About Our Academy

The Grand River Dance Academy, conveniently located on the main street of Fergus (380 St. Andrew Street West), offers a wide variety of dance classes for students from the ages of 3 to Adult in 10 week or full year courses. Our qualified and creative teachers instruct students from beginner through to Advanced levels. We are delighted to offer dance classes for students interested in a fun and recreational activity format, as well as an exam program for the more serious student.

Our facility offers two custom designed, air conditioned studios, complete with professional sprung dance floors, wall-to-wall mirrors, dual level ballet bares and professional sound systems. Our reception area includes a seating area, a washroom facility and a junior and senior change room which includes private washrooms with showers. Parking is available immediately adjacent to the studio as well as behind the building.

The Director

Monica Hildebrand started dancing at the age of 11 and began her teaching career at 18. Monica graduated from the University of Waterloo where she received her Honours degree in Dance. She then furthered her education at he University of Windsor where she obtained her Bachelor of Education. Monica became a member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association in 1991 & received her teaching membership at the Royal Academy of Dance in 2001. Recently Monica completed her training at a fitness organization and is a certified Body Training Systems Instructor.

She taught and apprenticed for 6 years at the Teresa Randall School of Dance before taking over in 1999 under the new name Grand River Dance Academy. Monica has attended numerous dance workshops and has studied with top choreographers form across Canada and throughout the United States. In 1990, she was introduced to Latin Ballroom dancing & began to compete in the Bronze and Silver divisions. She has danced and choreographed for many local festivals in Elora and Drayton and continues to participate annually in the Fergus Christmas Parade.

Monica has had the honour of choreographing the stage show for a local singing artist. Monica, along with 5 other dancers from the Grand River Dance Academy preformed as her back up dancers in New York.

The goal of the GRDA is for each dancer to meet their own maximum individual potential, to develop a positive attitude and share the love of dance.