Take a moment now to vote for Elev8 Dance! The Hamilton Spectator Readers Choice Awards nominations are in, and Elev8 Dance has been nominated for 14 awards! Voting closes on August 21st.
Here you will find the current schedule, the Summer week-long day camps and the new school year 2023-2024 schedule. Enter your age and location to see the programs available. (New adult programs will be available shortly.)
*This schedule is subject to change.
It doesn’t matter if you’re 4, 14, or 74 years old – dance is for everyone, and now is the perfect time to start. Adult programs
Our dance teachers work collaboratively to build a safe and caring environment for our students to learn, train and flourish. We take part in ongoing training to develop our skills as dance teachers and community leaders. We are committed to fulfilling our responsibility of teaching our students to become outstanding dancers and valuable community members.
With years of experience across different age groups, our instructors use proven teaching techniques that consistently produce classroom results.
One of a Kind Dance Instruction
Elev8 Dance has been named “Hamilton’s Best Dance Classes for Children,” “Hamilton’s Best Dance Teacher,” and an overall award of “Hamilton’s Best Dance School” (Hamilton Spectator). We take pride in providing top-quality dance education with fun and engaging dance classes in an environment that will help your child reach their full potential.
2-3 & Me Dance Discovery: Dancers aged 2 and 3 and their parent or guardian learn to follow along in classes to spark the senses and develop motor skills.
KinderDance 1st Steps: Dancers in Kindergarten learn to socialize and participate in group activities while learning to jump, roll and spin.
Mini Dance: Students in Grades 1 and 2 can explore their movement range while developing coordination, strength, flexibility, and balance.
Junior and Intermediate: Students in Grades 3 and up can choose from various dance styles such as Hip Hop, Acrobatics, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and more.
Adult Programs: There is no better place to build community than a dance class. Elev8 Dance provides a fun and supportive space for our adult students to learn new skills, meet new people and share laughs.
*Ages groupings follow the school year.
With specialty classes designed to hone your skills, our Academy dance students are ready to take that next step in their dance journey, eagerly embracing new challenges to build their dance and performance skills.
Academy dancers will participate in specific weekly dance classes to elevate their skills. Students receive diverse cross-training in different styles to help them become well-rounded dancers and confident performers. Prior dance experience is required.
Elev8 Dance has a uniform in place, which helps to eliminate distractions, promotes a sense of community and makes getting ready for class easy. Only your teacher can set you up with the class uniform.
We provide affordable programs and free trials for students wanting to check it out for the first time. Enrolment is for the entire school year, with monthly tuition instalments. Youth programs have a tuition deposit which varies per program.
What sets Elev8 Dance apart from any other dance studio is the studio owner and headteacher, Mr. Chris. His expertise and background in dance as a performer and teacher help Elev8 Dance deliver a superior experience as we strive to earn our place as Hamilton’s Best Dance Studio year after year. Mr. Chris’ caring nature, eye for detail, experience in the classroom and dedication to making each class fun and engaging make the energy at Elev8 Dance different from anywhere else. Please don’t take our word for it… come and explore Elev8 Dance for yourself!
Christopher Bull first made an impression on the Canadian stage as a dancer with the Canadian National Youth Ensemble and a leading guest role on stage with the Kyiv Ballet. Christopher, a Dance Ontario and the Canadian Dance Assembly member, works in large productions and smaller indie venues as a dancer, aerial artist, singer, actor, teacher, and choreographer. Chris is also a Certified Personal Trainer and an active member of the Canadian Fitness Professionals, recently named Hamilton’s Best Personal Trainer (Hamilton Spectator.) Training under the BTDA with Sue Bottrill of Cambridge, Ontario, the National Ballet School of Toronto, Decidedly Jazz DanceWorks of Calgary, Toronto’s George Brown College and York University for Dance, Theatre & Performing Arts has prepared Christopher for the challenges of the world of dance.
