When We’re on the Dance Floor, We’re All on Common Ground

We believe that dance is for everyone. With our tailored approach to dance education, we strive to teach foundational dance skills all while helping to foster growth through artistry and self-expression. The best part? We have fun doing it.

Dance Academy in Ottawa

Common Ground - Academy
Common Ground - Academy

The Academy

Our Ottawa dance studio provides foundational, holistic dance education in an open and welcoming environment.

We share our love of dance with people of all ages and abilities through our child, youth, and adult dance programs. Our team of highly trained instructors aim to give each of our students the tools and encouragement they need to succeed. We use the Royal Academy of Dance and Adapt curriculums for the highest level of dance education.

 

   

 

Our Programs

Common Ground - Dance

Child and Youth Programs

Dance should be fun for your child! We keep the joy in dance while providing quality dance education and instruction. We offer a variety of styles and scheduling options.

Common Ground - Dance

Adult Classes

Whether you’re rediscovering your love of dance or trying it for the first time, our adult programs are a great way to have fun, express yourself and get exercise.

Common Ground - Dance

Workshops and Intensives

Our intensives and workshops allow dancers to dive deep into specific techniques and dance styles with guest teachers and more.

Common Ground - Dance

Day Camps & Summer Camps

We offer camps for a variety of ages and best of all – no experience required! Your child will come home with new steps and wonderful memories.

Register for Dance Classes

Ready to take the leap into your dance journey?

Common Ground - Elisabet White

Elisabet White, RAD RTS

Owner & Artistic Director

Elisabet has been teaching dance for over 10 years and dancing for more than 25 years. Born and raised in Ottawa, Elisabet danced locally where she successfully completed her RAD Advanced 2 Ballet and ADAPT Advanced Jazz examinations while attending Canterbury High School - Performing Arts – Dance program. In 2012 Elisabet went on to attend the prestigious Ailey School Professional Division, NYC where she received a Certificate of Dance with Honours. After graduating she pursued a certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). She has also trained at Alonzo King LINES, San Francisco, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Summer Professional Programs. During her dance training she had the opportunity to work with renowned choreographers such as: Alonzo King, Sidra Bell, Matthew Rushing, Darrell Moultrie, Amy Hall, Ray Mercer, and Carlos Dos Santos.

While studying dance at The Ailey School, Elisabet had the privilege of teaching children in The Ailey School First Steps Program, and travel to Florida as a guest teacher. These opportunities ignited her passion for teaching dance. After graduating from The Ailey School, she went on to expand her teaching skills in Halifax, NS and the surrounding area, teaching various methods of ballet, and jazz styles of dance, to children and adults, and choreograph for national competitions and local performances. While in Halifax she also volunteered at local schools to engage students in dance activities.

Over the years, Elisabet has had the opportunity to perform in the Tri-State area of New York, Canada and Mexico.

Elisabet has now returned home to Ottawa and in pursuing her passion for dance and vision to explore dance with children, she opened the doors to Common Ground Dance Academy in 2020.

Her passion for teaching children the art of dance is evident in her guidance and support for her students.

As Elisabet continues to pursue her passion for dance and to teach the art of dance, she now sees her vision to offer her love for dance to children of all ages and opened the doors to Common Ground Dance Academy to pass on her passion to the community.

“No matter where you come from or who you are, when we’re in the studio, we’re all on common ground” is the founding vision of Common Ground Dance Academy.