 As we say goodbye to October, with its mix of summer’s end, Thanksgiving reflections, and Halloween fun, we step fully into autumn. The air is crisp, the trees are painted in glorious colour, and here at the studio, that means costume measuring, fittings, and the exciting big reveal of our 2026 Showcase theme! Amidst all of that, I (along with our faculty and staff) want to take a moment to thank you for entrusting us with your child’s growth and development, a role we hold with great care and responsibility. As a mother of three and grandparent of six, I know firsthand how vital community is when raising a family. When my daughters reached their pre-teen and teenage years, I realized how important it was to surround them with positive adult role models, people who could guide, encourage, and listen when they needed another trusted voice. That understanding has shaped much of what we strive to create here at Pegasus: dance is our language, but the values and skills we teach are for life. In that spirit, my monthly blog posts this year focus on Emotional Intelligence; the skills that help children understand themselves and others. In a world that’s constantly changing, qualities like self-awareness, empathy, courage, and gratitude are becoming even more essential than knowledge alone. Courage doesn’t always look like big, bold moments. More often, it’s found in quiet choices, the willingness to try something new, to speak up when it’s difficult, or to show kindness when it would be easier to stay silent. This month, we’re exploring how courage shows up in our dance studios, in our children’s daily lives, and in the ways we can nurture it together, at home and in the dance class, so our dancers grow not only in skill, but in heart and character too. Courage in the Studio — and at HomeAt Pegasus Dance Studios, courage isn’t always about being the loudest or the boldest. Sometimes it’s the small, brave moments: trying a new step, speaking up when something feels unfair, or offering a kind word to someone who seems left out. These are the moments that reflect our Pegasus values; Kindness, Respect, Trust, Consistency, Growth, and Accountability, in action. When dancers learn to stand up for themselves and for others, they begin to understand that courage and compassion work hand in hand. Creating a space where everyone feels safe, seen, and valued is how we build an inclusive community, one dancer at a time. At home, courage can be nurtured through simple, everyday conversations and examples: Acknowledge brave choices. Notice when your child tries something new or admits to a mistake. Celebrate the effort, not just the outcome. Model speaking up. Let your child see you handle tough situations with calm confidence and kindness. Practice empathy. Talk about what it means to stand beside someone who needs a friend, even when it feels uncomfortable. Together, at home and in the studio, we can help children see that courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about choosing kindness, respect, and integrity even when it’s hard. And that’s how we raise not just great dancers, but truly great humans. Follow our Monthly Blog series on Developing Emotional Intelligence for our children. Octobers Blog; The Etiquette of Dance Class and How it Encourages Gratitude https://www.pegasusdancestudios.com/studionews/archives/10-2025 With a grateful heart, Jane  Jane Davis-Munro, Artistic Director
[email protected] Wisdom Coach https://www.pegasusdancestudios.com/growingyoungleaders.html
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 Welcome October, welcome Fall! September was full of new rhythms, settling into school, reconnecting with old friends, and meeting new ones. At Pegasus, we love celebrating the start of the school year just as much as the end, because each season brings fresh opportunities to connect with our students, families, staff, and community. This past month we were thrilled to participate in and sponsor the Danforth East Community Association’s Art Fair. One of the joys of being part of this neighbourhood for the past 39 years is seeing how many families have passed through our doors. My heart grew over the weekend as so many alumni and parents stopped by our booth to share stories, update me on where their children are now, and reflect on the impact Pegasus had on their lives. It fills me with pride to see our alumni carrying the life lessons they gained here into the world in meaningful ways. October invites us to pause and be thankful, and our studio focus this month is on gratitude. Over the school year, we’ll be highlighting monthly themes that nurture emotional intelligence alongside dance technique. My blog posts, our social media, and reminders around the studio will all help keep these values present. Our goal is to partner with you in raising “great kids” through dance. As my mentor Misty Lown reminds us: “We don’t teach kids to be great dancers, but dance to make great kids.” Gratitude in Dance Etiquette One of the beautiful traditions of dance is the curtsey, bow, or simply taking a moment to say thank you at the end of class. At Pegasus, we pause to thank assistants, fellow dancers, and teachers alike. This simple act of showing respect and gratitude, for one another, and for the opportunity to dance is powerful. While this custom has faded in many places, we continue to honour it. Guest and substitute teachers often tell me how much they love visiting here because our students are so polite and appreciative. That fills me with pride and reminds me how important it is to keep these traditions alive. Through gestures like this, our core values; respect, kindness, trust, consistency, accountability, and growth, come to life. They show up when a dancer arrives on time and ready, when they say thank you, and when they recognize that each class is a gift. Dance etiquette is more than rules; it’s a practice of gratitude. Looking Ahead This month, I encourage you to look around the studio and ask your child how gratitude is being taught and celebrated in their classes. We’d also love to hear from you, whether it’s an idea, a story of how this theme has impacted your child, or a testimonial we can share with others. Your feedback helps us grow, and we are so grateful for your partnership. “Being grateful does not mean that everything is necessarily good. It just means that you can accept it as a gift.” – Roy T. Bennett I am deeply grateful that you and your family have chosen Pegasus to find joy through the arts. May you discover gratitude in the simplest pleasures this month and feel both a song in your heart and a dance in your feet. With a grateful heart, Jane  Artistic Director  September is always a time of new beginnings: new friends, new opportunities, crisp air, and the excitement of returning to routines that nurture and inspire. This season holds special meaning as we celebrate 39 years of serving the Danforth East Toronto community, nearly four decades of dance, growth, creativity, and connection. It’s a milestone we feel truly blessed to share with you. Over the years, we’ve had the joy of watching our youngest dancers grow up at Pegasus, carrying the life skills they’ve learned here into the world. Some return as dance educators, professional artists, or new parents eager to see their own children experience Pegasus as they once did. That is one of my greatest honours, knowing the ripple effects of confidence, creativity, and community are being passed to the next generation. Dance as a Safer Space In a world where children face increasing pressures, we believe strongly in creating a “third space” (as psychologists call it): a place beyond home and school where children feel safe, supported, and seen. At Pegasus, we focus on providing a nurturing environment, physically, socially, emotionally, and mentally. Through caring teachers and thoughtful programming, our studio becomes more than a place to dance. It’s a space where children connect, build resilience, and discover who they are. What We Stand For Our commitment to high standards is reflected in everything we do. Our staff and faculty hold memberships and/or training with the following organizations and we are always learning, growing;
Our Core Values These values shape our studio culture, offering dancers a foundation for both artistic and personal success.
A Warm Invitation If you are new to Pegasus, we invite you to stop by our front desk team for a warm hello and a tour of the studio. We’re here to support you every step of the way. We also know your lives are busy. To keep communication simple, we send important updates by email, so please ensure we have your most up-to-date contact information. We promise: our messages are filled with goodness, not clutter. As we step into this exciting new season, we are grateful for you, our dancers, families, and community. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your child’s journey. Here’s to another season of growth, confidence, creativity, and joy. Together, let’s make 2025–2026 a year to remember. Sincerely, Jane  Artistic Director Pegasus Dance Studios – Where movement takes flight!
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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.