Representing Canada on the international competitive stage and ranking 6th overall in the World (Soloist), Christopher has gone on to perform in full-scale productions such as Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, and The Nutcracker, 42nd Street, West Side Story, Hairspray, and Chicago. Christopher has also been active in the Hip Hop and Street Dance circuit performing in festivals and conventions and is a featured artist with Toronto’s Choreographer’s Ball. Other credits include an award-winning performance in a recent run of Sister Act the Musical, Aerial Acrobatics Artists with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and Modern Dance Art Installations with Toronto’s Nuit Blanche.
Christopher owns and directs Elev8 Dance Inc, a dance school that delivers quality, fun, and engaging dance training. With a strong background in classical ballet and exercise science, Christopher assesses and prioritizes his dancer’s training to address individual needs. He provides advanced mobility and strength training techniques. He teaches dance to connect with functional movement patterns to ensure his dancers excel as well-rounded athletes while keeping their bodies healthy, safe, and pain-free.
When Mr. Chris was a little boy, he told his parents he wanted to fly. They put him into hockey, baseball, gymnastics and figure skating, and almost every after-school program for kids, but nothing stuck. Then one day, young Christopher found his way into a dance studio and grew wings. Dance took Mr. Chris higher than he thought he could ever go. In dance, he found freedom like nothing else. Over 20 years later, Mr. Chris is still flying, excited to support others as they take flight with us at Elev8 Dance.
Some of Mr. Chris’ dancers have gone on to represent Canada at international dance competitions. The skills learned as a dancer has provided his students with offers to attend the National Ballet of Canada’s National Ballet School, Ballet Jorgen Canada, George Brown and Sheridan College for Theatre and Performing Arts, Mohawk College, Laurier, Waterloo, Guelph, York, McMaster, U of T and Ryerson University for Degrees in Theatre and Performing Arts, Television, Radio, Education, English, Mathematics, and Neuroscience.
We aim to help our dancers discover joy, make memories, and teach freedom through movement.
Whether it’s a fun bouncy ponytail for jazz class or a sleek ballet bun for ballet class, having the right hairstyle is essential for a safe, distraction-free dance class. Hair can quickly become the biggest distraction, playing with pigtails or brushing bangs and flyaway off the face. In dance, students are required to have their hair tied back and out of their faces. This allows you to see your teacher’s instructions and avoid collisions on the dance floor.
For jazz, tap, acrobatics and hip-hop, the hairstyle options include a ponytail, a braid, a ballet bun, a hair puff and cornrows. We ask students to have their hair in a bun for ballet classes. This traditional hairstyle helps create a sleek, professional appearance that is classic and elegant. Ballet buns also help to keep hair out of the face and accentuate the clean lines of the dancer’s posture.
Several short hair options will help keep your hair out of your eyes and eliminate distractions. A tied-back, half-up half-down will create a polished look for class, and a neutral headband can be used for trickier situations when hair elastics and pins won’t hold. For those with short hair, seek advice from your teacher on the best option.
We understand that attending dance class takes effort, and are grateful for your dedication. That’s why we may request that you restyle your hair to ensure a distraction-free environment in the studio. Our priority is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and supportive atmosphere for our dancers and teachers. By taking care of small details such as hairstyle, we can all focus on what really matters: elevating our dance skills and having fun!
We know that brushing and tying your hair up in a ponytail or bun can be a hassle but trust us, it’s worth it. Not only does it create a polished and put-together appearance, but it shows respect for the art we practice and respect for the dance studio we are part of, and it also helps you to focus on your dance moves and get the most out of your class.
If you forget a hair tie, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Extra elastics and bobby pins are available in the studio.
We all know that having a well-packed dance bag is essential to ensure you are ready for anything during your dance class. Regarding hair accessories, the right tools can make all the difference!
But with so many options – hairpins, bobby pins, snap-clips, elastics, headbands, donuts, and hairnets – it can be tough to know which to use and when. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!
