November 2026
Inside VDC
VDC Takes Over the Raptors Halftime Show
November is bringing some exciting opportunities for dancers at Vlad’s Dance Company in Richmond Hill.
More than 90 of our Part-Time and Full-Time Competitive dancers are preparing to perform at the Toronto Raptors halftime show, while recent VDC graduate Jayden Lau has been performing in a professional Toronto musical choreographed by Stacey Tookey.
This month’s edition also shares updates from our Recreational classes, the Micro Mini team’s first convention preparations and upcoming competitive training opportunities.
Explore the November edition below.
Watch us on Live TV – November 11
Performing at Scotiabank Arena will give our Part-Time and Full-Time Competitive dancers an opportunity to experience a professional sporting event from the performer’s perspective.
A large arena performance brings a different set of demands than a traditional competition or recital, including adapting choreography to the venue, working as a large team and performing for an audience that extends well beyond the dance community.
VDC has also organized a party bus and team dinner at Boston Pizza, making the day a shared experience for participating dancers and their teammates.
Use our special VDC ticket promo code to purchase tickets for friends and family today!
Recreational
Our Recreational Program welcomes dancers of different ages and experience levels, from children taking their first classes to older students developing their technique.
November’s spotlight looks at the progress we’re seeing in both groups. Our youngest dancers are becoming more independent in class, while growing Jazz and Hip Hop classes are giving older students opportunities to develop their movement skills and learn alongside their peers.
For families exploring Recreational dance classes in Richmond Hill, VDC offers a range of weekly classes with experienced teachers and a year-end recital.
Trial classes remain available through December, before recital choreography begins in January.
Micro-Mini Competitive
Our Micro Mini Competitive Team is preparing for Press Play Hamilton, where many of our youngest competitive dancers will experience their first dance convention.
Unlike their usual weekly classes, a convention gives dancers the opportunity to learn from visiting faculty, work alongside dancers from other studios and experience a variety of teaching styles.
Most of our Micros will participate in the PeeWee room, with a themed showcase attended by their families and VDC teammates.
Our Micro Mini Competitive Program introduces dancers ages 5–8 to more structured training across multiple dance styles, with a focus on building strong foundations and learning how to work as a team.
Part-Time | Technique and Choreography
Our Part-Time dancers continue their weekly technique training as choreography begins in selected classes and through additional weekend sessions.
The team is also attending View Dance Challenge’s November convention, with some dancers preparing solos for Press Play Hamilton in December.
These experiences provide opportunities to learn from different faculty, apply technical training and gain performance experience outside regular classes.
VDC’s Part-Time Competitive Program combines ongoing technical development with choreography, conventions and competitive performance opportunities.
Full-Time
We’re incredibly proud of recent VDC graduate Jayden Lau, who joined the cast of Dancer: A Musical in Ten Furlongs, a Toronto production directed and choreographed by three-time Emmy-nominated choreographer Stacey Tookey.
The musical tells the story of Northern Dancer, the legendary Canadian racehorse who won the Kentucky Derby in 1964. Jayden was personally selected by Stacey Tookey to perform the role of Northern Dancer on select nights, in addition to his work with the dance company.
To celebrate, VDC organized a group outing for dancers and families to see Jayden perform live!
For our current competitive dancers, it was an opportunity to experience professional musical theatre while supporting someone who recently trained in the same VDC studios.
Jayden’s performance is another exciting addition to the professional accomplishments of our graduates.
His official cast biography highlights his training at Vlad’s Dance Company across Contemporary, Ballet, Partnering, Acro, Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop, along with his achievements at The Dance Awards and other performance credits.
We’re incredibly proud to see him continuing to pursue professional opportunities while studying at the University of Toronto.
Parent Education
Why Dance?
Children participate in dance for many reasons, and those reasons often change as they grow.
For younger dancers, classes can be a fun introduction to physical activity, music, coordination and friendships. As they progress, dance can also develop strength, discipline, creativity and performance skills.
Some dancers enjoy recreational classes throughout childhood. Others pursue competitive training, post-secondary dance education or professional opportunities.
At VDC, former students have gone on to work in theatre, film, television and professional dance companies, including productions and organizations associated with Broadway, Disney, Netflix and international dance companies.
Our VDC Alumni page highlights some of the dancers and creative professionals who began their training with us.
Whatever direction a child takes, dance offers opportunities to learn, stay active and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.