Ottawa Dance Academy — A Success Story

A Dance Studio for Children and Adults

From studio classes to international awards, the academy founded by Liudmyla Kashkovar has become a symbol of growth and inspiration for children in Ottawa.

My Introduction to the Academy

My name is Lena Alexeeva, and I have been part of this academy for more than ten years. Today, I would like to tell you about the school and its founder, Liudmyla Kashkovar.

My journey in dance began in childhood in Ukraine and continued after I moved to Canada. Over time, Ottawa Dance Academy became not only a place where I trained, but also the studio where I have now been teaching for almost ten years. During this time, I earned my ADAPT teaching certification and participated in training programs and master classes in both Canada and the United States. This experience helps me bring new ideas and modern approaches into my classes.

Today, I teach a variety of dance styles — from ballet and jazz to acrobatics and contemporary dance — to students of all ages. My choreographic works have received awards at various competitions, but for me, the most important thing has always been seeing my students grow and develop on stage. In 2023, I also taught at the Russian school “Uspekh,” where I prepared choreography for concerts. These performances helped children develop artistry and self-confidence.

I truly enjoy being part of such communities and having the opportunity to express my love for dance by passing it on to my students.

The Academy Today

For us, Ottawa Dance Academy is more than just a dance school. It is a community where future performers and leaders are nurtured. Our students win top places at regional and national competitions across North America, including Hit the Floor, Shine Dance Competition, View Dance Challenge, Inspire Dance Challenge, Canadian Dance Awards, and many others.

At the Ticket to Broadway Nationals in Atlantic City, the studio received the ADCC Studio of Excellence Award, along with a number of other honours. Our soloists and groups regularly receive high scores for choreography and artistry.

We are also actively involved in Ottawa’s cultural life. Our students perform at city festivals, participate in cultural events, and collaborate with other creative groups. These include the Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa International Dance Art Festival, and joint projects with musicians and studios, including Mulan Dance Studio, the “Uspekh” and “Parus” schools, as well as many other artistic initiatives.

These projects give children the opportunity to perform for larger audiences, gain valuable stage experience, and feel that they are part of a wider community.

All of these victories and performances reflect not only the talent of the children, but also the strength of the entire team. Every achievement is the result of the combined efforts of teachers, parents, and students.

The Face of the Academy — Liudmyla Kashkovar

The story of the studio is inseparably connected with its founder.

Liudmyla Kashkovar is a teacher with more than twenty years of experience, a graduate of the Kyiv Academy of Dance, and a holder of a master’s degree in contemporary dance choreography.

In Ukraine, she founded “Perlyna,” one of the country’s largest dance groups. With the ensemble, she toured throughout Europe and created choreography for major festivals, including Junior Eurovision. Her contribution to youth development was recognized with awards from Ukraine’s Ministry of Education.

After moving to Canada, Liudmyla found herself in a new country without the familiar professional connections and support network she had known before. Yet her energy and dedication allowed her to build everything again from the ground up.

Starting Ottawa Dance Academy literally from scratch, she succeeded in creating a studio that today ranks among the city’s respected dance schools. Thanks to her hard work and leadership, the academy combines a high standard of training with an atmosphere of trust, where every child receives individual attention and an opportunity to discover their potential.

More Than Dance

Today, Ottawa Dance Academy is proof that dance can help shape character and open doors to new opportunities.

Our studio continues to grow, achieve success at competitions, and remain a place where children find friendship, confidence, and inspiration.

For Ottawa families, the academy is not only a school, but also a community where hard work, creativity, and dreams are valued. And for children, it is the first stage on which they learn to become not only performers, but confident individuals ready to reach new heights in the future.

Lena Alexeeva

Ottawa Dance Academy
Phone: 613-400-4285
2120 Robertson Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 5Z1
info@ottawadanceacademy.ca
ottawadanceacademy.ca

Lena Alexeeva