The dance floor is a place of vulnerability, growth and acceptance. It’s a place where we can celebrate our differences with something that we all have in common, our love for dance. Whether you want to forget about your day and escape into dance, or celebrate and let it be your outlet, the dance floor will always be there. No matter where you come from or who you are, when we’re in the studio, we are all on common ground.
Common Ground provides a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters a love of dance for children and adults. We install the qualities of self-discipline, motivation and hard work into our students to promote excellence in dance. Our driving goal is to promote creativity and self-expression.
Our Family

Elisabet White, RAD RTS, ADAPT TTS
Owner & Artistic Director

Alison Van Kessel
Instructor

Anissia Nasr
Instructor

Cheryl Goodwin
B.A. (Honours), RADRTS, CDTA

Christine Macmillan
Instructor
Debra Workman

Ella Hoffmann
Instructor

Kateri Jacobs
CPA, CA, Associate (Cecchetti)
Instructor

Kiana Lawrence
Instructor

Lisa Alli
Instructor

Madelyn Detailleur
RAD, RTS
Instructor

Nicole Binnington
Instructor

Saffi Petersen Ndiaye
Instructor

Taylor Maxsom
Instructor

Bana Alghussain
Receptionist
Class Assistants
We Believe in…
An opportunity for everyone
We all learn at different levels and in different ways. We believe that everybody deserves the opportunity to learn at a pace that works for them in a welcoming, judgement-free environment. With the right support, anyone can succeed in dance.
Progress over perfection
Perfectionism is common in the dance community. But we believe in encouraging progress and growth over perfection. Learning something new takes time, and that’s okay!
Quality dance education
The Studio
Our dance studio is located in Ottawa South, in the Findlay Creek neighbourhood. This newly renovated space is designed specifically for the best dance experience!
CGDA’s studio features Harlequin Floors, a special type of flooring that is ideal for dancing. This spring floor panel system reduces the risk of injury of dancing on a hard, unsprung floor.
By investing in Harlequin Floors, a world-leading brand in dance flooring, we are investing in the wellbeing of our dancers ensuring they can learn in an optimal and safe environment!
This prestigious flooring is used by professional dance companies and performing art companies around the world, and optimizes performance by creating an extraordinary environment for dancers.
Be a Part of Our Community
At Common Ground, dance is for everyone. We’d love to have you in the studio!