Janyne Matthiessen says she’s wanted to be a dance teacher ever since she was little. Now, she’s opening a new dance studio in Yellowknife.
Matthiessen is the founder and owner of YK Dance Arts and will be offering dance classes starting in the new year.
“I always danced from the time I was four years old and … grew up taking dance classes in the same place,” she said. “That always felt like a home to me.”
“It’s always been such an important part of my life.”
Matthiessen said she went to a fine arts high school after growing up in a world of dance training, exams, competitions and conventions.
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While she went to university for environmental science and worked in that field for several years, she said getting involved in dance again – along with an autism diagnosis – made her realize this is what she wants to do full-time.
“I love living in Yellowknife and I think that, based on the conversations I’ve had with a lot of people and a lot of parents, there’s a lot more just in general needed for kids – and then a lot of people think there’s a lot more needed for the arts,” she said.
“It’s maybe a good place for me to do what I’m really interested in. And I love it here, I love teaching here.”
Matthiessen plans to begin offering jazz and ballet classes to children aged three and older at the Yellowknife Racquet Club beginning on January 15. Registration opens on December 1.
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She said people “can expect quality instruction and a fun and inclusive environment.”
Matthiessen hopes to grow the business to offer dance classes in more genres, such as tap and acro, as well as classes for teens and adults alongside dance exams. She also wants to open her own space.
Matthiessen said she took jazz and tap exams through a program called Adapt – Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers – and is certified to put students through the curriculum. She said the program offers post-secondary auditions and scholarships.
“It’d be great to bring that program to the North,” she said, “and just open up more opportunities for people interested in the arts.”
