Thornhill School Of Ballet

OUR GOAL is to instill in each student a life-long love of dance.

OUR MISSION is centered on building a passion for dance while building self-esteem and confidence in every child. The students well being is our priority, their capability is secondary.

OUR PHILOSOPHY is to educate the minds, bodies, and souls of our students, to teach them the skills required for a successful life whether or not they stay involved in dance.

WE BELIEVE a teachers influence on the future of a student extends far beyond what goes on in the classroom.

OUR PROGRAM relies on a positive atmosphere, for our faculty, students and parents; it promotes a positive learning dance experience for all of the dancers involved.

History - Established in 1968

In the fall of 1968, Patricia Upcraft opened Thornhill School of Ballet specializing in ballet. Results showed in the 1970-1971 school year when the first group of students passed examinations in the R.A.D. Major Syllabus. Since then, ardent students have continued their studies at The National Ballet School, Banff School of Fine Arts, Waterloo, Ryerson and York Universities, Quinte Ballet School, Toronto Dance Theatre, the Canadian Children's Dance Theatre and have become professionals in performance, teaching and dance therapy. Today, the studio has grown to incorporate Jazz, Tap, Modern, Hip Hop, Spanish, Stretch and Pointe classes. We still continue to offer the finest training and encouragement to all students. We provide professional training to those with career ambitions. We also nurture the joy and love of dance for those who enjoy dancing and will continue to participate and be an informed audience.

Under the direction of Amanda Ramrup and an experienced faculty of qualified instructors, our goal is to provide Thornhill and metro Toronto with the finest dance, vocal, and drama instruction in the greatest variety of styles. Thornhill School of Ballet offers programs with a full schedule of classes for the serious student, in addition to introductory classes for young children and recreational classes for adults.

We use the arts as a way to teach students the important life skills of vision, perseverance, confidence, determination, and resilience -- challenging them to believe in themselves.