City Dance Corps

I have dealt with CDC for many years now. My previous experience with them had been not excellent, not horrible, but generally a studio that has great teacher and adequate service so no complain. However, this year I had multiple dealings with CDC that made me realize just how bad their customer service and studio policy are. I have spoke to management about a good portion of these and the response had been very antagonizing. This is the reason why I am posting this review because I felt like these issues should be known to anyone who wish to attend class at CDC.
Studio condition:
1. no water fountain, I was told you can either purchase water at front desk or get water out of bathroom sink (or of course, bring your own)
2. at least 2 studio have un-​even floor /​hole on the floor
Class cancellation policy:
1. Class cancellation policy was not communicated to student before class start, or clearly marked anywhere on the website: I went to a drop in class once where the teacher and two students were there, they cancel the class because there wasn’t 4 people in class and refund everyone’s class as studio credit, not the cash I paid before class.
2. There is no deadline to when the class cancellation policy kick in for performance class: I was enroll in the 12 weeks performance class, 4 weeks in they are still waiting for more people to register and I was told the entire time that the class might cancel.
3. Multi-​drop in class package vs. cancel class: If you purchased a multi-​class package with expiry date, the class credit you get (due to cancellation policy) will be on the same expiry date as original package. Say the package expiry tomorrow, I come in for a drop in today and unfortunately it got cancel, I have to come in for class tomorrow otherwise it expire.
4. Performance class cancellation fee too high. Their website stated if a student committed to a performance class and then back out, they are subject to a cancellation fee. When I had some work commitments that conflicted with the class and I had to drop out, I called expecting a % of cancellation fee as most service do. To my surprise, I was told the cancellation fee would be $ 250 which was the price of the class and there would be no refund as a result.
Combined with what I stated above, many other issues not listed here, and the fact that whenever I tried to escalated I am met with CDC pointing finger at me and making up policies I never heard of. CDC is clearly a business that spend more time trying to get more money from you then providing a good service. I say take your money else where, there are plenty other dance studio in town.
— — — — — — edit 5 days after original review posted
CDC manager Melissa have called back and offer a refund to my performance class. (full class amount — $ 25:special workshop class price for the 1 class I did attend — $ 25 admin fee)
We also spoked about part of my review that wasn’t my own experienced an those were remove.

I take tap here with Diane, and she is absolutely amazing! She is the nicest and most encouraging tap teacher I have ever had! I have learned so much from her and had a great time doing the performance class a few years ago. Even though I was a beginner, she helped me to learn and keep up with the other dancers in my class. I love the workshops that are offered as well.
The only reason I took off a star for this studio is because of their scheduling. I wish they would schedule more beginner/​intermediate/​open jazz classes in the evening. I take Jazz at a different studio because the class I would like to take here is on a weekday afternoon. Besides that, this studio is great — big clean studios and lovely staff!

City Dance Corps is a good studio if you’re a beginner dancer and don’t want to feel embarrassed in front of other dancers. I’ve taking beginner Jazz and the teachers are nice and will go over the steps again if you need it.
The downside is dance classes are a little bit pricey and they expire if you don’t use them in a certain amount of time, so when I pre-​paid for 5 classes I only ended up using 3. The receptionist is not so friendly or welcoming (which is nerve-​wracking as a non-​dancer walking into a dance studio.) And lastly, if they don’t have enough people for a class they will cancel which is awful seeing as I take a subway and a bus to get there.
Overall a fun dance class but not so sure if it’s worth all the hassle.

I’ve been taking ballet here for a while now and LOVE everything about this studio. The reception staff are so friendly and welcoming, the studio has amazing architecture and great views and they have some incredibly talented teachers that have experience teaching/​performing in so many different countries. I look forward to days when I have classes here. The only downside is that the change room is kind of small and gets really crowded in between classes and they don’t have a large selection of ballet shoes to choose from

I tried a flexibility class here and never came back. The studio itself is a bit worn down. The location is good though, it’s located close to the street cars.
I wasn’t a bit fan of the floors. They are very old and slippery. I didn’t take any of their other classes. I got the sense that the teachers don’t focus so much on technique but rather on fun and a good workout. If you’re a dedicated dancer, you probably should go to a studio more geared towards technique rather than a general workout type studio.

I’m taking a salsa class here and I love it!
Before I take a class here I took a class from one of the best (people says but i dont think so) school which is base in NYC but i didnt really enjoy their class. They don’t teach detail and show the dance pattern and just made me copy it.
But here C.D.C is totally different. They teach so detail and also their salsa style is very unique and very stylish. I’ve dance for 3 years but most my friends are dance instructor of salsa in other countries. So i know who is good teacher. Many people make a mistake to think good dancer is good teacher. Sometime Yes. But most of time No.
C.D.Cs teachers are very professional and friendly. Also people in the class are so nice too. You won’t never feel shy to come to class by youself. salsa class starts with stretching and spin techniques and partnership connection. (most salsa class in toronto don’t stretch!)
Best Salsa and Tango class !!
Also it’s so good price for class fee. Unlimited class pass is only 130 $!!!
I took a class for 230 $ once a week x6weeks in other school but. feel like I wasted money since I know this school.
Highly recommend for salsa and tango!!!