Hair Tie Elastics
Every dance bag needs some strong hair elastics. Your ponytail or ballet bun starts with a good hair elastic, and you never know when you will need another one or two… or three!
Bobby Pins
Bobby pins are small and versatile, making them great for securing bangs and flyaways, creating a clean look.
Snap Clips
A snap clip is a stronger version of a bobby pin for flyaways and bangs. The advantage of a snap clip is its longevity. A snap clip will last all day.
Headband
All of our hair accessories are functional. A simple and neutral headband can be used as a last effort to secure bangs and flyaways.
Hairpins
Hairpins are a must-have for securing hair in a ballet bun. They are bigger and sturdier than bobby pins and have a curved shape that helps keep your hair in place.
The Hairnet
A ballet dancer’s secret weapon is the hairnet. A dance hairnet is stronger with more elastic than a regular hairnet. Securing a ballet bun with a hairnet helps to shape the bun and adds a polished professional touch.
Hairspray and Gel
A quick spritz of hairstyle or gel will manage flyaways and create a polished look. We practice our hairstyles all year to prepare for picture day and help us shine on stage.
An Essential Hair Kit can be purchased through the Student Portal.
Elev8 Dance is proud to offer our students choir, vocal and singing lessons! Your child will learn to develop their voice through fun and engaging group singing classes. Through singing lessons, your child will establish techniques to keep their voices healthy and strong. Adding singing lessons to your dance classes is an excellent way for your child to build confidence to perform or engage in public speaking. Alongside dance classes, singing is a wonderful outlet for self-expression and a must for anyone who wants to pursue the dream of being a performer.
Singing Lessons
Students in Grade One and Up
Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity and sign up now to secure your spot in our upcoming singing lessons. As an Elev8 Dance student, you have priority access before enrollment is open to the public. Don’t miss this incredible chance to enhance your child’s performance and artistic expression.
Elev8 Dance, Hamilton Ontario
Elev8 Dance is seeking passionate and dedicated people to join our team. We are a growing dance studio that offers a wide range of programs.
The ideal candidate feels at home in a dance studio and has an eye for detail. They are patient and friendly. A firm leader with interpersonal skills.
A dance teacher’s responsibilities include the following:
We are looking for someone with the following:
If you want to inspire others and be part of a supportive and collaborative team, we would love to hear from you!
To apply, please send your resume with a cover letter. Be sure to including any studio experience, dance styles, and age range you have experience with to: info@elev8danceinc.com
“Dress for the job you want!” When a student walks into the studio with their dance uniform on and their hair pulled back, it instills in them that they are not just taking a dance class but also a dancer.
A uniform gives the dancers something they all have in common and builds a positive sense of community. Wearing the same colours as the dancers beside you help to build camaraderie. Our community wants to build friendships and celebrate each other’s success. We are all in this together.
Dance is fun, often fast, and we don’t always see where we are landing. Having correctly fitted clothing and hair pulled off the face helps to eliminate the risk of unnecessary slips and falls. The uniform also allows your teacher to check for proper body placement to perform tricks safely.
Your teacher will provide you with the approved uniform items list. Only the items on the approved list can be worn in class.
Tights: Tights replace socks and underpants. Pink for Ballet. Beige for others. New tights are required for all classes when on the stage, except hip-hop.
Hair: Bun for Ballet Academy. Other classes: ponytail, braid, bun or puff. Short hair, simple headband.
Elev8 T-Shirt: Can be worn over the leotard for the warm-up and at your teacher’s discretion.
Combo Classes with Ballet
Combo Classes without Ballet
Ballet
Jazz, Tap and Acrobatics
Table of Contents
At Elev8 Dance, we know that taking dance classes develops confidence, leadership, creativity and athleticism. That’s why we work hard to keep our classes fun, challenging and engaging, guiding each student towards their best in dance and our community.
