall and winter terms.

If a session of an instructional program is cancelled due extenuating circumstances, a make up session will be communicated to you.

Try an instructional dance class for FREE between September 14-18. Click here to register,

All Instructional Classes will be open to anyone with a valid Athletics Membership.

Introduction to Ballet

Spring 2026 Offerings:

• Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 pm in PAC Studio 2 (Instructor: Jessie)
• Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm in PAC Studio 2 (Instructor: Raven)

In this introductory course, participants will develop awareness of alignment and basic ballet vocabulary and technique. No previous ballet or dance experience is required. Classes will include basic barre exercises, as well as centre work. Plié and chassé your way to improved coordination, flexibility, and posture!

Click here to register!

Intermediate Ballet

Spring 2026 Offerings:

• Tuesdays 6:00-7:00 pm in PAC Studio 2 (Instructor: Shanade)
• Thursdays 8:00-9:00 pm in PAC Studio 2 (Instructor: Sophia)

Have you been missing the Barre? Are your ballet shoes sitting in the back of your closet just itching to chaine across the floor? Come fall back in love with Ballet in the Intermediate Ballet Class! Take a break from studying to stretch, jump, and turn your way through barre and centre work and reconnect with this athletic artform.

Participants in this program should be comfortable with the fundamentals of Ballet, including common terminology, positions, and technique. One or more years of Ballet experience is recommended. Haven’t danced for a few years and feeling a bit rusty? No problem! We will slowly and safely work towards rebuilding ballet strength and flexibility. Modifications will be provided to ensure the classes are enjoyable for both Intermediate and Advanced dancers.

Click here to register!

Advanced Ballet

Spring 2026 Offerings:

• Tuesdays 7:00-8:00 pm in PAC Studio 2 (Instructor: Shanade) Note - this class does not include pointe.
• Thursdays 6:00-7:00 pm in PAC Studio 2 (Instructor: Raven) Note - this class does not include pointe.

Have you been missing the Barre? Are your ballet shoes sitting in the back of your closet just itching to chaine across the floor? Come fall back in love with Ballet in the Intermediate Ballet Class! Take a break from studying to stretch, jump, and turn your way through barre and centre work and reconnect with this athletic artform.

Participants in this program should be comfortable with the fundamentals of Ballet, including common terminology, positions, and technique. One or more years of Ballet experience is recommended. Haven’t danced for a few years and feeling a bit rusty? No problem! We will slowly and safely work towards rebuilding ballet strength and flexibility. Modifications will be provided to ensure the classes are enjoyable for both Intermediate and Advanced dancers.

Click here to register!

Meet your Instructors

Raven (she/her)

Raven has over 20 years of dance training in RAD ballet, Luigi style jazz, and modern dance. Raven was even a soloist for 4 years in the Hamilton's City ballet, The Nutcracker. Raven has over 10 years of teaching experience, and even started her own ballet studio when she was in grade 9! Raven meets students where they're at, tailoring her lessons to meet the needs of her class participants. In her classes, Raven ensures that no one is left behind or confused by choreography. She strives to promote positivity and inclusion in the way she teaches, corrects, and choreographs.

Shanade

Profile coming soon...

Sophia

Profile coming soon...

Introduction to Hip Hop

Spring 2026 Offerings: N/A

Learn the fundamentals of breaking, popping, and locking in this introductory hip hop class. Participants will learn fun and energetic choreography to popular hip hop and R&B music! No previous dance experience is required.

Click here to register!

Intermediate Hip Hop

Spring 2026 Offerings: N/A

Dust off those Air Force 1's and get ready to pop, lock, and break in this intermediate hip hop class. Develop your personal dance style and express yourself through movement! Participants should have some previous dance experience.

Click here to register!

Flexibility, Turnout, and Strength for Dancers

Spring 2026 Offerings: N/A

Flexibility, Turnout & Strength for Dancers is a targeted conditioning class designed to support dancers outside of traditional instructional classes. This class focuses on safely developing flexibility, turnout, and strength using dynamic stretching and exercises that complement ballet and other dance styles. Dancers will learn effective drills, alignment cues, and conditioning strategies they can practice both in class and at home to support their technique, prevent injury, and build long-term strength and mobility.

Click here to register!

Meet your Instructors

Raven (she/her)

Raven has over 20 years of dance training in RAD ballet, Luigi style jazz, and modern dance. Raven was even a soloist for 4 years in the Hamilton's City ballet, The Nutcracker. Raven has over 10 years of teaching experience, and even started her own ballet studio when she was in grade 9! Raven meets students where they're at, tailoring her lessons to meet the needs of her class participants. In her classes, Raven ensures that no one is left behind or confused by choreography. She strives to promote positivity and inclusion in the way she teaches, corrects, and choreographs.

