Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts

Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts Kirkwood Academy was established in Nanaimo by Dolores Kirkwood in 1976. Lindsay and Carolé Martyn bought the studio from Dolores in 1990.

They renovated the old Fire Hall on Bowen Road and moved the studio there from a small church on Townsite. At Kirkwood we strive to provide excellent training. Every student has the opportunity to perform in our Year End Show at the Port Theatre at the beginning of June. As well, we provide the opportunity to take the Royal Academy of Dance examinations and presentation classes, to participate in many festivals in groups and solos, to perform in musical theatre and ballet productions, and to join a Youth Company. Our philosophy is to instill a love of dance and music into our student and to provide life skills and confidence that they will use forever.

✨ CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF KIRKWOOD ✨As we celebrate Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts 50th anniversary, we’re proud to...
09/15/2026

✨ CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF KIRKWOOD ✨
As we celebrate Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts 50th anniversary, we’re proud to recognize the remarkable dancers who began their journey here and carried their training onto stages around the world.

“I would not be where I am today without Kirkwood Academy. The care taken in my development as an artist, technician and person gave me the foundational tools for a long and successful career and instilled artistry, discipline, curiosity, joy and resilience. I am eternally grateful for their guidance and support.” - Jillian Vanstone

Jillian Vanstone went on to become an internationally recognized Principal Dancer with The National Ballet of Canada, celebrated throughout her 22-year stage career for her artistry and distinctive storytelling. She performed leading roles in classical and contemporary works around the world and became especially known for her portrayal of Alice in Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Since retiring from the stage in 2022, Jillian has continued to work internationally as a stager and rehearsal director with some of the world’s leading ballet companies, including The Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The National Ballet of Canada and Teatro alla Scala.

Jillian’s journey is a beautiful example of the lasting impact of dance education — developing not only exceptional artists, but confidence, discipline, creativity and a lifelong connection to the arts.
We are so proud that part of Jillian’s story began at Kirkwood. 💙

✨ DID YOU HEAR? ADULT BALLET IS BACK ✨Thinking about trying ballet for the first time or ready to come back to the bar...
09/11/2026

✨ DID YOU HEAR? ADULT BALLET IS BACK ✨
Thinking about trying ballet for the first time or ready to come back to the barre?
Our Adult Ballet classes begin the week of September 14 and there’s a class for every level, from absolute beginners to experienced dancers.
No previous dance experience? No problem. Adult ballet is a wonderful way to build strength, flexibility, posture and confidence while enjoying movement, music and time just for you. 💙

Sign up here: https://www.kirkwoodacademy.ca/?page_id=11608

🩰 Absolute Beginner
Tuesday 6:45–7:45 PM with Jillian
Wednesday 6:45–7:45 PM with India
🩰 Beginner Plus
Tuesday 7:45–8:45 PM with Jillian
🩰 Intermediate
Thursday 6:30–7:30 PM with Jillian
🩰 Pointe
Please email [email protected] to register for Pointe.

Whether you’ve always wanted to dance, danced years ago, or simply want to try something new.
Come dance with us this fall. 💙

Welcome back to dance! Classes start today! ✨🩰The studios are ready, the music is on, and we can’t wait to welcome our d...
09/09/2026

Welcome back to dance! Classes start today! ✨🩰
The studios are ready, the music is on, and we can’t wait to welcome our dancers back for another incredible year at Kirkwood.
Whether you’re returning to a favourite class, trying something new, reconnecting with dance friends, or stepping into the studio for the very first time there’s a place for you here. 💛
This season is extra special as we celebrate 50 years of dance, community, growth, and memories at Kirkwood Academy.
Here’s to a year filled with confidence, creativity, friendships, hard work, and plenty of dancing.
Welcome back, dancers let’s make our 50th year one to remember! ✨

09/08/2026

Kicking off a new KAPP season the best way, together. 💙✨
The Back to Dance Party was all about reconnecting, welcoming new faces, catching up with friends, and getting excited for the year ahead.

Classes haven’t even started yet, and the energy is already here.
Here’s to a season full of growth, friendship, hard work, fun, and so many memories to come.
KAPP 2026/27 we’re ready for you. 💫

✨ NEW at Kirkwood Diverse Abilities Dance! ✨We’re excited to introduce our brand-new Diverse Abilities Dance classes, o...
09/02/2026

✨ NEW at Kirkwood Diverse Abilities Dance! ✨
We’re excited to introduce our brand-new Diverse Abilities Dance classes, offered in 10-week sessions!

Sign up here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/Kirkwood3/DanceForEveryoneRegistration

Designed to create a welcoming and supportive space, these classes give dancers the opportunity to experience the joy of movement in a way that works for them. Classes will focus on fun, creativity, confidence, coordination and connection, while recognizing each dancer’s individual strengths and needs.
💙 Ages 5–9: Saturdays, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
💙 Tween/Teen: Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
📅 10-week session begins September 19

Parents and caregivers are welcome to stay with their dancer or take some time for themselves during class.

