Creativity - Culture - Community
Welcome to Defining Movement Dance, or DMD as we like to call it. We are Hamilton’s only Hip-Hop & Street Dance focused dance studio, where students of all ages have the opportunity to learn about the foundations, the culture, and it's history through in-person programs with encouraging, passionate and knowledgeable instructors. With programs in Breaking, Popping, Locking, Hip-Hop, All Styles & Freestyle, Parent & Tot Hip-Hop and Adult drop-in classes, we have something for any dancer interested in the culture. In addition to all of that, we also offer Private and Semi-Private lessons in Jazz-Funk, Salsa, Hustle, Contemporary, Latin and Ballroom.
At DMD the emphasis is on growing in dance and not competition, but we do offer and see value in it. However, learning and enjoying the healthy lifestyle it promotes, the artistic expression it cultivates, the socialization and confidence that can come from it are the most important things to us. We believe every BODY Can Dance! We are built to move, and through dance people can grow in all aspects of their lives.
Have a look around our site, get a feel for how we do things here at DMD and see if it's the right place for you.
At DMD the emphasis is on growing in dance and not competition, but we do offer and see value in it. However, learning and enjoying the healthy lifestyle it promotes, the artistic expression it cultivates, the socialization and confidence that can come from it are the most important things to us. We believe every BODY Can Dance! We are built to move, and through dance people can grow in all aspects of their lives.
Have a look around our site, get a feel for how we do things here at DMD and see if it's the right place for you.
Safe Space Policy & Land Acknowledgments
Defining Movement Dance strives to be a safe space,
an inclusive place where anyone can dance, express and connect with themselves and others, without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome or unsafe on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, biological sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, age, physical or mental ability, physical appearance or socioeconomic status.
Here are some things we can all do to create a safer space for everyone:
Respect people's physical and emotional boundaries.
Be aware that raising your voice or aggressive body language may be understood as abusive by others.
Respect people's differing opinions and beliefs.
You are responsible for your own actions. Be aware that your actions do have an effect on others, regardless of what your intentions may be.
Identify what makes a safer space for you and keep in mind that safety looks different for different people.
This is a place of learning. We all make mistakes. Please remember to be kind and practice compassion when we are holding those in our community accountable.
This is a continual process. Please let us know how we can continue to make our space more safe and welcoming.
an inclusive place where anyone can dance, express and connect with themselves and others, without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome or unsafe on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, biological sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, age, physical or mental ability, physical appearance or socioeconomic status.
Here are some things we can all do to create a safer space for everyone:
Respect people's physical and emotional boundaries.
Be aware that raising your voice or aggressive body language may be understood as abusive by others.
Respect people's differing opinions and beliefs.
You are responsible for your own actions. Be aware that your actions do have an effect on others, regardless of what your intentions may be.
Identify what makes a safer space for you and keep in mind that safety looks different for different people.
This is a place of learning. We all make mistakes. Please remember to be kind and practice compassion when we are holding those in our community accountable.
This is a continual process. Please let us know how we can continue to make our space more safe and welcoming.
Land Acknowledgement
DMD acknowledges the land on which our building was built, is the traditional territory of Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek (ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᒃ) to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.
Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land, as well as acknowledge Canada's history of violence, harmful policies and practices against Indigenous peoples, and the long lasting effects they have caused. It is an ongoing process that begins with each Canadian and then extends to our families, friends, workplaces, and communities.
DMD acknowledges the land on which our building was built, is the traditional territory of Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek (ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᒃ) to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.
Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land, as well as acknowledge Canada's history of violence, harmful policies and practices against Indigenous peoples, and the long lasting effects they have caused. It is an ongoing process that begins with each Canadian and then extends to our families, friends, workplaces, and communities.