Community Spotlight: GMB School of Dance

Founded by Jen Cole, GMB School of Dance provides in-studio dance classes and performance opportunities for preschool to adult dancers in Hantsport, Nova Scotia.

For Jen Cole, Dance has been a lifelong passion, shaping a journey through various genres and experiences. Jen began her training in Cambridge, Ontario, where daily classes eventually led to performing with The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble in her final year of high school.

After completing studies at York University, Jen danced professionally on the West Coast, with her dance collective, Give Me Brilliance (GMB), until eventually settling in Nova Scotia. Since then, GMB Dance has evolved from a contemporary dance and performance art collective to an in-studio and online resource for dance students and educators.

Dance Nova Scotia is pleased to shine the spotlight on the GMB School of Dance

Tell us a little bit about you. What is your dance background? How long have you been dancing? What is your personal style of dance?

I’ve studied dance most of my life, collecting a diverse range of experiences over these past 40+ years! Most of my artistic inspiration draws from classical ballet, modern dance styles such as Graham and Limon, and the music videos of the 1990s. I have a profound appreciation for music and take great pleasure in developing movements that establish a visual connection with it. My work emphasizes the relationship between music, spatial patterns, and stories, and I happily embrace a variety of genres and influences.

What inspired you to open a dance school and start teaching/offering classes?

I love sharing my passion for the performing arts, mainly dance, with others. I truly value the dedication, creativity, and joy of learning and performing artistic work. GMB Dance was established to foster and support creative expression through dance, aiming to cultivate an understanding, appreciation, and respect for the beauty of the arts that can provide enjoyment throughout one’s life.

What styles of dance or programs do you teach or offer at your school?

GMB School of Dance offers a variety of classes, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, and tap. We also have a preschool program that helps foster a love for dance from an early age. GMB Dance is proud to host a resident company of dedicated students focused on enhancing their performance skills and showcasing their talents on local stages throughout the dance season.

Can you describe the atmosphere and culture of your dance school and classes?

The atmosphere at GMB Dance is inviting and supportive. Our mission is to create a safe and inclusive environment for students to learn and engage with the performing arts, emphasizing etiquette, healthy technique, and confidence. We value creativity and individuality, encouraging all dancers to express their enthusiasm for the arts in their own way. At GMB Dance, we invite unique perspectives and talents while developing solid technical foundations, enabling all students to pursue more dance wherever their lives may take them.

To what level does your school and classes meet the needs of accessibility for the community?

GMB Dance acknowledges the financial challenges individuals may face in accessing their interests in dance. We are committed to creating opportunities to address these barriers, such as the Scholarship Program, a year-round resource for families to support their dancers and the Take Or Leave Basket for dance gear like shoes and clothes.

Currently, all students who can participate in classes independently, without parental or guardian involvement, are welcome to enroll in GMB classes, including individuals who may require varying levels of physical support. However, GMB acknowledges that work needs to be done in this area, and we aim to improve access for all.

How do you approach teaching dance to students of different ages and skill levels?

While the levels for regular technique classes at GMB are determined by age, we do our best to recognize and address individual needs while developing a cohesive class and learning experience.

Auditions are only a requirement for the GMB Dance Company, and membership is primarily determined by the dancers’ enthusiasm and commitment to the group.

What’s unique about your school?

Two unique aspects of GMB Dance are that we operate out of two community-based locations, the Hantsport Baptist Church and the Hants Border Community Hall, and students practice without mirrors!

How do you integrate creativity and self-expression into your dance curriculum and offerings?

Creativity and self-expression are integral components of GMB Dance’s programming. In partnership with internationally renowned curricula, such as the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), our classes include improvisation exercises, choreography challenges, and opportunities for students to develop a personal style. GMB also prioritizes the significance of musicality, interpretation, and storytelling through dance, enabling students to convey their emotions and perspectives effectively in their performances.

Are there opportunities for students or clients to perform or compete?

The GMB Dance Company, for students aged 8 – 18, provides opportunities for dancers to perform on local stages such as senior resident centres, community events, and one competitive experience each season.

Students enrolled in the regular season are warmly invited to our annual year-end Recital, which is held in June and is a highlight of our year.

How do you support the overall development of your students or clients, both as dancers and as individuals?

GMB offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various dance styles while emphasizing personal interpretation of music and specific dance skills. This approach helps students grow technically and artistically, allowing them to express their emotions and perspectives effectively in their performances in public or for themselves.

Ultimately, our goal is to empower our students to become well-rounded, openhearted, and curious individuals who are skilled dancers and confident, creative, and resilient members of their communities.

Can you share a memorable success story of a student, group of students, or dance group from your school or classes?

Each class is a success story, but our adult program is particularly inspiring. The adults who bravely join us on the dance floor, whether by stepping out of their comfort zone or returning to a place they once cherished, consistently inspire us all.

GMB was recently recognized as an inspiring business through “Inspire West Hants,” a program dedicated to creating a community of positivity, appreciation and inspiration!

What do you hope students/dancers/clients take away from their experience in your classes or at your dance school?

I sincerely hope students leave GMB with a strong sense of belonging in the dance community. While the industry can be challenging, my goal is for GMB to serve as a supportive and empowering environment for those aspiring to pursue dance professionally. I hope students leave feeling assured in their training, enabling them to carry that confidence throughout their dance journeys. For those who appreciate dance as a joyful part of their lives outside of a career, I also hope they feel equally connected to the vibrant world of dance.

Do you have any annual events at your school?

Yes! We have our Winter Talent Show (Saturday, December 14, 2024), International Dance Day Celebrations (Saturday, April 26, 2025) and the Year-End Recital (Saturday, June 7, 2025).

What’s coming up at your school or with your classes/programs?

The 2024/2025 Season begins on Monday, September 9. Although some classes have filled up quickly, there are many spots in others. Here is a link to our schedule, including fees: https://www.gmbrilliance.com/calendar24/25

How can parents, community, and dancers connect with you?

Parents, the community, and dancers can connect via email at support@gmbdancer.com or visit our website for more information: http://www.gmbrilliance.com