May Newsletter | Yi Dance

2026 Yi Dance Competition Team Returns with Outstanding Results!

As the final competition of April came to a close, Yi Dance’s competition team wrapped up the 2026 season with remarkable achievements.

Around 20 students participated across four competitions, presenting over 30 dance pieces and earning 60+ awards, including:

  • 50+ First Place awards in group categories

  • 35+ Group Awards

  • Highest Score of the Session + Top Scene of Session + Top Score of the Session

  • Multiple Special Choreography Awards, Judge’s Specials, and Individual Awards

At the end of April, the team held a season review meeting, where students, instructors, and families reflected on performances and shared valuable feedback. Together, they summarized experiences, built consensus, and set exciting goals for an even stronger season ahead.

Yi Dance News

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Yi Dance News 〰️

New Academic Year Registration Announcement

Registration for the 2026–2027 academic year will officially open in early to mid May.

Yi Dance students will enjoy exclusive early registration benefits. Please stay tuned for email notifications for full details.

RAD Exams

The 2026 RAD official examinations will be held at Yi Dance from May 4 – May 8.

Students registered for exams have already received their schedules via email. Please follow the assigned time and prepare your RAD uniform and required materials.

BDA Chinese Dance Exams

The 2026 Beijing Dance Academy Chinese Dance Exams will take place at Yi Dance from May 11 – May 13.

Registered students received their official schedules on April 17. Please attend according to your assigned time and prepare the required uniforms and materials.

Victoria Day

School will be closed on Victoria Day (May 18, Monday) and no class will be held on the date.

RAD Solo Seal

In 2026, Yi Dance has selected two students to participate in the prestigious RAD Solo Seal Award examination.

As the highest level within the RAD system, candidates must first achieve Distinction in Advanced II to qualify.

The exam includes: Variation and Final performance. Dancers will perform on a professional stage, demonstrating excellence in technique, artistry, and performance.

📍 The Solo Seal exam will take place on May 27 at Flato Markham Theatre. Families are welcome to attend and support this special event!

Competition Team Audition

Auditions for the 2027 Yi Dance Competition Team will officially begin in May. The information session is scheduled on May 10 (Sunday) and the official audition is planned to be held on May 24 (Sunday). Interested students are welcomed to sign up at the front desk or check email notifications for details!

Spring Term Presentation

Presentation class for most grades in 2026 Spring term will be held in the first two weeks of May. Preliminary, RAD Preprimary & Chinese Dance G1 presentation classes are scheduled in June. Please stay turned for the presentation class email!

On-Campus Film

Now Showing: Cinderella
Ashton's 1948 Cinderella, set to Prokofiev's music, returns to the stage 75 years later with dazzling colors, taffeta and tulle, comic stepsisters, and graceful leads—a memorable fairy-tale adaptation made even more magical by beautiful costumes. Join us at Yi Dance during class break to watch!

Alice in Wonderland Tickets Now Available

Tickets for the 2026 Yi Dance Annual Showcase “Alice in Wonderland” are now officially on sale.

Join us on June 27 at Flato Markham Theatre for a magical evening of dance, storytelling, and creativity.

🎟️ Get Tickets

For students and parents who have already purchased tickets, please check your email for the e-tickets.

Summer Camp Now Open for Registration!

A summer full of dance and creativity awaits!
Yi Dance Summer Dance Camp is now open for registration.

📅 July 6 – August 14 (6 weeks)
👧 Ages 5–17 (grouped by age and level)

Under professional guidance, students will experience structured dance training, diverse dance styles, and creative artistic activities. The program balances technical development with artistic expression, helping build strong foundations, confidence, and passion for dance.

  • Flexible enrollment: 1–6 weeks

  • 🕘 Early drop-off: 9:00 AM

  • 🕡 Late pick-up: 6:00 PM

Limited spots remaining—join us for a vibrant summer at Yi Dance!

  • Designed for younger dancers:

    • Ages 5–6 grouped classes

    • Weekly themed curriculum exploring diverse dance styles

    • Continuous skill development in a fun, engaging environment

    Weekly Themes:

    • Week 1: Lyrical & Acro Week (July 6 – July 10)

    • Week 2: Jazz & Hip Hop Week (July 13 – July 17)

    • Week 3: Ballet Technique Week (July 20 – July 24)

    • Week 4: Contemporary Dance Week (July 27 – July 31)

    • Week 5: Stretching & Dance Creation Week (Aug 3 – Aug 7)

    • Week 6: Chinese Dance Culture Week (Aug 10 – Aug 14)

    Friday Showcase
    Every Friday, students present what they’ve learned during the week in a relaxed studio performance, building confidence and enjoying the joy of dance.

