The Vancouver Academy of Dance (VAD) has been Richmond’s premiere dance school for over 25 years. Our world-class instructors offer a multi-disciplinary curriculum, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tap, contemporary dancing and acrobatics. We also teach traditional Chinese dance, for which we are internationally acclaimed. All dancers from pre-school age up to adults are welcome.
To inspire creativity, develop potential, promote cultural diversity and foster appreciation for the performing arts.
Anabel Ho, ARAD, RAD RTS, AISTD, AAC
Principal/Artistic Director, Vancouver Academy of Dance
Royal Academy of Dance Examiner
The Vancouver Academy of Dance was founded in 1995 by accomplished dance professional, Anabel Ho.
Our founder — Ms. Ho has taught and choreographed for over 25 years. Her training spans the globe and covers the full-spectrum of dance styles with emphasis in classical ballet and Chinese dance. Ms. Ho has trained with internationally noted artists in North America and abroad.
She is widely recognized by her many achievements around the world. Anabel has performed, taught, and choreographed throughout Canada and other regions including the U.S.A, China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Poland, and Taiwan.
Ms. Ho’s credentials include: Associate and Advanced Executant of the Royal Academy of Dance. Fully Registered Teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance and Associate of the Imperial Society Teachers of Dance (London, England). She is also certified under the Acrobatic Arts program.
Ms. Ho has presented command performances for Her Majesty the Queen, Governor General and Prime Minister of Canada as well as royalties and Heads of State of many countries. She has been invited to adjudicate dance competitions throughout North America and has been commissioned to choreograph for several productions including: Rick Hansen’s 100th Anniversary TV Special on CBC, Nissan Go 2000 Dealership Convention, APEC Conference, International Dragon Boat Festival, Chinese Cultural Centre’s Millennium Project “Gold, Maple, Dreams” Dance Production, CBC’s Gung Haggis Fat Choy and various other large events.
Ms. Ho has also acted as a choreography consultant for National Ice Dancing Champions Meaghan Wing, and Erin Lowe. Ms. Ho produced dance performances for the movie “Deep Risings” and Buena Vista’s Vancouver promotions of the Disney movie “Mulan”. Ms. Ho was invited to choreograph for the Queen’s Royal Visit to B.C., the 2010 Sea to Sky Bid for the International Olympic Committee, the United Nations World Urban Forum Closing Ceremonies, CCTV’s New Year Special “The Same Song”, and for all the Premiers of Canada for the launch of the Canada Pavilion at the Beijing’s Olympics. Anabel was also selected as an advisor to the Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympics. She directed and choreographed works presented to the International Olympic Committee, Governor General Michelle Jean, and the Premier Gordon Campbell for the IOC “Red Lanterns” was performed for Prime Minister Stephen Harper during his visit to Vancouver in celebrating of Chinese New Year 2010.
We are also always looking for talented, enthusiastic and creative performers to join our team! If you would like to pursue a career opportunity at VAD, please email us your full CV, including cover letter and portfolio.
Register now as space is limited and classes are filled on a first-come first-serve basis. All registrations must be made in person through the Richmond Administration Office.
Hair is to be worn off the face and nape of the neck. Hair must be in classical style for ballet and a ponytail for all other disciplines. Absolutely no jewelry is to be worn in class.
Ballet/Chinese Dance
Pre Ballet – pink bodysuit, pink tights, ballet slippers, pink tutu
Kinder Ballet – pink bodysuit, pink tights, ballet slippers, pink voile skirt
Pre-Primary – pink bodysuit, pink tights, leather ballet slippers, pink voile skirt
Primary – pink tank bodysuit, pink tights, leather ballet slippers, pink wrap skirt
Grade 1 – VAD lavender sleeveless bodysuit, pink tights, leather ballet slippers, character skirt with pink and lavender ribbons, low-heel character shoes
Grade 2 – VAD lavender sleeveless bodysuit, pink tights, leather ballet slippers, character skirt/pink and lavender ribbons, low-heel character shoes
Grade 3 – VAD turquoise sleeveless bodysuit, pink tights, leather balled slippers, character skirt with blue ribbons, low-heel character shoes
Grade 4 – VAD indigo sleeveless bodysuit, pink tights, canvas split-sole ballet slippers, character skirt with blue ribbons, Cuban-heel character shoes
Grade 5/6 Prep – VAD indigo sweetheart bodysuit, pink tights, canvas split-sole ballet slippers, character skirt with blue ribbons, Cuban-heel character shoes
Grade 6 to 8 – maroon spaghetti strap bodysuit, pink tights, canvas split-sole ballet slippers, Cuban-heel character shoes, character skirt with maroon ribbons, pointe shoes (with instructor’s/director’s approval)
Intermediate Foundation to Advanced – black spaghetti strap bodysuit, pink tights, canvas split-sole ballet slippers, pointe shoes (with instructor’s/director’s approval), soft pointe shoes
For boys – white fitted t-shirt, black spandex pants or shorts, white ankle socks, white ballet slippers
Jazz/Lyrical
VAD Black bodysuit with black boy shorts, jazz shoes/foot undies
Acrobatics
VAD Black bodysuit with black boy shorts, bare feet
Contemporary
Fitted long-sleeved t-shirt, leggings, bare feet
Tap
VAD Black bodysuit, black leggings or shorts, tap shoes
Hip Hop/Breakdancin’
Active clothing, indoor running shoes; no jeans permitted; please bring a clean pair of sneakers to change into every class