Child 1 Age 14 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Breakdancing, Hip Hop, Technique
(5) Overall experience
We have had a lot of experience with dance schools - our 14-year-old daughter has been dancing since she was 3 years old. Since we found Run the Flex, our daughter has never been more excited to go to practice and we as parents have never experienced such a well-run school. The instruction in hip-hop and related styles from Aaron and his team is top-notch, fun, and supportive. Our daughter’s dancing has greatly improved and her confidence as a performer is through the roof.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
We were looking for a new dance school for our 14-year-old daughter and were attracted to Run the Flex’s focus on hip-hop, the central Toronto location (Yonge/Bloor), Saturday practices, and competitive teams. The fees are reasonable and Run the Flex makes the billing process transparent and straightforward.
(5) Program quality and activities
We knew that Run the Flex had a hip-hop focus. But since our daughter started her Saturday practices, we’ve been delighted to see her also exposed to breakdancing, Afro, and core technique--often by special guest teachers. The program is overseen by the owner Aaron, and he ensures that all of the guest instructors bring passion for dance and care for the kids to their teaching.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
The social dynamics have been really excellent. After her first 2 hour practice, our daughter was talking about everyone in her group as her new best friends. She looks forward to practice every week. There have been absolutely no bullying issues, problems with cliques, teasing, etc. For our daughter’s group at least, the kids seem diverse, well-behaved, friendly, and dedicated to each other.
(5) Skills and growth
Our daughter has really grown as a dancer at Run the Flex - both her hip-hop technique and confidence are blossoming. She is doing more formal performances than at her previous schools - once at a festival and once in a video shoot. She is being challenged by being prepared for and entered into competitions - solo and with her Run the Flex crew.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
Aaron and his team of instructors are supportive, kind, and responsible with their students, but also push them to excel. Run the Flex has great communication through email about fees, upcoming practices, and performances. In our experience, they give you all the details you need well in advance - location, times, clothes, shoes, etc.
(5) Advice and tips
My principal advice would be to recommend Run the Flex highly for all young dancers who want to focus on hip-hop. One warning though - parking right next to the studio may be difficult. Our daughter is old enough to take transit to practice - which works great because the studio is very close to the Yonge/Bloor subway stop. For younger kids whose parents are driving them to practice, you may need to contact Run the Flex about good parking options.
The miniflex is a wonderful program. My son Ollie is really enjoying the class. He loves learning new dance moves and being able to practice them through the DropBox videos. That is very helpful. He i...
Both my children had a really great time at Run The Flex. The instructors were fun, engaging, and helpful, and the activities during the summer camp were educational and unique. My daughters love to d...
My son is always ready to go to dance class on Saturday mornings. He is learning a lot and growing as a performer. He is the youngest in the hip-hop crew by several years but has always felt welcomed ...
