 Last month, our Emotional Intelligence focus was Empathy, which beautifully aligned with our Core Value of Kindness. During those long winter weeks, empathy reminded us to look outward, to understand others and to lead with compassion. This month, we gently shift inward. Our March focus is Assertiveness, and as we begin preparing for our year-end Showcases, there couldn’t be a better time to talk about confidence, courage, and helping our children learn to stand tall in who they are becoming. Usually at this time of year, I like to write about performing and the excitement of stepping onto the stage. This year, I want to connect performing with something deeper… What do we want to teach our children about assertiveness? Assertiveness is the ability to express thoughts, feelings, and needs respectfully and confidently. It’s not aggression. It’s not passivity. It’s that healthy middle ground where a child learns to say: “I can try.” “I’m nervous, but I’m ready.” “I need help.” “I believe in myself.” When children learn to advocate for themselves, they gain confidence and independence. They begin to trust their voice, and that trust carries far beyond the studio walls. Performing as a Practice in Assertiveness In last year’s March blog, I shared three powerful reasons why performing is so beneficial: Progress, Potential, and Passion. This year, I see something woven through all three; Assertiveness. 1) Progress Throughout the season, we watch incredible growth, not just in technique, but in courage. The shy child who once stood at the back now raises her hand. The dancer who whispered “I can’t” now says, “I’ll try.” The teen who avoided eye contact now meets the audience with a confident smile. Stepping onto the stage and allowing yourself to be seen is an act of assertiveness. It says, “I matter. My effort matters. My voice matters.” Performing gives children a safe, supportive space to practice that. 2) Potential When dancers watch others perform, something powerful happens. They begin to imagine what’s possible.“I could do that someday.” “I want to try.”Assertiveness fuels that possibility. It moves a child from thinking to doing, encouraging them to take ownership of their journey and trust the process (another Core Value we hold dear at Pegasus). The stage becomes a mirror reflecting not just who they are, but who they are becoming. 3) Passion There is nothing quite like the nervous excitement before stepping on stage. That flutter in the stomach. That deep breath before the music begins. That is courage in action.When dancers walk onto the stage, they choose bravery. They choose expression. They choose joy over fear. That choice, repeated again and again, builds passion, and passion builds confidence. Preparing Our Children for Life At Pegasus, we teach life through the arts. The Showcase is not about perfect steps or flawless memory. It’s about building resilient, confident young people who can:
“I am capable.” “I am prepared.” “I belong here.” And that belief is priceless. As we move into this season of preparation, I invite you to celebrate the progress each dancer has made, and the courage it takes to be seen. If you have questions about your child’s participation in our Showcase, we welcome those conversations. We are here to support you and your dancer every step of the way. Please mark your calendars, review the Showcase information, and keep an eye on the studio boards so you don’t miss a thing. We are just as excited as you are to watch the magic unfold and see your child shine. With gratitude, Jane 💛  Jane Davis-Munro, Artistic Director
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 Ohhh January! With the record amount of snow this past month, we’ve certainly had many opportunities to practice patience, flexibility, and perseverance. Each month at Pegasus, we focus on an Emotional Intelligence concept, and February is all about Empathy. This winter weather has pushed many of us to our limits, navigating snowy roads, digging out cars, bundling up children, or simply making it safely to class. It feels like the perfect time to remember what empathy truly means: pausing to understand what someone else might be going through, before we judge or assume. At the studio this month, you’ll see reminders of empathy in our studio rooms and hear it reflected in the way our teachers encourage dancers to support one another. I believe deeply in building a compassionate learning environment, helping our children recognize the difference between sympathy, “I feel bad for you” and empathy, “I understand, and I’m with you.” Dance is such a beautiful way to learn this. Through movement, our dancers don’t just practice steps, they learn how emotions live in the body. They explore expression, perseverance, and vulnerability, often before they even have the words for what they feel. And as they witness others doing the same, they learn patience, acceptance, and compassion. That is how an empathetic community is built. Winter can also be a challenging season. The cold, shorter days, and lack of sunshine can leave all of us feeling a little quieter, a little more tired, and sometimes less motivated. We see it here at the studio too, dancers arriving bundled up, energy a bit lower, everyone just trying to get through. And I want to gently remind you: February can be one of the hardest months, but we are beginning to see longer days, meaning spring is on its way!! After nearly four decades of running Pegasus, and as a mother and grandmother, I have seen the repeating rhythm of the “February blues.” If you’re feeling it, I understand. Truly. This is also where empathy becomes not only something we offer others, but something we extend toward ourselves. Resilience doesn’t just mean pushing through, it means showing up on hard days with kindness, care, and grace. So as we move through this month together, let’s look for small ways to spread warmth: - a kind word to a fellow dancer, a parent or neighbour - a smile shared in the hallway, or on the street - appreciating our student assistants helping younger students - tiny acts of love that create ripples of positivity. These moments are what make our studio such a special and uplifting community. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to use dance to nurture who children are and who they are becoming. Together, let’s make February a celebration of kindness for ourselves and for each other. “Empathy is simply listening with the heart.” With gratitude for your trust and for the community we share, Jane  Jane Davis-Munro, Artistic Director  Happy 2026! As we step into a brand-new year, there’s a special kind of energy in the studio, one that feels full of possibility. The holidays may be behind us, but the excitement of reconnecting with dance friends, welcoming new faces, and settling back into our rhythm makes this second half of the school year one of my favourites. I hope your holiday season was filled with joy and meaningful moments with those you love. Now, as we return to the studio, we’re continuing our monthly focus on blending dance training with life skills, developing emotional intelligence, confidence, and mindset through movement. This month, our focus is Growth Mindset. You may hear this term often, especially from our tweens and teens. While it’s become a popular buzzword, truly living a growth mindset takes practice. It’s not always easy to move past a fixed way of thinking and lean into growth. But growth happens when we push beyond what feels familiar. A growth mindset invites us to:
In our dance classes, students learn far more than steps and technique. They learn how to problem-solve, adapt, collaborate, and express themselves creatively. They learn that mistakes are part of the process and that effort matters just as much as outcome. These experiences help them navigate life’s challenges with grace, curiosity, and courage; not just in the studio, but everywhere they go. Every step, leap, and turn we teach is guided by a belief close to our hearts: We nurture who our children are, and who they are becoming — and emotional intelligence is a key part of that process. Thank you for being such an important part of our studio family. Your trust, support, and enthusiasm allow us to create a space where children can truly flourish; not only as dancers, but as confident, resilient, and imaginative individuals. A Growth Mindset Moment Suggestion for Home Try asking your child one of these questions:
With gratitude, Jane  Artistic Director |
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Location361 Glebeholme Blvd
Toronto, ON, M4C 1T9 Coxwell & Danforth |
Contact416-469-2799
[email protected] |
Office HoursMonday 4:00-8:00 pm
Tuesday 12:00-8:00 pm Wednesday 12:00-8:00 pm Thursday 12:00-8:00 pm Friday 5:00-8:00 pm Saturday 8:30-3:30 pm |
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Serving the areas of Toronto, East Toronto, Danforth East Danforth, East York, Riverdale, Leslieville, Beaches, Scarborough, Leaside, North York
Offering Dance Classes for Kids in Ballet, Preschool, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Art
Offering Dance Classes for Kids in Ballet, Preschool, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Art
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Images: Andrea de Keijzer, DRC Video Productions, Copyright © 2019 More Than Just Great Dancing™. All rights reserved.