  • Designed for students with foundational training who aim to achieve structured improvement and breakthroughs.

    • Program duration: 2 sessions (3 weeks each)

    • Daily training: 5 hours per day

    📅 Session 1: July 6 – July 24
    📅 Session 2: July 27 – August 14

    Program Highlights:

    • Systematic professional training with Chinese & Western fusion curriculum

    • Instruction by experienced faculty and guest instructors

    • Performance-based training to enhance stage presence and confidence

    • Opportunities to participate in showcases and community performances

    • Small class sizes ensuring high-quality instruction and personalized attention

Summer Courses Coming Soon!

Don’t have time for full-day training? Still want to improve this summer?

No worries—Yi Dance Summer Courses are on the way!

With 1–3 classes per week, you can continue improving technique and exploring different dance styles without committing to a full camp schedule.

Stay tuned for email updates—we look forward to dancing with you this summer!

April Newsletter | Yi Dance

Spring in Motion · A Season of Growth

This March, we celebrated the successful completion of two inspiring programs.

Our March Intensive Camp saw students fully immersed in training, gaining both skills and confidence through a focused and rewarding experience.

Meanwhile, our Beijing Dance Academy Chinese Dance Teacher Training Program achieved wonderful results, with six students preparing to take their teacher certification exams—an exciting step from dancer to educator.

Thank you to everyone for your dedication and hard work！

Competition Team Spotlight

Yi Dance’s duet Echoes has been specially invited by the internationally renowned Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) to compete in the Global Finals this May in the United States, in recognition of its outstanding performance.

This invitation from the international stage is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and faculty, and a remarkable honor for our community.

Congratulations to everyone involved—your excellence has truly been seen!

Yi Dance News

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Yi Dance News 〰️

RAD Exams Update

Mock exams for RAD Pre-Primary to Grade 5 will be held in-studio on April 6 (Mon), April 11 (Sat), and April 12 (Sun). Mock exams for vocational levels (Intermediate Foundation and above) will take place in mid-to-late April.

Yi Dance RAD mock exams will follow the official exam format, assessed by one RAD examiner alongside two senior RAD instructors to ensure a professional and structured experience.

The official RAD exam schedule has been sent via email, don’t forget to check your inbox!

Chinese Dance Exams (BDA)

In-studio mock exams will be held on April 4 (Sat) and April 5 (Sun). We are honored to invite a senior examiner from the Beijing Dance Academy to lead the mock exams and provide professional guidance to our students.

The official exam is expected to take place between May 11–13. Detailed arrangements will be shared via email, please stay tuned!

April Competitions

This April, the Yi Dance competition team continues its journey, taking part in two upcoming events: En Pointe & Just Dance and Star Catchers.

Every performance is a step forward, and every effort deserves to be celebrated. Wishing our dancers the very best: shine on stage and enjoy every moment!

In-School Film

Now Showing: Dream of the Red Chamber.

Our free in-studio film program in April presents a remarkable production by the National Ballet of China—a beautiful fusion of Chinese aesthetics and classical ballet. Adapted from the renowned Chinese literary classic, the ballet follows the emotional journey of Jia Baoyu, Lin Daiyu, and Xue Baochai, portraying the rise and fall of a great family. Through refined choreography and stunning stage design, the company brings this timeless story to life with depth and poetry.

We warmly invite students and parents to enjoy the screening between classes and experience the enduring charm of this Eastern classic through the language of ballet.

Countdown to the Recital

The 2026 Yi Dance Annual Performance, Alice in Wonderland, will take the stage on Saturday, June 27 at Flato Markham Theatre!

This year, we’ll present a full-length reinterpretation of the beloved tale, creatively blending ballet, Chinese dance, and contemporary styles to offer audiences a truly unique visual experience.

All performer registrations are complete, and preparations are in full swing: costume fittings, 48 music arrangements, and program design are underway, with rehearsals progressing steadily. The stage is almost set; Let’s look forward to this magical summer journey together!