No previous dance experience is needed. Dancers are encouraged to participate in the way that feels comfortable and successful for them.

Registration is now open!
Inclusive • Adaptive • Encouraging💗

✨ Celebrating 50 Years of Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts ✨This season marks a very special milestone, 50 years of K...
09/02/2026

✨ Celebrating 50 Years of Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts ✨
This season marks a very special milestone, 50 years of Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts in Nanaimo. Throughout our anniversary season, on the 1st and 15th of each month we’ll be sharing pieces of Kirkwood’s story and celebrating some of the people whose love of dance has helped make Kirkwood what it is today and who have helped shape its incredible legacy.

And there is no better place to begin than where it all started. 💙

Dolores Kirkwood
In September 1976, Dolores Kirkwood opened Kirkwood Academy in a small studio on Morpeth Road in Nanaimo. Her passion for dance and music, commitment to excellence, and genuine care for her students created something that would continue for generations.

Over the years, Ms. Kirkwood inspired countless young dancers and helped create the strong sense of community and belonging that remains at the heart of Kirkwood today. Her contributions to dance and the arts were recognized with many honours, including being awarded the Order of British Columbia in 2010.
Fifty years later, the legacy she began continues.

Here’s to celebrating 50 years of dance, memories, community and the people who made it all possible. 💙✨

Ready to make some noise? 👞✨Our Boys Tap with Tosh 10-week session is all about movement, rhythm, confidence and FUN!Des...
08/31/2026

Ready to make some noise? 👞✨
Our Boys Tap with Tosh 10-week session is all about movement, rhythm, confidence and FUN!

Designed especially for boys approximately ages 6–11, dancers will build their tap technique, musicality and coordination while learning cool new steps and developing their own individual style. No experience required!

Whether they’re brand new to tap or looking to sharpen their skills, this is a welcoming space to move, groove and discover how much fun tap can be. 💙

Sign up here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/Kirkwood3/DanceForEveryoneRegistration

📅 Saturdays | Sept 19 – Nov 21
⏰ 12:00–12:45 PM
🚫 No class Oct 10
👞 10-week session
Come tap with Tosh! Registration is now open.

Congratulations, Owen! 🎉🩰We are so excited to celebrate Owen as he heads to Philadelphia to train at The Rock School for...
08/31/2026

Congratulations, Owen! 🎉🩰

We are so excited to celebrate Owen as he heads to Philadelphia to train at The Rock School for Dance Education! This is such an incredible opportunity and a reflection of the dedication, discipline, and hard work he has poured into his training.

Owen, we are so proud of everything you have accomplished and can’t wait to see all that you learn and experience during this next chapter. Keep working hard, dreaming big, and enjoying every moment. 💙✨

Looking for the perfect place to start dancing as a teen? 🩰✨Our Teen Ballet & Lyrical 10-Week Session is designed especi...
08/29/2026

Looking for the perfect place to start dancing as a teen? 🩰✨
Our Teen Ballet & Lyrical 10-Week Session is designed especially for teens who are new to dance. Dancers will build confidence, learn foundational ballet technique, and explore the expressive movement of lyrical dance in a welcoming and supportive environment.
No previous dance experience is required!

Sign up here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/Kirkwood3/DanceForEveryoneRegistration

📅 Mondays, Sept. 14–Nov. 23
⏰ 5:45–6:45 PM
✨ 10-week session
No class Oct. 12
Whether you’ve always wanted to try dance or you’re looking for something new this fall, this is your chance to step into the studio and give it a try. 💙
Come dance with us at Kirkwood Academy!

✨ Ready to flip, stretch, strengthen and grow? ✨Our Acro classes help dancers build strength, flexibility, coordination ...
08/28/2026

✨ Ready to flip, stretch, strengthen and grow? ✨
Our Acro classes help dancers build strength, flexibility, coordination and confidence while learning age-appropriate acrobatic skills they can bring into choreography or just have fun showing off!
With classes for both beginner and experienced dancers, there’s an option for a range of ages and skill levels. Classes are taught by experienced Acro instructors Jessica and India, both certified with Acrobatic Arts.
Sign up here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/Kirkwood3/DanceForEveryoneRegistration

Classes begin September 9
Only $68/month
Come build skills, confidence and strength with us this season. 💙

Address

2138 Bowen Road
Nanaimo, BC
V9S1H7

Opening Hours

Monday 8:45am - 8pm
Tuesday 8:45am - 8pm
Wednesday 8:45am - 8pm
Thursday 8:45am - 8pm
Friday 8:45am - 8pm

Telephone

+12507139184

Website

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