Developed by experienced educators and passionate artists, Warmland Dance will finally open their doors to offer an Independent Performing Arts Day Program option to Cowichan Valley families looking for quality, arts-infused education for their children. The programs take place at their downtown Duncan location: 225 Canada Avenue, next to the city hall clock tower.

Offering innovative, inquiry-based Performing Arts programs for Cowichan Valley students ages 7-17. Students may select from a variety of quality classes, or attend the full or half-day training programs. The contemporary curriculum, approached through an artful, process-based lens, is designed to provide serious students with a joyful movement experience, and deeper connection to and investment in their own learning.

The programs’ for-credit courses will be carefully outlined to meet BC Ministry of Education curriculum requirements with the experience and guidance of the school’s founder and Artistic Director, Leah Burley, M.Ed. "We are meeting a very real need for quality, affordable, alternative education options in the Valley for this age group”, says Burley.

Students may earn credit in the following curricular subject areas: Science, Social Studies, English, Career Planning, Applied Design/Technologies, Physical Education, and of course, the Arts.

The Performing Arts programming, overseen by Leah Burley and led by Adriana Digiovanni, will include a selection of intensive dance and performing arts training opportunities in the areas of Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Contemporary dance. Students will have opportunities to learn and contribute to choreography through the use of creative processes, plan and showcase collaborative performances, give and receive feedback from peers and professional instructors, and develop a portfolio including audition reels, headshot photos and an impressive performing arts resume. 

*Morning Day Program Schedule:

Monday/Wednesday 9am-12pm 

9-9:50 - Contemporary Ballet and PBT

10-10:50 - Tap

11-11:50 - Contemporary Jazz

*Afternoon Day Program Schedule:

Monday/Wednesday 12pm-3pm

12-12:50 - Contemporary Ballet and PBT

1-1:50 - Tap

2-2:50 - Contemporary Jazz

*Students are welcome to participate in either the morning or afternoon session, or can attend full-day programming. They will have breaks, and different lessons in the morning and afternoon.