Attended
Day camp (2025), Class/program (in-person) (2025)
Child 1 Age 6 - 8 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Dance (multi), Hip Hop
Child 2 Age 4 - 5 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Dance (multi), Hip Hop
(5) Overall experience
Hip-hop dance is a ton of fun—it fills my kids with so much joy that they are able to lose their self-consciousness and truly be themselves, even for my younger daughter who is quite shy. When I had her in ballet, she was afraid to enter most times. At RTF, she’s her fun silly self. When they come home, they’re so excited to show me what they’ve learned.
RTF is such a nonjudgmental and welcoming space that my daughters have been able to learn how to face fears and take risks, which I know is building their confidence and ability to step outside their comfort zone in life.
My oldest daughter will be returning this year and my youngest will attend the camp for the first time. They will always be returning for the weekly programming, without question.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
I like that the camp is more than a traditional dance camp. It offers a rare opportunity to explore the richness and joy of hip-hop culture, which nurtures so many different kinds of artistic expression—movement, musicality, visual artistry, storytelling, and performance. All are taught by expert teachers who really understand this art form and culture.
(5) Program quality and activities
The itinerary completely matched our expectations. We loved the show at the end!! The kids were so proud to show what they learned. I was pleasantly surprised by the way quality of instructors —really talented and respected artists in the field. My daughter particularly loved the DJ’ing portion.
In terms of weekly programming, the teachers are excellent. Tanya was a finalist at the nationwide Red Bull dance competition. She ensures the kids are appropriately challenged, while still having fun. Yohance, who teaches the littles, is sweet, fun, and patient. He really knows how to keep kids engaged and excited.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
There were lots of opportunities for the kids to build friendships through collaboration, group activity, partner work, etc. Performing together is also a very connecting activity and a nice social experience for kids to have.
There was one instance of slight unkindness towards my daughter, but when I brought it up to the staff, they showed genuine empathy and concern and they took it seriously. Given the culture of RTF, they would definitely not tolerate bullying. My daughter didn’t experience any subsequent instances.
(5) Skills and growth
The camp and weekly programming have fostered a love of music and dance, which they did not develop from other dance forms. Hip-hop dance is especially nurturing of creativity because it emphasizes self-expression over conformity, & dancing from a place of feeling in connection to the music, instead of just memorizing steps. It teaches you to feel the music in your soul and then move based on what you feel as if you become part of the music. And that is so liberating in itself, but it also nurtures freedom of self-expression, confidence, the ability to be less self-conscious, and a beautiful, deep, lifelong relationship with music. However, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of learning this art form from true experts, such as the teachers at RTF.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
During the summer camp, the Staff was very supportive of my daughter. The staff were fun, friendly, approachable, attentive, non-judgmental, compassionate, and knew how to work with children. The same goes for the weekly programming teachers. All staff mirror the culture of RTF which makes you feel like everyone belongs.
(5) Advice and tips
Price point is very good. Affordable but quality programming.
Research the studio to get a sense of its friendly and inclusive environment and culture. It will be the same at the camps.
It’s great that there’s the option for both a full and half day.
Also, for parents, if you’ve ever wanted to try dance but maybe felt shy or intimidated, RTF is the safe place you need to try it out.
If your kids are in the weekly classes all year round, they get to be a part of RTF’s end-of-year show. This is not your typical dance recital—it is an incredible production with a joyful cheering crowd. Not a typical experience for a kid. My daughter still says it was the best moment of her life.
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