Christopher Bull owns and directs Elev8 Dance, a former professional and competitive dancer ranked #1 in Canada and sixth worldwide. Mr. Chris has travelled around the globe for nearly three decades, training and performing, and he is proud to be named Hamilton’s Best Dance Teacher (Hamilton Spectator).
Mr. Chris
2-3 & Me 2 and 3 yrs Mini Grades 1 & 2 Intermediate Grades 5+ | KinderDance Kindergarten Junior Grades 3 & 4 Adult Post Highschool |
*Age as of Dec 31, 2023
Youth accounts are paid in full, or monthly installments can be set up with pre-authorized payments due on the 1st of the month. Your total for payment in full or pre-authorized payments is the same.
Monthly instalments are set up with a pre-authorized credit card charged on the 1st of the month, starting September 1st.
Youth tuition instalments are based on how many weeks are in a month. All weeks are billed, including scheduled holidays and stat days, from Monday, September 11th, to the end of our school year.
Kindergarten to High School Classes • September to June
For this example, let’s use Saturday KinderDance.
The above calculations are made for the remainder of the school year, combining the deposit and all remaining weeks.
Plus HST
Preschool and adult classes are billed monthly while our enrolment system is updated. Bi-monthly billing will resume after the update.
Plus HST
Do not purchase your uniform before meeting with your teacher. Our uniform is specific, and your teacher will provide the necessary information for your program. The basic uniform is approximately $35-$55. Dance shoes will incur additional costs. Additional costs include personal items such as class uniforms, shoes, hair products and recital theatre tickets ($20-$30). For complete information, see the Payment Policies section of your Participation Agreement in the Student Portal.
The uniform is essential in preparing for and participating in classes, fostering a sense of community and culture and ensuring a safe atmosphere. Our exclusive uniform is only available from your teacher. Our uniform is specific for each class, and only the items provided by your teacher can be worn. Once enrolled, we will set you up with what you need for your dance class. You can order additional items from your teacher or through the online Student Portal.
We hold an annual spring gala for our youth dancers to showcase their hard-earned skills and talents. The recital allows all of our students to perform in front of their families and friends in our Spring Gala, allowing them to demonstrate their progress throughout the year. Students spend time in class and at home practicing, learning and preparing their dances, which helps to boost their confidence and sense of pride and accomplishment.
Come for a week! Try out all the classes you’re interested in. Discover how much fun our dance classes are, learn some moves and make new friends.
The program streams are suggestions based on how frequently your child is dancing. Students are welcome to take whichever programs they prefer; however, the streams below are recommended.
Enrichment
One or More Classes per Week
All Levels
Academy
Full-Length Classes
Mini, Junior and Intermediate Levels
Competitive Academy
3-6 Academy Classes per Week
Mini, Junior and Intermediate Levels
If you know someone looking for activities, invite them to come and try a class at Elev8 Dance. We have fun and engaging programs to challenge and inspire children and adults.
Don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions.
Mr. Chris
A fun-filled full-day and half-day summer camp in our fun, engaging, clean, and peanut-free environment. Join the princess and superhero fun as we dance, sing to our favourite music, and participate in many other wonderful full-day activities. Do you know someone looking for summer activities? Let them know about the summer dance camp at Elev8 Dance!
Below you will see an example outline of one day at our Princess and Superhero Elev8 Dance day camps:
Please Note:
“Hamilton’s Best Wedding Services”
Program fees are all-inclusive (including enrolment, down payment, recital preparation, production and costumes). Monthly instalments represent a portion of your program fees and do not increase or decrease for longer or shorter months. Additional costs include your uniform, shoes and theatre tickets for recitals.
TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY |
5th | 6th | 7th |
12th | 13rd | 14th |
19th | 20th | 21st |
Closed Summer Break |
TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY |
9th | 10th | 11th |
16th | 17th | 18th |
23rd | 24th | 25th |
Closed Back to School |
If you know of someone looking for activities, remember to keep Elev8 Dance in mind. We have programs in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and Acrobatic dance for children and adults.
