PASSION MAKES THINGS HAPPEN

ABOUT

Ilaria Zuzak started Dance Rootz in 2017 when a good friend of hers mentioned the need for dance classes outside of Saskatoon near Clavet/ Dundurn. In that area, there is a beautiful Dance Studio called Studio Sage, but at that time it was not being used for any regular classes. In October, 2017 Ilaria began running dance classes out of Studio Sage, and the interest grew quickly. Ilaria has taught over 50 different students out at Studio Sage, and through connections made there, it let to the creation of her class "Soul Stir". Ilaria has also recently completed her Undergraduate degree in 2019 and obtains a Bachelor of Education. To read more about the classes Ilaria has to offer, visit the Classes page below.

The meaning behind the name "Dance Rootz" for Ilaria, begins with the fact that she started this business specifically to teach dance out in the prairies. No matter where she ends up, she always wants to acknowledge and remember that her dance career has roots on the prairies. Of course, with a last name that includes two "z's", she wanted to make the name original by changing the spelling of the word "roots" to "rootz". Along with this, Ilaria also believes it is important to learn and understand the roots of the styles of dance that she teaches and practices. As much as possible, Ilaria explains the history behind each style/move that she teaches so that her students will have a better understanding and appreciation for what they are learning.

Although going under the name Dance Rootz is fairly new for Ilaria, she has been a part of the dance scene in and around Saskatoon for many years. Ilaria has also travelled to places such as New York , LA, Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Edmonton to further her education in dance. Ilaria has worked with and trained under many dancers, and has brought in other instructors to teach at Studio Sage as well, including Christine Harder, Natalie Clarke, BJ Trinidad, and Michele Duong.

At the end of the day, Ilaria is most passionate about performing, and sharing her knowledge and love for dance with others. She enjoys getting talented dancers together to do performances when opportunities come up, and this includes her student groups as well.

To learn more about Ilaria Zuzak and her performance/teaching experience, you can open the document below!

Photo by_ Cody Coyote
performance at Fringe
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ABOUT

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CLASSES

*All classes are transitioning to being virtual for the time being due to COVID-19!

Kids Hip Hop

Virtually on Wednesday's

Hip Hop Classes for ages 4-12 are offered through seasonal sessions ranging anywhere from 4-8 weeks. The classes are broken up by age range, typically 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. These classes typically run on Saturday's, and happen at Studio Sage which is about 12 minutes outside of Saskatoon, towards Clavet. For more info on the studio and directions, like Studio Sage on Facebook!

** Due to the current situation, all classes will run virtually until further notice! We will be using Zoom to keep the classes interactive!

These classes are for kids and youth wanting to learn the foundations of Hip Hop and other dance styles that are related such as Breakin', Locking, House, Popping, and more. These classes include fun warm-ups and exercises down the room, learning foundational moves, learning the history behind the culture of Hip Hop, putting moves into fun combinations, and great dance games! These classes also provide a safe and inclusive space for all learners to explore and be creative.

These classes are non-competitive and recreational, but options for competitions and performances may come up depending on the commitment and level of the groups!

What to wear? All students should wear comfortable clothing that they can move freely in (dresses, skirts, and super tight clothing might be restrictive). Students MUST wear non-marking clean indoor shoes!

How to register? No sessions are currently running. Check back for another one!

Virtual Hip Hop Classes Online Registration Form

"Both myself and my daughter really enjoy your dance classes. They are a lot of fun and you are a great instructor. I love that you teach various dance styles and that you provide some of the history for each dance style. I also think it’s great that you offer a 16+ class for adults, which is so much fun and a great workout!"

Adult hip hop

Virtually on Monday's

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Adult Hip Hop classes are offered through seasonal sessions ranging anywhere from 4-8 weeks. These classes typically run on Saturday's, and happen at Studio Sage which is about 12 minutes outside of Saskatoon, towards Clavet. For more info on the studio and directions, like Studio Sage on Facebook! Students 13+ are welcome to join the adult group.** For the first time, sessions will now also be offered at Dance Saskatchewan in addition to Studio Sage, and will be taught by Christine!

**Due to the current situation, classes will run virtually until further notice! We will be using Zoom to keep the classes interactive!

