Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Richmond Hill
Life Moves Dance Studio was founded in the Fall of 1999 under the visionary leadership of Teresa Merritt. Our studio is dedicated to fostering the joy of dance while prioritizing the holistic development of each student. We emphasize technical excellence, artistic expression, and spiritual growth, creating a nurturing environment where dancers build foundational skills and confidence. Over the years, we have expanded our offerings to include diverse dance styles and a team of experienced instructors committed to serving Richmond Hill and surrounding communities.Our mission is to empower individuals through dance, using it as a vehicle for personal growth and community impact. With a focus on accessibility and quality, we strive to make dance education inclusive for all ages and skill levels. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our structured curriculum, performance opportunities, and emphasis on both individual and collective artistic development.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Tap Instruction
Hip Hop Workshops
Acro Training
Cheerleading Classes
Baton Twirling
Contemporary Dance
Lyrical Classes
Musical Theater
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience in dance education
- Our staff nurtures technical training and spiritual growth
- We provide diverse dance styles for all skill levels
- Our instructors are certified in Acrobatic Arts and dance pedagogy
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized attention
What people say
Amazing instructors
Great for all ages
Professional environment
Excellent technique focus
Supportive community
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops foundational technique through structured training in classical positions, barre work, and center combinations. Students learn proper body alignment and discipline while building strength and flexibility. Classes emphasize artistic expression through graceful movement and musicality, preparing dancers for advanced study and performance opportunities.
Acro Training
Acrobatic Arts certified instructors teach safe progressions in tumbling, balancing, and flexibility. Classes integrate dance technique with acrobatic elements to enhance performance quality. Students develop core strength and spatial awareness while learning skills appropriate to their ability level in a supportive environment.
Hip Hop Workshops
Contemporary hip hop classes focus on rhythm, isolations, and freestyle expression. Instructors teach current street dance styles while emphasizing musicality and performance energy. Students learn choreography that builds coordination and confidence through dynamic movement patterns and creative self-expression.
Cheerleading Classes
Cheer instruction combines dance technique with tumbling and stunting fundamentals. Classes develop team coordination, precision, and crowd engagement skills. Students learn competition routines while focusing on safety, proper spotting techniques, and performance execution.
Lyrical Classes
Lyrical dance combines ballet technique with expressive movement interpretation. Classes emphasize storytelling through choreography that connects with music's emotional content. Students develop fluidity and artistry while exploring dynamic contrasts and performance quality.
People
Teresa Merritt
Founder & Director
Teresa Merritt established Life Moves Dance Studio in 1999, bringing decades of dance education experience. She oversees curriculum development and artistic direction while mentoring instructors. Her vision combines technical excellence with character development through dance.
Graille Merritt
Office Administrator
Graille Merritt manages studio operations with a business degree and customer service expertise. A former student and instructor, she ensures smooth administrative functions while maintaining community connections. Her local knowledge enhances family engagement and studio management.
Ari Merritt
Instructor & Designer
Ari Merritt teaches acro and cheer classes with Acrobatic Arts certification. She combines dance expertise with graphic design skills for studio materials. As a lifelong student of dance, she brings contemporary teaching methods and performance experience to her instruction.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, acro, cheer, baton, contemporary, lyrical, and musical theater classes for all skill levels.
What are your office hours?
Office hours vary by day: Monday 1:00-2:30pm & 4:00-8:30pm, Tuesday 9:30-11:15am & 4:00-8:15pm, Wednesday 1:00-7:15pm, Thursday 4:00-8:00pm, Friday 4:30-6:30pm, Saturday 9:15am-1:15pm.
What should students wear?
Specific attire requirements vary by class but generally include leotards, tights, and appropriate shoes. Detailed uniform guidelines are available on our website.
How are payments handled?
Monthly payments accepted via credit/debit card with auto-draft options available on the 1st or 15th of each month through our parent portal system.
Can parents observe classes?
Parent observation weeks allow viewing through studio windows. Regular class observation is limited to maintain student focus and instructional effectiveness.
What performance opportunities exist?
We offer recitals, community performances, and competition teams. All students participate in annual showcases with optional competitive opportunities available.