Beginner Salsa

Spring 2026 Offering: N/A

This Beginner Salsa class introduces the fundamental steps and vocabulary of club-style On1 salsa dancing. You'll learn timing, footwork, body movement, partner connection, and basic dance etiquette. The focus is on building confidence with the basics so you can enjoy social dancing. No prior dance experience or partner is required!

Click here to register!, opens in new tab

Introduction to Jazz and Musical Theatre

Spring 2026 Offering: N/A

Are you ready to experience the joy of movement? After taking this class you can expect to experience improvements in flexibility, cardiovascular health, and body-awareness. But most importantly, this class will provide a safe space to move your body in ways that feel good. This class is suitable for participants with no or minimal dance experience. Increase your confidence on the dance floor and groove to your favourite showtunes in this exciting new class.

Click here to register!

Open Level Lyrical and Contemporary

Spring 2026 Offering:

• Tuesdays 5:00-6:00 pm in PAC Studio 2 (Instructor: Sophia)

Contemporary dance draws on elements of ballet, modern, and jazz to explore movement. Express yourself through flowing combinations in this welcoming, all-levels class! Participants can expect to explore both foundational and progressive contemporary and lyrical dance techniques, with options and variations offered to suit different experience levels. No previous dance experience is required. Participants can expect to explore fundamental techniques while also progressing into more complex movement patterns, with options provided for all levels.

Introduction to Lyrical and Contemporary

Spring 2026 Offering: N/A

Contemporary dance draws on elements of ballet, modern, and jazz to explore movement. Express yourself through flowing combinations! Participants can expect to learn about fundamental contemporary and lyrical dance movement. No previous dance experience is required.

Click here to register!

Intermediate Lyrical and Contemporary

Spring 2026 Offering: N/A

Contemporary dance draws on elements of ballet, modern, and jazz to explore movement. Express yourself through flowing combinations! Participants can expect to build upon fundamental principles of contemporary and lyrical dance and learn intermediate and advance skills. Previous dance experience is recommended.

Click here to register!

Beginner Learn to Box

Fall 2026 Offerings:

• Thursdays 7:00-8:30 pm

Learn to Box introduces students to the fundamentals of boxing in a safe, fun, friendly and cooperative environment. This class introduces participants to the fundamentals boxing and aims to help participants build a foundation of proper technique. The program will cover how to throw punches (straights, hooks, uppercuts) from a well-balanced stance, how to defend (blocking, parrying, slipping, moving), and how throw, and defend against, basic combinations. Classes incorporate individual practice, partner work, bag work and boxing fitness/conditioning. No experience necessary!

Click here to register

Intermediate Boxing

Fall 2026 Offerings:

• Thursdays 8:30-10:00 pm

Intermediate Boxing is tailored for those who have completed the beginner level and/or have some previous boxing experience. The class develops participants’ movement (attacking, defending, creating angles), punch-combinations and boxing intelligence (reading an opponent, feinting, creating gaps), allowing participants to get a feel for their own style. Classes incorporate individual practice, partner work, bag work and boxing fitness/conditioning.

Click here to register!

Meet Your Instructor

Thomas (he/him)

Being an instructor allows Thomas to share his passion for the sport of boxing. In addition to skill building, Thomas hopes to pass on how boxing can contribute to feelings of calmness and stability. Thomas is inspired watching how the participants in his classes progress - many participants leave his class walking taller and more confidently.

Learn to Skate

Spring 2026 Offerings:

• Tuesdays 7:00-8:00 pm in CIF Arena
• Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 pm in CIF Arena
• Wednesdays 7:00-8:00 pm in CIF Arena
   

Whether you've never stepped foot on the ice or you are trying to become more comfortable and sturdy on blades, then Learn to Skate is the perfect fit for you. This course will help you gain the confidence and agility needed to feel strong and free on the ice. Learn to Skate I is for absolute beginners, while Learn to Skate II is for those who have some skating experience but are looking to develop further skills and confidence. NOTE: You must supply your own skates and CSA approved helmets are required.

Click here to register!

Figure Skating

Spring 2026 Offerings:

• Tuesdays 6:00-7:00pm in CIF Arena
   

Figure Skating is an introductory program for skaters who wish to learn and experience various areas of figure skating, free skating, dancing, stroking, and precision skating. This is a flexible program where skaters can progress at their own rate. In order to enroll in Learn to Figure Skate, skaters should be comfortable on the ice (good stopping/turning), have the ability to do two cross overs on each side, and be able to do a one foot glide for 5 seconds on each side. This is not an appropriate class for those just beginning to skate.

Click here to register!