Durham School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance

Durham School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance DSBCD is a progressive and innovative dance school and is proud to be Durham’s number one choice in dance!

The Durham School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance is a new and innovative performing arts organization in the GTA east, whose aim is to help students to discover passion for dance while guiding them towards their full artistic potential. DSBCD offers high quality training in R.A.D ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, tap, acro, musical theatre and voice; while motivating students to achieve their highest levels of artistic achievement. In addition to our faculty, we believe in bringing in leading guest teachers and choreographers to compliment our students training. Versatility is a vital component of success in a student’s training, and we believe in exposing our students to as many different artistic perspectives as possible. DSBCD believes that a solid and strong foundation in ballet and contemporary dance allows for students to reach heightened levels of excellence in all genres of dance. High levels of achieved ballet and modern technique allows students to have an added advantage in pursuing training in all genres of dance. We offer recreational classes in addition to our competitive/performance team. We value the experience and tools dancers gain from the competition experience and are planning on an exciting competitive season throughout Ontario as well as in the US. Acceptance into the competitive team is by an audition process. In addition to our competitive season, we believe in placing great value on performance opportunities. The essence of dance is meant to be shared as artistic expression., and it is through the cultivation of this aspect that student’s creativity flourishes. With our established relationships with schools and organizations in Toronto and New York City, we are looking forward to creating unique situations to further broaden our students perspective in the global dance community. It is important to us to properly prepare our students for the dance world at large, we understand that not every student plans to pursue a professional career; however we believe that the discipline, strength and creativity instilled by the study of dance prepares students to succeed in any field they choose.

Your child’s first ballet class could be the beginning of something magical. 🩰✨At Durham School of Ballet & Contemporary...
09/29/2026

Your child’s first ballet class could be the beginning of something magical. 🩰✨

At Durham School of Ballet & Contemporary Dance, dancers ages 3+ learn the foundations of ballet in a warm, encouraging space where they can grow in confidence and fall in love with movement.

They’ll also have the chance to be part of our Nutcracker this December—a holiday experience they’ll remember long after the curtain closes. 🎄

Now enrolling in Whitby. Visit dsbcd.com to find a class for your dancer or dm for more info!

MEET OUR DIRECTOR | MADELEINE TWYMANFor Madeleine Twyman, dance has never been only about what happens onstage. It is a ...
09/11/2026

MEET OUR DIRECTOR | MADELEINE TWYMAN

For Madeleine Twyman, dance has never been only about what happens onstage. It is a way of discovering who we are—and who we have the courage to become.

As a Canadian dancer, award-winning choreographer, educator and Co-Founder of DSBCD, Madeleine brings a distinct artistic vision to Durham Region. Her approach reaches beyond steps, competitions and performances. She believes meaningful dance training should develop the whole person: building confidence, discipline, imagination, resilience and the freedom to express oneself fully.

Madeleine founded DSBCD to create the kind of space she believes every young person deserves—one where excellence and humanity exist side by side. A place where serious training remains connected to curiosity and joy, where individuality is celebrated, and where every dancer is seen as an artist with something valuable to say.

She believes dance is for everybody. Regardless of a student’s background, body, experience or future ambitions, the arts can open something within them that extends far beyond the studio.

This is the energy Madeleine brings to dance education in Durham: rooted in tradition, alive with possibility and guided by a belief in the transformational power of the arts.
Because dance does more than create beautiful performances. It can change the way a person moves through the world.

DSBCD | NURTURE | GROW | ACHIEVE

We’re so pleased to welcome Dani Neckles to the DSBCD 2026/27 faculty! We look forward to the creativity, passion, and e...
09/09/2026

We’re so pleased to welcome Dani Neckles to the DSBCD 2026/27 faculty! We look forward to the creativity, passion, and experience she will bring to our dancers this season.

Da’Naysciah Neckles, affectionately known as Dani, is an emerging dancer and choreographer based in Toronto. Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Dani began dancing at the age of three and quickly fell in love with the art form. After moving to Ontario, she continued her training as a competitive dancer, developing a deep appreciation for the dedication, discipline, and passion that dance requires.

At 18, Dani began training at a professional level in Toronto, where she built meaningful connections within the dance community and began establishing her career. She has had the opportunity to perform with companies including Kode Red and Muse, learning from accomplished industry professionals who have helped shape and elevate her artistry.

Dani has also collaborated with emerging Toronto artists on a variety of exciting projects and continues to share her choreography on the competitive stage. With a lasting love for working with young dancers, she looks forward to inspiring the next generation while continuing to grow as a performer, choreographer, and educator.

We are thrilled to welcome Danielle Smith to our 2026/27 faculty! A gifted dance artist, choreographer, and educator, Da...
09/05/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Danielle Smith to our 2026/27 faculty! A gifted dance artist, choreographer, and educator, Danielle brings extensive professional experience and a passion for inspiring dancers through authentic, expressive movement. We can’t wait for our students to learn and grow with her this season!

