quality dance instruction with Toronto’s FINEST.

CLASS offerings

While all of our classes and programs are rooted in Hip Hop and Street Dance foundation, they will differ depending on the instructor’s personal style. Please read the class descriptions on the schedule when signing up.

  • Originating in 1970s Jamaica as a lively offshoot of reggae music, dancehall embodies an energetic fusion of music and dance that is deeply interconnected. No matter your skill level, all are welcome to join this open level class. Through rhythmic footwork, body isolations, and intricate patterns, you'll develop your rhythm, coordination, and confidence.

  • Choreography classes are designed to challenge your choreography retention and performance skills. While grounded in Hip Hop foundation, they may pull influence from other dance genres, depending on the instructor's personal style. You'll start with a warm-up, move into grooves and finish with a combo.

  • RUN UP is a dance class that is dedicated to helping members of the dance community grow as teachers, with a mentorship aspect that provides personalized feedback and support. We believe that by investing in the development of dance teachers, we can create a stronger and more vibrant dance community for everyone. APPLY TO TEACH

  • Hip Hop is first and foremost, a culture, with 5 main pillars: Deejaying, Graffiti, Emceeing, Breakin’ and Knowledge. It emerged in New York in the 1970s within Black and Latino communities, with deep roots in African American culture. The youth in these communities faced daily oppression, but they empowered themselves with art forms to express — from the way they dressed to the way moved to the way they talked. It became a lifestyle.

    The style of Hip Hop has continued to evolve over the years, but the dance is characterized by foundational movement such as bounces and rocks, executed to Hip Hop music.

    Classes will include a warm up, follow-along grooves, and choreography, unless otherwise indicated in the class schedule.

  • Our street dance classes include but are not limited to: Breaking, House, Popping, Locking, Tutting and Waacking.

    You will learn foundational movement while gaining knowledge of the specific style. Expect a warm up, follow-along grooves and drills, and application through social dancing. Some classes may include choreography — please refer to the descriptions on the schedule.

  • At RTF, we offer Club Jazz: an exploration of the lineage from vernacular jazz to house and hip-hop dance. You will learn and explore movement concepts such as bouncing, rocking, grooving, isolations, polyrhythms, improvisation, syncopation, breaks and choreography.

    Jazz dance is a social dance style that emerged at the turn of the 20th century when African American dancers began blending traditional African steps with European styles of movement. Though Jazz dance was born through intimate religious and social gatherings, it has always had a performative feel. And like Jazz music, Jazz dance was centered around improvisation and a call and response format that allowed dancers to create a conversation between the musicians, the instruments, and their bodies. When Black dancers began pairing these eye-catching steps with the more structured movements seen in European dances, iconic moves like the Charleston and the Cakewalk were born.

    An image can help to visualize the relationship between elements in the jazz dance story. See the Jazz Tree.

FIND YOUR LEVEL

USE THE FOLLOWING GUIDE TO DETERMINE WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR YOU.

We’re here to set you up for success! Signing up for your correct class level will not only help you get the most out of your experience, but will also allow the instructor to teach at the appropriate pace. Use our guide to determine which level is right for you. If you’re still unsure, e-mail us at hello@runtheflex.com. We’re happy to help!

Level 1 / Beginner

Designed for the absolute beginner, these classes will introduce you to the basics in foundation, dance vocabulary and choreography. Classes are 1 hour long.

Dance experience recommended: none. for real. don’t stress.

Level 2 / Beginner/Intermediate

You have some dance experience and familiarity with dance vocabulary. These classes build on the basics from level 1. Classes are 1 hour long.

Dance experience recommended: 1 year

Level 3 / Intermediate (1hr - 1.25hrs)

You have a good understanding of dance vocabulary and foundational movement. These classes challenge you to level up as you work on more intricate grooves, concepts and choreography. Classes are 1 - 1.25 hours long.

Dance experience recommended: 2-3 years.

Level 4 / Intermediate/Advanced

You have a strong understanding of dance vocabulary and intricate concepts. These classes push you to finesse your style as you execute more complex choreography. Classes are 1.5 hours long.

Dance experience recommended: 3+ years.

Open Level

Designed for all levels - expect to learn foundational movement, cultural context and have a good time. These classes differ based on the instructor - some may be more social-focused, while others more endurance-focused. Please see schedule for detailed class descriptions.

Dance experience recommended: none.

our training programs

Elevate your dance skills with our 4-10 week Hip Hop and Street Dance programs. Led by expert instructors, step outside your comfort zone and connect with fellow dancers while working towards your goals.

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