Summer Dance Camp is Here!

Get ready to move this summer—Yi Dance Summer Dance Camp is now open for registration!

Running from July 6 to August 14, our six-week camp is designed for students aged 5–17, with classes grouped by age and level. Under the guidance of our experienced instructors, campers will enjoy structured dance training, explore diverse dance styles, and engage in creative arts activities. The program balances technical skill development with artistic expression, helping students build a strong dance foundation while gaining confidence and passion for movement.

Students can choose to attend 1–6 weeks, with all classes taught by Yi Dance’s professional teaching team. Early drop-off at 9:00am and late pick-up at 6:00pm are available for added convenience.

Stay tuned for registration details!

From Age 5 · A Journey of Growth

Flexible 1–6 week sessions, each week with a new theme—explore diverse dance styles while steadily improving skills!

Special Feature · Friday Showcase

Every Friday, students will take part in a small in-class performance to showcase their week’s learning. In a relaxed, creative environment, they’ll build confidence and share the joy of dance.

From Age 11 · Intensive Training

The Intensive Summer Program is designed for students with a solid dance foundation who want to achieve focused improvement and breakthroughs over the summer.

Program Structure: Two sessions, each three weeks long, with 5 hours of classes per day

Session 1: July 6 – July 24

Session 2: July 27 – August 14

Program Highlights:

· Systematic professional training with a fusion of Eastern and Western dance styles

·Taught by experienced instructors and guest experts

· Stage experience: enhance performance skills and confidence through rehearsals and productions, including in-studio showcases or community/dance festival performances

· Small class sizes to ensure high-quality instruction and personalized attention

March Newsletter | Yi Dance

A Victorious Start! Yi Dance Kicks Off the 2026 Competition Season

In total, the team brought home 42 awards (with several routines earning multiple recognitions). In addition, 20 routines received top-scoring Dazzlin’ Diamond and high-level Diamond adjudications, demonstrating the team’s exceptional technical strength and performance quality.

Highlights include:

  • 🏆 20 First-Place Group Awards

  • 🏆 Top 3 Overall Studio Rankings across all dance genres in six different age divisions

  • ✨ The dance piece “Fix You” received the prestigious Outstanding Choreography of the Session award

We are also incredibly proud of our soloists:

  • Miya – 5th Place Overall Soloist 11 Years

  • Rachel – 4th Place Overall Soloist 16 Years

  • Victoria – 1st Place Overall Soloist 15 Years

Following the competition, Miya was specially invited by the organizing committee to:

  • Compete in the Finals this July at Blue Mountain

  • Perform in the Ballet (11 Years) Workshop Showcase

Congratulations to all our Yi Dance Competition Team members and teachers on this remarkable achievement! Your dedication, teamwork, and passion continue to make us proud.

Campus March News

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Campus March News 〰️

Annual Recital Registration

The 2026 Yi Dance Annual Showcase will take place on Saturday, June 27 at the Flato Markham Theatre.

This year, we are excited to present a brand-new full-length dance production of Alice in Wonderland, creatively blending ballet, Chinese dance, contemporary dance, and other styles into one cohesive theatrical performance.

Students aged 6 and above who are enrolled in the 2026 Spring Term (RAD Primary and Chinese Dance Level 2 and above) will begin receiving recital registration information throughout March. Please stay tuned for further details!

In-Studio Film Feature Update

Now Showing: My Pointe

Produced by ballet educators Vicki Attard and Lisa Howell, the film focuses on pre-pointe preparation, including foot alignment, strength development, and control — all essential foundations for safe pointe work.

Pointe training is not simply about putting on pointe shoes; it is the result of years of structured preparation. Through this film, we hope to help parents and students better understand the importance of strong fundamentals and why we place such emphasis on foundational training.

Summer Camp Announcement

In Summer 2026, the highly popular Yi Dance Intensive Dance Camp will return once again!

Camp dates and program details will be released soon — stay tuned!

March Camp

A few spots are still available! The March Camp will run from March 16 to March 20, 2026. For full details, please click on the corresponding camp link below.