Danielle Smith is a Toronto-based dance artist, choreographer, and educator specializing in contemporary and classical dance. A graduate of the Toronto Metropolitan University Performance Dance Program and Ontario Tech University Bachelor of Education program, Danielle has performed in works by acclaimed choreographers and companies including Stephanie Lake, Hanna Kiel, Louis Laberge-Côté, The Blue institute, Ballet Creole and ProArteDanza. Danielle has also appeared in multiple dance films and screen productions, including The Testaments, The Jane Mysteries, and Fall For Dance North film projects.

With over eight years of teaching experience, Danielle specializes in ballet and contemporary dance and holds Intermediate RAD and Cecchetti ballet certifications. As a choreographer, she creates work rooted in authenticity and connection, encouraging dancers to bring vulnerability and individuality to the stage.

We are thrilled to welcome Abby Reid to DSBCD’s 2026/27 faculty!Abbey is an exceptionally experienced, knowledgeable and...
09/04/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Abby Reid to DSBCD’s 2026/27 faculty!

Abbey is an exceptionally experienced, knowledgeable and inspiring educator, and we are so excited for our students to learn from her. Her creative approach will encourage our dancers to explore new ways of moving, and reach new technical heights.

Abbey Reid is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer who recently relocated to Oshawa from Edmonton, Alberta. She grew up dancing in her hometown of Beaumont, Alberta, where she trained in various styles with a focus on ballet. Her training includes Canada’s National Ballet School in Toronto, Citie Ballet (now Ballet Edmonton), and a semi-finalist placement at the Genée International Ballet Competition in London, England.

Abbey was a member and vice-president of “MOD: Contemporary Dance Movement” at the University of Alberta. In 2017, she signed with Royal Caribbean International, allowing her to travel the world while performing professionally for three years. Since returning to Alberta, Abbey obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Education, worked as a classroom teacher, and continued her development as a dance instructor and choreographer. She has also continued performing professionally, including at the Edmonton Fringe Festival and in The Great Canadian Variety Show, directed by Drea Lee.
Abbey is a passionate, experienced teacher with over a decade of experience. Her greatest joy is sharing her knowledge and love of dance with students of all ages!

We are delighted to offer free class trials at DSBCD from September 12-17! These free class trials are open to boys and ...
09/04/2026

We are delighted to offer free class trials at DSBCD from September 12-17! These free class trials are open to boys and girls ages 3+ in all styles of dance including Ballet, Acro, Jazz, Tap, Hip hop and Contemporary. This is a wonderful way to experience our classes before making a commitment to ensure it is the right fit for your dancer.

To register for the free class trials email your dancers name and age to [email protected]

You can access our full schedule here https://dsbcd.com/schedule/

We cant wait to welcome you to DSBCD, Durham Regions number one choice for dance education!

We’re thrilled to welcome Antonella Martinelli to the studio this evening as a guest faculty member for our Summer Inten...
08/24/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome Antonella Martinelli to the studio this evening as a guest faculty member for our Summer Intensive. This is an exceptional opportunity for our dancers to learn from her artistry, experience, and expertise, and we can’t wait for them to begin!

Antonella joined The National Ballet of Canada as a RBC Apprentice in 2007 and became a member of the Corps de Ballet in 2008. Before her retirement in 2022, Antonella has danced the role of Kitty in the North America premiere of Anna Karenina. Her repertoire also includes Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Carmen, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, The Nutcracker, Onegin, Cinderella, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Winter’s Tale, Nijinsky, The Merry Widow, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Seagull, Pinocchio, An Italian Straw Hat, Apollo, Chaconne, The Dream, Marguerite and Armand, Paquita, The Four Seasons, The Four Temperaments, Symphony in C, The Concert, Etudes, Glass Pieces, The Second Detail, Approximate Sonata 2016, Emergence, Cacti, Petite Mort, Paz de la Jolla and Orpheus Alive.

OPEN HOUSE + FALL REGISTRATION!Tour our studios, meet the directors and find the perfect class for your dancer.August 24...
08/17/2026

OPEN HOUSE + FALL REGISTRATION!

Tour our studios, meet the directors and find the perfect class for your dancer.

August 24–26
5:00–8:00 PM

Durham School of Ballet & Contemporary Dance
1618 Dundas St. E., Whitby

Registration is now open in person & online at www.dsbcd.com for our Fall 2026/27 dance season! We welcome boys and girls ages 3–18 in:

Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Acro
Hip Hop
Contemporary

Why families choose DSBCD:

• Professional dance educators
• Inclusive and encouraging environment
• Recreational and competitive programs
• RAD Ballet examinations
• Award-winning choreography
• Annual Nutcracker production in December
• Summer Solstice Recital in June
• Meaningful performance opportunities
• Recognized by the House of Commons for our work in the community

Discover why we’re Durham Region’s number one choice for dance education. Visit our Open House and register for Fall 2026!
Every age. Every level. Every dream.

DanceOpenHouse WhitbyKids Ballet Jazz Tap Acro HipHop ContemporaryDance RADBallet

08/10/2026

DSBCD Recital days are made for moments like these—big smiles, proud families, and memories that will last a lifetime. 💙✨

Address

1618 Dundas Street E
Whitby, ON
L1N2K8

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