About Us

A.B. Dance was founded twenty years ago when Andrea and Ashley Barnes started with four local children in their basement. With a lot of hard work and through word of mouth A.B. Dance is now the fastest growing and most successful studio in Markham. Although A.B. Dance has grown considerably in size, they continue to place equal emphasis on all students in both the recreational and competitive program. Andrea and Ashley are qualified instructors with extensive training in all forms of dance. They continue to take classes in Toronto, New York and Los Angeles to learn the latest styles. Ashley was the assistant coach of the Toronto Argonaut dance team.

Andrea and Ashley are extremely proud of all the dancers involved with the studio and strive to be positive role models for their students. A.B. Dancers are recognized for their skills, abilities and positive attitudes. They continue to offer the best dance instruction while building self confidence and encouraging students to meet new friends and have fun! A.B. Dance offers dance instruction to all levels from recreational to competitive. Classes are open to boys and girls ages 2 and up. All boys hip hop classes are also available and extremely popular.

All dancers perform in the spectacular year-end recital at the Markham Theatre. A.B. Dance students also perform at the half time shows for the Toronto Argonauts Football games at the Rogers Centre, performing on the CH morning live television show, and participating in many local community events including the Markham Fair, The Unionville Festival and The Old Tyme Christmas Parade.

We strongly believe it is important to give back to the community. A.B Dance supports the community by sponsoring local teams, donating to numerous charities, running an annual food drive at the studio and performing at local charity events including the Cardio For Cancer.

A.B. Dance is known for their great enthusiastic and qualified teaching staff: Andrea Barnes, Ashley Barnes, Jorie Brown, Mariano Abarca, Kevin Howe, Jenn Deadman, Jenn Gerwlivch,  Kristy Redshaw, Leanne Ryan,  Lauren Tasker, Bardette Thomas, and Joanna Volpe.

'It is our mission to provide the highest standard of dance instruction for both recreational and competitive students. We have gained our success through passion. We hope to have the pleasure of sharing our passion with you.'