  • The March Intensive Camp will run from March 16 to March 20, 2026, featuring the following courses:

    • RAD Ballet Examination Intensive

    • Beijing Dance Academy Chinese Dance Examination Intensive

    • Core · Strength · Flexibility Enhancement Class

    • One-on-One Private Lessons

    Designed For:

    • Students preparing for Spring/Summer 2026 examinations:
      ▶ RAD Grade 2 (age 6+) | RAD Grade 3 (age 7+)
      ▶ Chinese Dance Grade 5 (age 7+) | Chinese Dance Grade 6 (age 8+)

    • Students looking to comprehensively improve physical fitness and advance dance technique (age 8+)

    Spots are limited – empower your exam preparation and personal progress this March!
    For details and registration, please inquire at the front desk or contact our staff.

  • Yi Dance is honored to be an authorized training and examination center for the Beijing Dance Academy Chinese Dance Grading System. We are now accepting applications for the 2026 Teacher Qualification Certificate Course.

    Course Highlights:

    • Official certification issued by Beijing Dance Academy

    • Systematic training in teaching methodology and curriculum design

    • Practical instruction covering graded syllabus from beginner to advanced levels

    • Guidance on examination preparation and student assessment techniques

    Suitable For:

    • Current dance instructors seeking formal qualification

    • Advanced dancers interested in teaching careers

    • School teachers looking to incorporate dance education

    Training Dates:
    2026 sessions available in Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October)

    Registration Now Open!
    Elevate your teaching with professional certification from China's most prestigious dance institution.
    Contact us for detailed syllabus and enrollment information.

Parent Q&A 1: Why is a Bun Important, and How Should Dance Students Wear One?

Wearing a proper bun is an essential part of dance training.

In a professional dance class, attention to detail reflects attitude. A neat, secure bun is not only a matter of appearance — it directly affects spotting, body lines, and focus in class. A tidy hairstyle shows respect for the class, the teacher, and the art itself.

Friendly Reminder:

  • Students should arrive to every class with a properly secured bun.

  • Younger children should have parental assistance.

  • Around age 8, students should begin learning to make their own bun; by age 9, they should gradually be able to do it independently.

Learning to prepare properly for class is an important step in becoming a disciplined dancer.

Bun supplies (hairnets, pins, elastics, etc.) are available at the Yi Dance front desk.

You can also refer to the instructional bun video below:

Parent Q&A 2: Snowy Days and Missed Classes — Can My Child Make Them Up?

Absolutely!

For most Yi Dance courses, students may make up up to three missed classes per semester, as long as the make-up lessons are completed within the same semester.

Absence Requests:

  • For regular classes, please request absence at least 4 hours before class.

  • For private lessons, requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance.

  • If the office is closed, parents may leave a phone message or email, and staff will record and respond once they are back.

Scheduling Make-Up Classes:

  • Make-up lessons require 24-hour advance booking.

  • Make-up lessons are offered as a courtesy; times cannot be changed, and unattended make-up classes cannot be rescheduled.

  • When attending a make-up class, please notify the front desk so your child can enter the correct classroom, or check the schedule on the TV by the entrance and escort your child accordingly.

Weather and Holidays:

  • In the event of severe weather, Yi Dance will follow the local school board guidelines for class cancellations.

  • Missed classes due to holidays or severe weather do not count toward the three permitted make-up lessons and may be scheduled for make-up separately.

February News | Yi Dance

Spring Semester is Here!

The Fall 2025 class showcases were successfully concluded in February. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all parents who joined us in celebrating the remarkable growth and progress made by our dancers over the past semester. Bravo to every student for their dedication and hard work, and thank you for filling Yi Dance with joyful and energetic memories throughout your learning journey!

The Spring 2026 semester will officially begin on February 3rd. Registered students, please arrive on time and dive back into this wonderful dance journey with us. For those who haven’t registered yet—don’t wait any longer! Springtime won’t pause, and neither should your dance journey. Come join us and be part of this new chapter of growth and movement!

What's New at Yi Dance

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What's New at Yi Dance 〰️

Swan Lake

This Month’s Featured Video: Swan Lake by Bolshoi Ballet


Our campus screening this month features excerpts from the Bolshoi Ballet’s stunning production of Swan Lake. A masterpiece of grace, technique, and emotion—don’t miss it.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Stop by the studio between February 15 and 21 for a sweet surprise! We’ll have treats waiting—because every dance day deserves a little sugar.

Competition Season Kick-off

Our 2026 competition team will take the stage for the first time this season at the Bedazzled Dance Competition, held at the Richmond Hill Performing Arts Centre on February 21–22.
All parents are welcome to pick up a competition schedule at the front desk and join us at the theater to cheer on our dancers!

