Expressions History and Mission Statement
Expressions began as a summer workshop program in St. Thomas, Canada in 1993. Founder and current Director Elizabeth Morgan established the studio to teach recreational classes in jazz, ballet and tap. Over the years Expressions has grown into the area's premier dance centre. We now offer a wide variety of programs, levels, interests and special events for children and adults. Hundreds of students have taken our classes over the years, with many going on to pursue professional careers in dance, the performing arts and education.
In 1997 our non-profit Parents' Association was established to give parents an opportunity to be involved with their children's dance education through fundraising and assisting with special enrichment events. 2001 was a groundbreaking year, with the debut of our very successful Competitive Team who garnered a combined 35 gold and silver medals at competitions that year.
Our first student was accepted to the National Ballet School in 2001. In February 2002 we moved into our new state-of-the-art facility, which enhances the dance experience through its technology of professional flooring, sound and lighting. Our new home has a spacious quality, numerous special features and a lovely ambiance for both dancers and visitors. It is the largest and most versatile dance training facility in our area, which allows the students to pursue their goals in the most optimum and safe environment.
2003 was our 10th anniversary serving St. Thomas and Elgin County. This year was one full of celebration! We saw unprecedented success of our competitive teams, who were awarded numerous Special Awards at events across Ontario. In spring 2004 they came home with the National Championship title! 2004 also included the addition of Modern and Musical Theatre programs for all ages and levels, followed by the addition of Tumbling, Salsa and Adult Hip Hop classes in 2005. Our Senior Hip Hop Team was selected to represent Canada at the World Championships in Los Angeles in July 2005, and that same summer we were honoured to have a student receive a special scholarship for Millennium Dance Complex in L.A.! Our Senior Hip Hop Team continued to dazzle with a National Championship in December 2006 and trained under Janet Jackson’s, Usher’s, Beyonce’s and Missy Elliot’s choreographers in February 2007. In spring 2007, Expressions Cheer Elite competes on the International Stage at the COA Open Nationals in New York State!
Throughout our growth our motto remains the same: “Imagine it; Achieve it.” We believe in helping you achieve your specific personal goals in dance. Recreational, competitive or professional, we are committed to providing continued excellence in teaching and the ultimate in a versatile, well-rounded and well-supported dance education.
Our dancers have gone on to the following professional companies, teams and institutions: National Football League (NFL) Junior Cheerleaders, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, National Ballet School, Stratford Festival of Performing Arts, Sheridan College Musical Theatre Program, Alberta Ballet, Quinte Ballet School, Port Stanley Festival Theatre, London Idol, numerous television appearances and live performances, Canada Games Opening & Closing Ceremonies, and many more. Guest teachers have come from as far away as Tokyo Disney and Hollywood to further enrich the students' learning and their pursuit of their dreams.
The future at Expressions is bright! In 2006 we expanded to operate professional dance and cheer team services across North America. We are now the official sponsors of our talented Competitive Teams, we consult for numerous pro dance teams, college cheer squads, Junior CFL dance teams, the official Cheerleaders/Dancers for the London Minor Football Association, and we are home to Canada's Junior NFL Buffalo Bills ‘Jills' Cheerleaders and Junior CFL Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders. Our staff and associates include some of the most esteemed teachers, coaches, trainers and choreographers on the continent. It is all designed to bring you, our dancers, the absolute best in dance education, mentoring and opportunities!
With the most choice of classes and an inspiring and accomplished faculty, we look forward to meeting your individual needs and to helping you achieve your dreams. Expressions Inc. continues to set the bar for creativity and teaching standards. It's all for you. Welcome to our dance family!