BALLET PROGRAM
Our Ballet Program provides dancers with the strong technical foundation required for excellence in all styles of dance. Rooted in classical ballet technique, our training focuses on proper alignment, strength, flexibility, musicality, and artistry.
Through structured and progressive classes, dancers develop discipline, control, and precision while refining their performance quality. Our faculty emphasizes correct technique, body awareness, and attention to detail to help dancers build the strength and confidence needed to excel both in the studio and on stage.
SYLLABUS TRAINING (RAD)
EXAM PREPREATION
POINTE READINESS
Whether supporting competitive training or developing well-rounded dancers, our ballet program plays a vital role in shaping technically strong, expressive performers.
Our Ballet instructors are well educated and certified through RAD.
MONDAYS
5:30-6:00pm Intermediate Pointe
6:00-7:15pm Intermediate Ballet
6:45-7:45pm Grade 1&2 Ballet
7:45-8:45pm Grade 3 Ballet
7:15-7:45pm Advanced Pointe
7:45-9:00pm Advanced Ballet
WEDNESDAYS
4:30-5:30pm Grade 3 Ballet
5:30-6:00pm Intermediate Pointe
6:00-7:15pm Intermediate Ballet
7:15-9:00pm Advanced Ballet
SATURDAYS
1:30-2:15pm Advanced Pointe
2:15-3:45pm Advanced Ballet
SAMANTHA SELIHAR
BADE, RAD RTS, IDA, AAC2, ADAPT
Samantha is a passionate and experienced dancer and teacher. She discovered her love for dance early in life and trained as a competitive dancer. After high school, she studied human anatomy and physiology at Sheridan College, then pursued her teaching career by completing the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy of Dance to become a registered teacher.
She continued her education with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education, earning the Iris Truscott Scholarship along the way. Samantha also holds certifications with I.D.A. International Dance Arts, Acrobatic Arts (AAC2), Progressing Ballet Technique, ADAPT, and is a certified AcroDance Competition Adjudicator and a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
As a teacher, Samantha brings energy, professionalism, and a commitment to high standards. She creates a supportive learning environment that promotes technical excellence, personal growth, and mutual respect among her students.
PATRICIA MCLEOD
Mrs. McLeod founded the Royal City School of Ballet and Jazz in 1979, establishing a lasting presence in the Guelph dance community. She received her dance training in London, England, at the prestigious Bush Davies Theatre School.
A highly accomplished dance educator, Mrs. McLeod holds her Solo Seal with the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.), of which she is a Life Member. She also holds Associate status with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (I.S.T.D.) in Modern Theatre, Cecchetti Ballet, and Imperial Ballet.
Mrs. McLeod is a founding member of RCMPI, where she has contributed as both a choreographer and director for numerous productions. She is also a former Board Member of the Guelph Arts Council, reflecting her longstanding commitment to supporting and enriching the local arts community.
Throughout her career, Mrs. McLeod has trained and mentored generations of dancers, helping students achieve success in dance examinations and pursue careers in the performing arts. Her dedication to excellence, education, and the development of young dancers has made a lasting impact on the Guelph dance community.
AMBER DOW
Amber Dow has been part of the Guelph dance community since the age of three. She began her early training at Tip Tap and Toes and Little Gym before continuing her dance education at the Royal City School of Ballet, where she has trained for the past ten years. During this time, Amber completed her ISTD Grade 5 Modern Theatre Jazz as well as her RAD Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate Ballet examinations, and is currently training in the RAD Advanced 1 and Advanced 2 syllabus.
For the past three years, Amber has assisted with the Jörgen Ballet Nutcracker as a student instructor under the guidance of Brandi Matheson and Patricia McLeod, gaining valuable teaching and mentoring experience with young dancers.
Amber is also a graduate of Conestoga College’s Fitness and Health Promotion program and holds certifications in both personal and group fitness training. She enjoys combining her knowledge of fitness and dance to help inspire others to stay active and confident.
