Woodlands Dance Theatre

09/07/2026

Good morning all! Sports Engine seems to be updating currently. I will post the updated schedule for today as soon as I can get it to load for me. We will be CLOSED today, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day. We will be offering the following classes tonight: 6:30-7:30 Open Pilates and 7:30-8:30 ADULT Intermediate Ballet.

09/07/2026

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨.

Not this role.

Not this time.

Not today.

One of our responsibilities as teachers is to help children learn that disappointment is something they can move through.

An audition result should never define a young dancer. Neither should a casting decision.

We can acknowledge disappointment without allowing it to become devastation.

And then we help them ask:

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐧? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭?

Dance gives children many opportunities to discover that a “no” isn't the end of the story.

Sometimes it's simply part of becoming resilient enough to keep going.

Merrilee Hodgins, Artistic Director

📷: Richard Worsfold

09/02/2026

Such a great idea

The Dancer's Notebook…
Before my dancers leave class, I often ask them three questions - silently, just for themselves.

What was your best moment today?

What still needs work?

Why?

Reflection is one of the most powerful teachers we have. My students reflect on their learning, and I reflect on my teaching. It's how we both continue to grow.

When I think back over the remarkable teachers and artists I've learned from during the past fifty years, I certainly remember learning proper turnout, how to jump, and where movement begins.

But what I remember most is how they made me feel.

Brave.

Curious.

Fearless enough to try again.

Technique may shape a dancer, but belief in a student shapes a life.

Until next time...keep dancing.

Merrilee Hodgins, Artistic Director

The Dancer's Notebook is a weekly reflection from Merrilee Hodgins, Artistic Director of The School of Dance, sharing five decades of experience in dance education, movement, and lifelong learning.

📷: Merrilee Hodgins by Simmy Ahluwalia

We gratefully acknowledge the support of:
Ontario Government
Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario
City of Ottawa

09/01/2026

Come see us perform Nov. 8 12:45-1:15

08/27/2026

Some people teach dance.
Some people become part of a child’s childhood. ❤️

08/25/2026

Good Morning!!! Please double check the schedule for today! We are so excited to dance with everyone today. Please remember if your dancer or a family member is not feeling well, please stay home and rest. We have an incredibly busy September and want everyone healthy.