Spotlight Series: Luminesque Dance
Getting Serious about Sexy
West End gems are tucked away, here and there. Luminesque Dance is a 10-year-old wonder, hidden away above Celebrities Nightclub on Davie Street. With more than 5,000 students and counting, Luminesque is where dance professionals and everyday folks turn for Heels Dance instruction and body-positive empowerment.
Movement Embracing Your Glow
Founder, Vanessa Lalonde, describes the whirlwind wonder of Luminesque Dance and its role in the Vancouver dance scene, “We offer adult dance classes focusing on movement and posture in heels. In contemporary culture, high heels signal the language of power and sexuality, and we’ve created a renowned global dance curriculum. In fact, we have virtual students who study with us online, then fly into Vancouver for our fan-favourite performances. As well, right now, over 400 students study with us weekly in our studios.
“Our core classes centre on a five-month program designed to serve marginalized genders. Our classes culminate in shows we present at Celebrities Nightclub and other Vancouver and Victoria locations. We offer regional classes throughout the year in North Vancouver, Squamish, Victoria, and at our flagship studio space in Davie Village. Everything comes together for our extravagant shows, every January and June. The experience is transformational, as students work through professional dance techniques to find what we call “the glow” — a phenomenon that’s available to each of us when we feel safe, embracing our body, our movement, and our power,” Taylor explained.
Instructors Teaching the Moves
Luminesque Dance emphasizes principles of kindness, mutual support, community building, equity, and positivity. In addition to fundraising events that benefit the local LGBTQ community, scholarships are offered to students from historically marginalized demographics. Luminesque is making a positive impact in the West End and beyond. Free workshops are offered to those in marginalized communities, and subsidized rehearsal-space access is available for entertainers involved in the Davie Village drag scene.
Whether someone is training for a professional career in stage entertainment, movies, or TV, or is a former dancer returning to their first-love, there’s a role for everyone in Luminesque’s ensemble. By partnering with Glow Studios’ professionally-appointed facilities, classes morph into joyful rehearsals, culminating in Luminesque’s immensely popular dance-theatre shows. Access to large and intimate rehearsal spaces and top-notch instructors means Luminesque Dance has pioneered skill-sharing for cultural diversity, community inclusivity, and vivacious entertainment on the West Coast.
Adult Dance Sparks Community Joy
Flowing out of jazz, Latin, and hip-hop styles, and mainstreamed by artists like Beyonce, Heels Dance is here to stay. With a fusion of sound, theatrics, body empowerment, and expert teaching, the outcome is infectious joy within a community of friends. Learn, entertain, and thrive like never before. Visit the Luminesque Dance website for upcoming class registration and show dates. Embrace your sexuality and your inner artist through a supportive and affirming class this year. Let a Heels Dancer’s confidence and glow shine — through the welcoming community of new friends at Luminesque.