FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

THE BASICS | CLASSES | WORKSHOPS | REGISTRATION | WHAT TO WEAR

THE BASICS

Who is Emilie and what kinds of dance does she teach?

Emilie is a street dance instructor and choreographer with 20+ years of dance training and teaching experience in Canada and internationally. Emilie’s classes incorporate diverse street dance styles such as dancehall, reggaeton, funk, samba, dembow, hip hop, Afrobeats, salsa, bachata, tropical house, and many more, plus throwback hits!

How are street dances different from other kinds of dance?

Street dances are closely linked to popular music and culture, and are all about exploring confidence, expression, and individuality. Emilie’s classes are fun and energy-packed, and are designed for all skill levels.

When and where do dance classes and workshops take place?

Dance with Emilie programs are held at select dance facilities in central Ottawa, all with free parking available. Classes are offered on weekday evenings, with workshops on weekends. Check the current session page for detailed location and schedule information.

CLASSES

What should I expect from a Dance with Emilie class?

Come ready for an experience that will leave you sweating and smiling, every time! Emilie starts each class with a cardio-intensive warmup where dancers work on their technique and style while grooving to new songs she hand-picks each week (all of her class playlists are available on her Spotify profile for free to listen to anytime)! She keeps dancers grooving throughout the rest of the class, focusing on specific movements and learning a fun routine.

What is the difference between drop-in-friendly classes and progressive classes?

In drop-in-friendly classes, we learn a new routine every week, so you can join anytime or register for the entire session to get the full experience! Progressive classes build on the same routine from week-to-week, so registration for the full session is required (drop-ins are possible only in the first three weeks of a session if you want to try out a progressive class before committing—please contact Emilie to inquire).

Do you have any classes or workshops for total beginners?

Absolutely! Any class or workshop labelled ‘All Levels’ is a perfect place to start, with no dance experience necessary. Emilie gives options in class for various movements so everyone feels comfortable and has an amazing time!

What does Intermediate and Intermediate/Advanced mean?

These are more advanced classes that involve some complex and fast-paced choreography for those looking to level up their dance skills! At least 2 years of recent street dance experience is recommended for these classes.

WORKSHOPS

What is a dance workshop?

These are 90-minute intensive sessions that include an extended warm up, technique work, and learning a detailed routine. There are typically up to 5 workshops held each session. Check our current session schedule for the workshop lineup!

Do I need to be attending other Dance with Emilie classes in order to take a workshop?

Not at all! Our workshops are open to anyone, whether you’re a regular or are brand new to this community. They’re a great way to try out a new activity, or to bring a friend who has been craving more dance in their life!

What types of workshops are typically offered?

Some workshops focus on a particular artist (e.g. Beyoncé, Sean Paul) or a dance style (e.g. House, Afro Fusion). Others are thematic, such as our popular Chair Dance Workshops before Valentine’s Day or our ‘Thriller’ Workshop before Halloween!

REGISTRATION

When does registration take place?

Registration typically opens 4-6 weeks before the beginning of each new session (fall, winter, spring, summer). Details are announced in our email newsletter, on our website, and on social media.

How do I register?

All registration information, including detailed class descriptions and links to register, is available on our website (see page Fall Session, for example).

Can I reserve drop-in classes in advance?

Yes—in fact, we recommend it! If you know you want to attend classes on particular dates, it’s best to purchase your drop-ins early, as spots are limited. If you see the option to purchase a drop-in for the specific dates you want to attend, that means there is still space available.

What if the class or workshop I wanted to register for is full?

Please get on the waitlist in case any spots open up!

How much do classes and workshops cost?

All pricing information is available on the registration platforms. You can register for the full session to attend the same class every week, or you can purchase individual drop-ins for the classes labelled as ‘drop-ins welcome’. Workshops are purchased separately.

WHAT TO WEAR

What should I wear and bring to a dance class or workshop?

Wear comfortable exercise clothes that you can sweat in and that allow you to move freely. Think leggings, shorts, loose-fitting pants, tank tops, loose t-shirts, etc. Don’t forget a water bottle!

What about shoes?

Bring sneakers with clean soles to change in to when you arrive (no outdoor shoes on the dance floor). Emilie recommends looking for ‘training’ shoes, which usually have a flatter sole and provide more support for lateral movements than running shoes do. That said, wear what works best for you! Most dancers in Sass classes and workshops go barefoot or wear dance heels.

What else should I know?

For the health and comfort of all dancers, we kindly ask you to avoid wearing perfumes/colognes and other strongly-scented products (but please don’t forget your deodorant!).

Still have questions?

Reach out to Emilie by email at dancewithemilie@gmail.com