ConfiDance Studio

ConfiDance Studio opened its doors to Kitchener / Waterloo in September, 1995. Previously located on Manitou, ConfiDance Studio originated from former K-W Danceworks. The Studio moved to its current location in 1997 to offer its clients expanded space and a newer facility. Since then the studio has enjoyed many years of dance and performances. It has made steady growth since its expansion, particularly in the area of adult programs and an increase in male dancers. Over the years, ConfiDance Studio has participated in countless competitions and won many awards. Year end recitals have been held at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Auditorium! Since its inception a tight knit community of dancers and friendships has evolved!

Joanne Flanagan (Director) – Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Lyrical

Joanne began her dance training at the age of six in Kitchener-Waterloo. After thirteen years of extensive study in ballet, jazz and tap, she accepted a position in the professional program at Les Ballet-Jazz in Toronto. There she studied full-time while freelance performing across Canada. Joanne has performed in many musicals including The King and I, Oklahoma, Diefliedermaus and Grease. With fourteen years of dance teaching experience, Joanne decided to establish ConfiDance Studio in 1994. Over the years she has acquired awards for her talented choreography. Her students have won numerous awards in the competitive field. ConfiDance studio comprises of skilled, professional teachers under her direction.

Laurie Flanagan – Ballet, Jazz and Lyrical

Laurie Flanagan has been teaching ballet and lyrical at ConfiDance Studio since its inception. She has extensive training in the Vaganova style of ballet and pointe. Laurie has trained at the National Ballet School in Toronto with George Randolph and the Black Walnut Ballet Company. Laurie has won awards for choreography and excellence in dance during her involvement with ConfiDance Studio. Some of Laurie's students have graduated to work professionally as dancers at the National Ballet School and Toronto performances like Mama Mia, & Phantom of the Opera.

She is committed to achieving excellence from her students while maintaining a positive and fun environment for learning and making new friends. Laurie is excited to be part of the ConfiDance staff because she feels the ConfiDance team is not only building dancers but giving young people the opportunity to develop their confidence and love of movement.

Jessica Nieman - Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop

Jessica began her dance training in Kitchener at the age of four. Since the age of eight, she had been a dance student at ConfiDance Studio. Jessica has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and hip-hop. During high school, Jessica attended EastWood Collegiate’s Integrated Arts Package. After high school she took part in a two year professional program in theatre dance arts in Toronto at the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts. Jessica has performed in various film, television and theatre pieces throughout Ontario. She has attained a variety of dance credits. Jessica is currently teaching jazz, tap, hip hop and lyrical for ConfiDance Studio. Her enthusiasm and talent is appreciated by her students.

Val Bieth - Kinderdance, Ballet

Valerie began dancing at the age of 4 in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. She has been teaching the preschool levels at ConfiDance for over 10 years. Valerie has trained in jazz, tap, and RAD and Russian styles of ballet for over 30 years! Valerie participated in competitions as a dancer and choreographer for several years. She is also certified as a registered massage therapist and has her CPR training. Valerie is excited to be a member of the ConfiDance Studio staff!

Amanda Damaren - Hip Hop and Jazz

This is Amanda's 4th year teaching at ConfiDance studio. Amanda teaches street style hip hop! Amanda has trained with Do Dat performers from Toronto including Toronto’s hottest hip hop choreographer Luther Brown. She has also trained with Toronto choreographers Siona Jackson, Linda Garneau and Faye Rauw. Amanda won various awards at competitions across Canada, for her hip hop solo “sick individual”. She has also appeared in a Best Buy commercial, Stratford Music Festival’s Measure for Measure and KWMP’s Peter Pan. Amanda assists with choreography for our competitive teams and is taking her own hip hop choreography to competition!

Danyelle Blandford –KinderDance, Jazz & Tap

Danyelle’s dance career began at the age of three. She has studied ballet, jazz, tap, hiphop and lyrical. She’s attained many awards at dance competitions over the years. Danyelle has danced at various dance studios in Ontario. Her training at ConfiDance began at the age of twelve. Danyelle has a flare with the younger students. As an assistant to the pre-school program for four years, she has proven her ability to be an exceptional teacher. She is now teaching her own class of pre-schoolers and jazz and tap.

Kim O'Neil – Jazz & Tap

Kimberly O'Neill is an established dancer, teacher and choreographer. She has trained at many prestigious dance schools including Broadway Dance Centre (New York). Kim has been offered numerous professional dance jobs including, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Cirque Du Soleil. She was a featured dancer in the Helix Dance Project, under the direction of Linda Garneau, and 'JE' dance company, under the direction of Siona Jackson. She was a performer in Andrew Lloyd Weber's Canadian Premiere of 'Song and Dance', where she was a featured dancer and understudy to Evelyn Hart (lead), and Drayton Entertainment's, 'Aladdin', at the St. Jacob's Theatre. Kim can been seen in the motion picture, 'Save the Last Dance 2: Steppin' Up', and in the Disney movie, 'Camp Rock', starring the Jonas Brothers.

Our other very talented occasional dance teachers offering their specialized skills include:

Ballroom – Kim Green
Breakdancing - Mark Vinski & Trevor Flanagan-Tordjman
Jazz & Hip Hop - Laura Weber
Hiphop - Nathan Flanagan-Tordjman, Trevor Flanagan-Tordjman, Milton Orellana & Nick Tull

Our awesome office and general staff members who manage, organize, coordinate and make it all come together seamlessly:

Susan Mc Caw

Anetta Campbell

Our dance facility is located in Kitchener at 625 Wabanaki, Unit 10 within the Fairview Mall vicinity on bus route # 10. The 3400 square foot unit has two large dance rooms, with professionally designed, sprung hardwood flooring and twenty foot ceilings. Each dance room is soundproofed and offers some natural light from windows.

Viewers can watch classes from the waiting lounge through the one-way viewing mirrors. Students have access to their own bathroom and eating room in the changing area.

The facility contains an air exchange system and open windows to keep the atmosphere well ventilated and fresh. Bathrooms are wheelchair accessible. Plenty of free parking is also available.

Click here for directions.

Our space is available for subleasing. Contact us for further information.

Dance is more than just offering a great dance program. It's about inspiring the student and enhancing confidence. It's about personal skills - dedication, perseverance, teamwork, and self-challenge, as much as it is about dance skills. Our vision isn't just focused on technique, it encompasses the whole person.

Whether you’re an experienced dancer or you just want to have fun, ConfiDance is the place for you! Our teachers strive in earnest to help students realize their full potential and attain their personal goals. We acknowledge individual differences and abilities by tailoring our teaching styles to accommodate our students’ needs. Our belief is that dance is more than achieving success in the competitive arena. Success has to include the freedom of personal expression and enjoyment.

    We understand the uncertainty felt by the beginner dancer. Whether it’s jazz, tap or kinderdance, our goal is to create a positive experience designed to enhance the strengths and confidence of our students. Eventually beginners become talented dancers. And for most of them, they dance with us for many years. Our success is their personal achievement.

    ConfiDance also offers quality advanced programs geared to the more experienced dancer. A variety of advanced classes and award winning competitive programs are available to challenge and further develop the skills and creativity of the serious dancer. Our well seasoned teachers have a wealth of experience to offer the professionally minded dancer. From technique to performance, we are here to guide and inspire.

    Whether you’re in it for recreation or professional training, just supply the desire and a love of movement and we’ll provide the rest. Dance may be hard work but the rewards are unsurpassed!