2026 Annual Performance: Alice in Wonderland

Save the date! This year’s grand performance will take place on Saturday, June 27, at the Flato Markham Theatre.
We’re excited to present a innovative multi-genre dance drama blending ballet, Chinese dance, and contemporary styles to tell the story of Alice in Wonderland.
Registration will open soon for dancers aged 6+ enrolled in spring term classes (RAD Primary / Chinese Dance Level 2 and above). Stay tuned for updates!

Registration for the 2026 RAD Ballet Examinations is Now Complete!

This year, Yi Dance continues its strong participation, with over 120 students successfully registered for RAD examinations across various levels—including the highest performance tier, Solo Seal. All examinations will be held over five consecutive days in mid-May at our on-campus examination venue. As an officially certified RAD Approved Venue (RAV), an RAD-appointed examiner will be present to conduct all assessments.

This year’s examinations span a wide range of levels:

  • From RAD Pre-Primary, suitable for dancers as young as 5 years old

  • All the way to the professional RAD Advanced Ⅱ

  • A special highlight: For the first time, we are offering the Solo Seal performance examination, which will be held as a staged performance in a professional theatre

  • Additionally, adult students are participating in the RAD Discovery Repertoire examinations—a syllabus that blends classical ballet repertoire with contemporary choreography, excludes pointe work, and is designed for dancers of all ages looking to study ballet in a structured yet accessible way

We wish all candidates a confident and graceful performance—may you shine brightly and dance your own story of growth!

  • The March Intensive Camp will run from March 16 to March 20, 2026, featuring the following courses:

    • RAD Ballet Examination Intensive

    • Beijing Dance Academy Chinese Dance Examination Intensive

    • Core · Strength · Flexibility Enhancement Class

    • One-on-One Private Lessons

    Designed For:

    • Students preparing for Spring/Summer 2026 examinations:
      ▶ RAD Grade 2 (age 6+) | RAD Grade 3 (age 7+)
      ▶ Chinese Dance Grade 5 (age 7+) | Chinese Dance Grade 6 (age 8+)

    • Students looking to comprehensively improve physical fitness and advance dance technique (age 8+)

    Spots are limited – empower your exam preparation and personal progress this March!
    For details and registration, please inquire at the front desk or contact our staff.

  • Yi Dance is honored to be an authorized training and examination center for the Beijing Dance Academy Chinese Dance Grading System. We are now accepting applications for the 2026 Teacher Qualification Certificate Course.

    Course Highlights:

    • Official certification issued by Beijing Dance Academy

    • Systematic training in teaching methodology and curriculum design

    • Practical instruction covering graded syllabus from beginner to advanced levels

    • Guidance on examination preparation and student assessment techniques

    Suitable For:

    • Current dance instructors seeking formal qualification

    • Advanced dancers interested in teaching careers

    • School teachers looking to incorporate dance education

    Training Dates:
    2026 sessions available in Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October)

    Registration Now Open!
    Elevate your teaching with professional certification from China's most prestigious dance institution.
    Contact us for detailed syllabus and enrollment information.

RAD Solo Seal is the highest-level examination within the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet system, conducted live in a professional theater setting and assessed by two appointed examiners.

Candidates are eligible to apply for the Solo Seal only after achieving a Distinction in the RAD Advanced II examination. The Solo Seal examination consists of three solos (variations) and one finale, with dancers performing the entire stage presentation solo under full stage lighting. It represents the ultimate integration of technique, artistry, and theatrical expression.

To perform on the Solo Seal stage signifies more than a decade of systematic training and unwavering dedication—it is a milestone moment on the path toward a professional dance career and artistic maturity, symbolizing perseverance, conviction, and the highest pursuit of beauty.

As the pinnacle of the RAD ballet system, only around 20 candidates across Canada participate in Solo Seal examinations each year. This year, two Yi Dance students will undertake their Solo Seal examination in a professional theater in Toronto. The examination will be presented as a public performance, with tickets made available in advance through RAD and the theater, welcoming all dance enthusiasts to witness this rare and exceptional ballet occasion.

Let us join in anticipation of this remarkable fusion of examination and artistry, and celebrate the dedication and brilliance of these outstanding dancers.