About Us
Dance for Life
At Franco Dance we bring you a combined 25 years of experience teaching Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Tango and Flamenco. We are passionate about dance and bring that passion to the classroom, regardless of the level of the student.
- We believe that with passion, dedication and patience, every student we teach will exceed their own expectations and discover the hidden dancer waiting inside.
We offer private lessons for individuals or couples wanting to learn to dance well, travel packages for dancers interested in combining their love of dance with travel, classes in corporate settings including team-building and fitness dance, and group classes for those interested in social dance.
We are also available as consultants for new studios or operating studios in need of an overhaul, and to consult about various aspects of dance to the film and television industry.
Bloor Location:
We could not be more excited about our new project: our new facilities in the heart of the city – yes, a new location downtown. Surrounded by excellent people, parks, and with easy TTC access, we are proud to open this new studio with programming for everyone: adults, youth, kids, community and family oriented events, as well as our very own teachers training program, and a unique scholarship program for youth.
At this location in particular we are focusing our energy on how best to contribute to the community. Using environmentally friendly bamboo floors, energy efficient lighting and fixtures from HABITAT (a retailer where all money raised goes to HABITAT FOR HUMANITY), we believe the space itself should reflect our commitment to the wellbeing of our clients, our children, and the community. Health is important to us, so we offer a variety of fitness courses (Yoga, Pilates and Cardiodance), and all of our dance classes (including those for kids and teens) are designed to get your body moving and releasing those great endorphins!
The three elements of our design are metal, wood and glass. Metal represents strength and durability, wood represents renewal and our belief in the environment, and glass represents transparency, clarity and openness.
North York Studio:
The studio in the north of the city was opened in November 2006. We had great response from the public here in the heart of North York, just steps from the North York Center subway station, and across the street from Mel Lastman Square. With both easy TTC access and our own parking lot, this intimate studio is a great place to get dancing! As well as offering group and private lessons, at this studio you have the option to come to the dance practices, group classes and parties we host in the downtown location at no extra cost, and take advantage of membership cards and special packages that we offer at this location only.
Edgar Franco
Edgar Franco founded Franco Dance as a means to liberate the dancer inside each and every new student who is hungry to move.
Edgar's unique teaching style, which focuses equally on fun and achievement, is the culmination of his worldwide studies.
From Ecuador he brings the exuberance and free style of street dancing;
from Argentina, the passion of tango;
from Australia, the value of hard work;
from South East Asia, simplicity and patience as both teacher and student;
and from Europe, technique and discipline.
At Franco Dance all these elements are brought together, offering students the room to grow at their own pace, and offering challenges as soon as the student sprouts the wings of a dancer.
Edgar has represented Canada at international competitions in the USA and Switzerland. In 2002 he placed in the finals at the USA Open in Orlando, and also placed in the final at the World Salsa Competition in Olten, Switzerland, in 2004.
Qualifications
Edgar is a member of some of the most prestigious association around the world:
- Canadian Dance Teacher Association (CDTA), Canada
- Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA), USA
- National Dance Council of America (NDCA), USA
- International Dance Organization (IDO), Italy
- Dream Time Dancers, Australia
- Ontario Dance and DanceSport Organization (ODDSO)
Melinda Deines
Melinda Deines brings her extensive background in theatre, film and television to Franco Dance. Combining her love of dance with these other media is a passion of hers, and currently she is working on the development of plays using flamenco music and dance in the storytelling.
As a ballroom dance teacher Melinda is focused strongly on expression, confidence and personality; she is as passionate in the studio as she is on the stage.
Melinda encourages her students to imagine themselves performing, because in that private dream there is all the boldness, strength and desire that anyone needs to become a dancer.
Melinda has always looked for ways to blend her skills as an actor and dancer. In Clytemnestra's Slaughterhouse, her first play, she uses flamenco dance and live music with text to tell the story of a young woman's prediction of her murder and the queen who will be her killer. With the support of Cahoots Theatre Projects and the Ontario Arts Council, she will mount a two-week workshop of the play in September, 2006.
Melinda is also a classically trained actor, having spent two seasons at the Stratford Festival, and also has extensive film and television experience.
To contact Melinda for an audition or for a copy of her photo and resume, contact Colleen Loucks at the Core Group at 416-955-0819.
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