Rouge Studio of Dance - Toronto — Kid-friendly Storytime & Classes in Toronto, Ontario

What parents say

• Gillian Fenwick

  I can't speak highly enough of Rouge Studio of Dance! Everyone is so incredibly talented, kind, professional and friendly. You really feel like you are a part of not only a team, but something greater than yourself, and a family. The instructors have a range of dance experience and backgrounds, and they work so hard to foster a positive, comfortable & fun experience for students. Rouge truly is an inclusive, body-positive (or body neutral) space where adults of all ages & genders are welcome, and this is evident in both their words and actions. As a chubby, genderqueer, femme lesbian and drag king, I feel completely safe and welcome here. They stand by their values in making students feel at ease and I appreciate it so much. Along with burlesque classes, they also offer jazz funk, belly dancing, heels, and a variety of workshops (floorwork, ballet barre, fans, pastie-making, makeup, drag, holiday-themed, etc). The prices are very reasonable, especially in comparison to the cost of many other types of dance, and there are classes available for folks of all skill levels. I've been taking classes at the Ottawa studio every session since September 2022 - two Level 1 classes with Viva, Level 2 twice with Mae, Wednesday Wiggle with Mae and Gigi, am now signed up for Level 3 Solo/Duo & Wednesday Wiggle again - and countless drop-ins since last May, and have loved it every time. I was not at all a dancer and had little to no experience before joining Rouge; I actually thought I didn't like and couldn't dance. After just my first drop-in, my view on dance and myself completely changed! I had so much fun and was immediately hooked. My self-confidence, body acceptance, and connection with sensuality has grown exponentially since I started. I can feel my skills improving with each class and my love for burlesque and this studio grows every day. Going to class is always the highlight of my week and I now can't imagine my life without burlesque. Thank you so much to everyone at Rouge - staff and students alike - for being so supportive, fantastic in every way, and for passing on this love for the art of tease to me.

• Sarah Freia

  I’ve really enjoyed all of the classes I’ve taken at Rouge. All of the instructors are very welcoming, and professional. I have a background in dance, but this is a rare sfudio in the sense you don’t ever feel intimidated or competitive. Just an all around good time! The owner is also very lovely, and I appreciate how helpful and accommodating they are with any inquiries. Highly recommended!

• Evie Carter

  I booked an hours session with Knox through rouge studio Toronto for my best friends bachelorette and I cannot get over how great it was! Knox is an incredible teacher - we didn’t just do a class, but she also gave really interesting information on the history of burlesque and the types of burlesque as well. As a group of beginners, she was so kind and welcoming and made us all feel safe to explore and sexy! She even adapted the moves for a pregnant Bach member, who greatly appreciated feeling involved all the way through. Knox has a great energy and is such a great teacher. Unfortunately I live in the UK, otherwise I’d be signing up to her classes straight away. The girls all said this was the highlight of the weekend, so one again thanks so much!

• Cibele Eudes

  If you're thinking about joining a burlesque class in Toronto, this is the place to go. Knox Harter, the manager and one of the instructors, has over 15 years of experience in the burlesque scene, and it truly shows—not just in her dancing, but in the way she teaches, produces events, and supports every student that walks through the door. She's not only incredibly talented, she's also deeply committed to sharing her knowledge both on and off stage. What really sets this school apart is the heart and soul Knox puts into building a real sense of community. She's been working tirelessly to grow the business and keep the local burlesque scene alive—especially during these challenging times. The classes are fun, empowering, and most importantly, inclusive and welcoming to people of all backgrounds and bodies. A recent and wonderful addition to the teaching team is Smokin' Dolores, who has made the classes feel even more inviting and alive. Dolores brings not just talent, but warmth and encouragement. She understands the importance of creating a safe space for students so they can blossom. So, if you're looking for joy, connection, and a confidence boost, come to Rouge. Enrolling means you're not just doing something wonderful for yourself, you're also supporting a Canadian alternative business that truly deserves to thrive. Highly recommend!

• Myanna Hansen

  Rouge studio cares about you as both a customer and an artist. I accidentally went to the wrong location for the class (they had changed the studio space after my original booking, which was far in advance) and was stressed to find no one there. When I reached out to figure out if I got the date wrong or something, the admin staff quickly responded with a kind and apologetic response, explaining that they had to change the location and were sorry I wasn't notified (again, I booked months ago and didn't realize the information had been updated on the website). They refunded me for the class I missed and were all around awesome people. I'm really excited to continue taking classes classes with Rouge knowing that they care not just about great burlesque, but making sure every student has a great experience for their money