When: Friday, June 9th, 2023 • 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: McIntyre Performing Arts Centre • 135 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton
Mohawk has a Tim Hortons and various refreshments available for purchase before the show. Jeans Flowers will be on site with flowers available. Bring cash. The Mohawk Theatre bar is closed at this time.
$20 per ticket per person
Follow the instruction below for complimentary parking at Mohawk College:
Enrol now to save your spot for September classes!
Elev8 Dance now has two locations in hamilton:
• 623 Upper Wellington Street, and
• 182 Dundurn Street South.
Enrichment classes bring the fun and joy of dance into a student’s life, and Academy classes for students ready for that something extra, with programs for students starting at two years old. Don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions.
Photo Week: Monday, May 8th to Saturday, May 13th • During your regular class time.
Please bring filled water bottles and theatre-approved snacks:
Assume whatever you pack for a snack will be rubbed or spilled on someone’s costume.
Please do not bring:
It is a good idea to bring some entertainment. Simple toys, colouring or devices. There is a lot of downtime, including the time between the dancer’s arrival and the show’s start. Label everything in case something is left behind.
Don’t forget to secure your spot for this summer and fall dance classes.
Have a great show!
Try out all the classes you're interested in. Discover how much fun our dance classes are, learn some moves and make new friends.
Our dance teachers work collaboratively to build a safe and caring environment for our students to learn, train and flourish. We take part in ongoing training to develop our skills as dance teachers and community leaders. We are committed to fulfilling our responsibility of teaching our students to become outstanding dancers and valuable community members.
With years of experience across different age groups, our instructors use proven teaching techniques that consistently produce classroom results.
One of a Kind Dance Instruction
Elev8 Dance has been named “Hamilton’s Best Dance Classes for Children,” “Hamilton’s Best Dance Teacher,” and an overall award of “Hamilton’s Best Dance School” (Hamilton Spectator). We take pride in providing top-quality dance education with fun and engaging dance classes in an environment that will help your child reach their full potential.
2-3 & Me Dance Discovery: Dancers aged 2 and 3 and their parent or guardian learn to follow along in classes to spark the senses and develop motor skills.
KinderDance 1st Steps: Dancers in Kindergarten learn to socialize and participate in group activities while learning to jump, roll and spin.
Mini Dance: Students in Grades 1 and 2 can explore their movement range while developing coordination, strength, flexibility, and balance.
Junior and Intermediate: Students in Grades 3 and up can choose from various dance styles such as Hip Hop, Acrobatics, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and more.
Adult Programs: There is no better place to build community than a dance class. Elev8 Dance provides a fun and supportive space for our adult students to learn new skills, meet new people and share laughs.
*Ages groupings follow the school year.
With specialty classes designed to hone your skills, our Academy dance students are ready to take that next step in their dance journey, eagerly embracing new challenges to build their dance and performance skills.
Academy dancers will participate in specific weekly dance classes to elevate their skills. Students receive diverse cross-training in different styles to help them become well-rounded dancers and confident performers. Prior dance experience is required.
Elev8 Dance has a uniform in place, which helps to eliminate distractions, promotes a sense of community and makes getting ready for class easy. Only your teacher can set you up with the class uniform.
We provide affordable programs and free trials for students wanting to check it out for the first time. Enrolment is for the entire school year, with monthly tuition instalments. Youth programs have a tuition deposit which varies per program.
Get started today for free! Come meet your teachers, learn some new steps and share a smile.
“My daughter cannot wait for her dance classes every week, making each class such a fun and enjoyable learning experience!”
Alyssa, via Google
“Clearly in it for all the right reasons. They have created a fantastic community of dancers and parents!”
Shelly, via Google
“Mr. Chris makes learning fun and he really cares about the kids he’s teaching. We love being a part of his inclusive community...”
Sarah, via Facebook