Karin Hobby Dance Academy

About Karin Hobby Dance Academy

Karin Hobby Dance Academy is a dance school located on Richmond Street in the Masonville neighbourhood of London, Ontario. The academy serves a diverse community of students, including children, teenagers, and adults, offering a range of programs for both recreational and pre-professional dancers. The academy provides high-level training in various styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, and modern dance. Specifically, the studio offers Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) training, which allows students to complete annual examinations and class awards. For the youngest dancers, the school features a specialized "Mini Dance" ballet program for 3-4 year olds. Adults can participate in fitness classes, as well as ballet, tap, and contemporary sessions ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Additional programming includes week-long camps, "Dancing PD" days, and workshops featuring professional guest artists and choreographers from ballet companies and musical productions. Students also have opportunities to participate in performances, such as a full-length year-end recital and a December recital at Wolf Performance Hall, as well as community events like the London Santa Claus Parade. Director Karin Hobby developed the studio's specialized programming based on her many years of teaching experience. The academy describes itself as a place where children love to learn ballet, emphasizing a positive and fun environment. The studio is noted for its success with RAD grade exams, with many recent entries achieving the highest ranking of Distinction. The facility is located near the university, making it a convenient spot for students in that area.