The Ballet Studio started its journey over 30 years ago in a small one studio space in Little Oaks Mall in Abbotsford. As the sole owner and teacher, Gem Binstead worked long hours to build the studio from the ground up. Starting out with only Ballet and Jazz classes, the demand for the studio's programs and more soon required the need for more space. In 1994, after only 5 years since opening, construction began on their current location, 10 - 34100 South Fraser Way, that would allow the studio to expand the size of their studio space and offer a larger array of dance programs to meet the interests and needs of the community.
The studio believes that as a community member, responding to the needs of the community and giving back where possible is an important part of who we are. Throughout the years, our dancers have participated in various local community events such as Canada Day and May Day and have provided shows for the elderly in our local senior centers across Abbotsford. Our programs also help our grads gain valuable school credits in their final years before graduation and the skills that one student gained within their dance education helped her gain the title of Miss Teen Canada in 2003.
It is our belief that an array of dance experience is a key component to the success of our dancers. Over the years we have provided our dancers with opportunities to gain experience dancing in a professional setting. These include Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise ships, Disneyland, Disneyworld, New York City and during the half-time show at the Harlem Globetrotters at the Abbotsford Events Centre.
We strive to give our dancers the most well-rounded dance education that will provide them with the skills and abilities they will need to further pursue a career in dance. We are proud of our dancers that have continued on from our school to dance professionally on various cruise lines, as well as for Disneyworld, Ballet Goh and within the BC Summer Games.
The poise and elegance that our dancers have gained within their years of dancing with us, has not only helped those that have moved on to advance their careers in dance but has also helped our students build confidence in themselves and their abilities to succeed in all of their future endeavors.