City Dance Corps is perfect if you’re a non dancer or like to dance for fitness.
If you’re looking to be a good dancer or improve to higher levels then don’t waste your time here.
I use to come here all the time and would kill the beginner classes, then I moved to LA and took a beginner class, totally different level and expectations.
I’m not at all putting down this studio, just saying if you aspire to be a dancer or want to one day take advance level classes then go to a studio like OIP or somewhere were you’re dancing with serious dancers, working dancers.
(My review is only for hip hop, jazz, and contemporary I found their ballet classes a great substitute when Dance Teq’s classes weren’t available)

I used to come here regularly for the House dance classes on weekends, but my schedule got crazy, so I stopped. I came back a few days ago and decided to try the Ballet Boot Camp class… I got my a$$ kicked! It was definitely a workout, but the instructor (who was super nice/​Spanish) kept the mood light and fun. I’ve generally had great experiences with the instructors here.
They offer a wide variety of classes (Salsa, Break Dancing, Whacking, Afro Fusion, Contemporary, Aerial Silks, etc.), so I’m excited to return and try my hand (/​feet!) at some others. Hour-​long drop-​in classes run for $ 15.65, which ain’t bad.
The downside is that the building is very old… The floors are worn and too smooth, which makes it hard to grip if you’re barefooted. The heating/​cooling system is also awful… It gets way too hot in summer, and the studio was still really hot when I went a few days ago (while it was –20 degrees outside).

City Dance Corps propose un très grand nombre de types de danse en passant par le ballet, hip hop, jazz, House et bien d’autres. L’ambiance est très conviviale et de nombreux cours sont proposés aux débutants.
/​/​City Dance Corps has a lot different styles to teach: from ballet to Jazz and Hip Hop. Atmosphere is very friendly and a lot of classes are for beginners.

I’m here just to review the rentals; never been to an actual class
But the prices for the rentals are probably one of the best ones in the city. My friends and I formed a dance group and we’ve been on the search for a good and cheap dance studio and this place has got it all! Except I must warn you… those stairs… omg the stairs to the place are EXTREMELY narrow so watch your step.
Anyway, if you’re looking for a dance studio to rent, this is the place you want to go.
Side note: It’s very easy to miss this place, there’s only a very small sign by the door

I took their beginner hip hop class for the first time today. It wasn’t too bad.
The only thing that really bugged me was the front desk staff.
One of them was really snobby and not friendly at all. I asked her a few questions and her answers were no help at all — she didn’t even give me alternatives or other options. I was 5 cents short and she completely ignored me and stared at the computer screen! Until I found some extra change she quickly grabbed the cash.
Front desk = first impressions.
I’m not impressed at all.

I’ve taken a variety drop-​in classes at City Dance Corps at their old Adelaide and new Queen West locations. There are some pro’s: some terrific dancers teaching, great schedule, organized website, clean washroom. Con’s: high prices, classes are sometimes crowded and ATTITUDE (not just the ballet position!)
I brought a girlfriend there for a fun, active hang-​out: dance class followed by coffee. I pre-​paid for two spots in the class. For some reason, reception chased down my friend and wanted to citizen’s arrest her for trying to sneak in. Another newbie friend also commented on the meangirl attitude of the skinnier-​than-​thou, Step It Up 7-​inspired reception staff. Also, heads up that they will charge you a $ 5 «replacement fee» for issuing a paper card with a number on it and their pre-​paid class cards have tight expiration periods.

I have taken break dancing classes at City Dance Corps and it was super fun! The instructor was fairly knowledgeable and motivating. The class sizes were fairly small, which was nice because most of us did not have any break dancing experience. Expect for that underground illegal dance fighting league that I was kicked out of=) haha. The studio was small with hard wood floors and mirrors lining the walls. It was on the ground level with large windows so that street walkers could peer in and see your moves. I was not bananas about this aspect. My moves are a secret=) and are only unleashed after ingesting several spirits and being challenged to a dance fight.
They appear to have a large selection of various dance classes ranging from a Hallowe’en thriller dance series to salsa, hip hop, break dance, to contemporary. I think next year I will get some friends and try to sign up for the thriller workshop. They also offer drop in classes so that you can experiment with different styles and then you may decide if one is right for you. City Dance Corps classes are an excellent way to have fun, gain strength, flexibility and coordination.
I recommend this dance studio.
But make um understand its Westside foe life

I recently took a a series of absolute beginner’s ballet classes here. Being a non-​dancer (I was a big ol’ tomboy as a child and definitely was not interested in girly ballet classes), I was intimidated as hell by the whole idea of a dance studio. Imagine my surprise when the reception staff were lovely, welcoming, and as supportive as they can be during a three minute registration conversation.
The studio (we were in studio 2) itself was nice, if a bit run down. Two walls of big windows let in lots and lots of light. One large wall of mirrors so we could all see just how bad our posture was. And plenty of barre space for us newbies to practice our bending and toe pointing. The room could use a new coat of paint and the hardwood floor has definitely been around for a while, but I like a bit of creakiness in most things, so I’m good with that.
I had two different instructors and both seemed ok to me, but I have nothing to compare them to. They did some barking at us loudly, and harsh, repetitive correcting of our technique. The second instructor (Angel) seemed to have a bit of a sense of humour about the whole thing, which I appreciate. I mean, come on. We’re a group of adult women learning to dance. It’s got to be funny.
The changeroom is large enough to be comfortable-​ish. No lockers, but everyone took their bags and stashed them in a corner of the large studio, so no worries about security.
I’m looking forward to trying the absolute beginner’s jazz series next.

I’ve taken several different classes here and with the exception of very hard floors (you’ll feel it if you’re doing a lot of jumping), the facilities and instructors and the variety here are all positives. The studios have high ceilings and lots of natural light, the changerooms are very clean and comfortable, and the range of different dance styles should give anyone something interesting to try. The drop-​in classes are a great way to check it out and then there are ongoing registered classes as well. The location on Queen W. is great for window shopping and errands before/​after class as well!

gears towards beginners and salsa crews.