These classes are for adults wanting to learn about Hip Hop dancing for the first time, or to get back into dancing after taking a break since they were younger. In these classes, you will learn about the foundations of Hip Hop and other dance styles that are related such as Dancehall, Waacking, House, Popping, and more. These classes include fun warm-ups and exercises down the room, learning foundational moves, learning the history of the dance styles, and ending with a combo. These classes also provide a great space for adults to be social, make new friends, get active, and learn about multiple fun dance styles!

How to register? No sessions are currently running! Check back for more!

Virtual Hip Hop Classes Online Registration Form

"I’ve attended many classes and would highly recommend! Ilaria is a well educated and talented teacher; a phenomenal dancer, fun to learn from and just a wonderful person all around."

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18+ LADIES MOVEMENT CLASS

Virtually on Sunday's

**Due to the current situation, all classes with be run virtually until further notice! We will be using Zoom to keep classes interactive.

In collaboration with Jen Bachiu, this class is more than just one hour of dancing in a studio space. This class runs sessionally, and is open to all women 18+. Below is Jen's description of the goals for Soul Stir:

We want women to feel more grounded and intimately connected to their body. We want you to learn and understand the sensitivities of your body, how to be more present and how to use that knowledge to strengthen your relationship with your intuition.

We want women to feel good about themselves. To be more loving and accepting of yourself and your body. We want you to experience what your body is capable of and the amazing ways it can move for you.

We want woman to appreciate and embrace what it means to be feminine. To let go of all the tasks and responsibilities and just be present in your true feminine nature. To be vulnerable, open, sensual, emotional and creative.

We want to gather like minded woman to share space with each other and to be part of a collective.

We want to create an atmosphere where you can come together with old friends or where you can make new friends.

And we want you to have fun while doing all of the above. We want you to leave with a smile on your face, a spring in your step and your heart feeling a whole lot lighter!!!

How to Register: No sessions are currently running! Check back for more later!

Virtual Soul Stir Classes Online Registration Form

"I missed dancing so much but was too intimidated to take adult classes from a studio. This was a welcoming environment that was low stress and focused on just having fun and taking risks. It pushed me as a dancer and performer while helping me feel safe to get back to something."

Jazz classes by kyla

No classes are currently being offered

New to be offered at Studio Sage, Kyla will be teaching Jazz classes to ages 4+! These classes are for those who are interested in learning the style of jazz, which will include learning the proper technique, vocabulary, and will follow the ADAPT syllabus.

This class will be offered as a recreational class running sessionally, but if there is interest for performance/competitions, that may be discussed with the class! The goal of this class is to have fun, while being in a safe and welcoming, social environment.

Kyla's class environment allows children of all ages and abilities to feel welcomed into a safe, social environment while finding their passion for dance. Students will feel encouraged to do their best and to have fun! Kyla's passion for dance has proven it takes a combination of teamwork, family, and friends to create a successful and safe environment.

What do I wear?

Fitted clothing that is comfortable to move in, along with either jazz shoes, or bare feet (leggings and a tank top, shorts and a fitted t-shirt, etc.). Hair must be out of the face for safety!

How to register?

There are no new sessions available currently. Check back at a later date!

Jazz Online Registration Form

"I missed dancing so much but was too intimidated to take adult classes from a studio. This was a welcoming environment that was low stress and focused on just having fun and taking risks. It pushed me as a dancer and performer while helping me feel safe to get back to something."

WORKSHOPS

Keep checking back here for upcoming workshop announcements, and make sure to subscribe to the mailing list if you want to get class/workshop updates!

HIRE US

Hire Dance Rootz instructors/choreographers to come into your school, organization, dance studio, or for a special event/party! A few options are listed below, but workshops can be designed specific to your needs and wants!

CHOREOGRAPHY

Hire Ilaria Zuzak or another Dance Rootz choreographer to create a dance piece for your group. This option is good for special events, flashmobs, weddings, school performances, music videos, competitions, or just for fun!

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PERFORMANCES

Hire Dance Rootz dancers to perform at your event, school, or organization. All dancers involved are skilled street dancers with many years of training. This option would add some energy to any event/occasion!

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HIP HOP LESSONS

Choose from a one time 1-hour Hip Hop lesson for your group, or as many as you want! In these lessons, your group will learn foundations of the style of Hip Hop dance, along with how to just groove to the music!

RHYTHM & RHYME

Dance Workshop and Speaker Session.

In a 2.5 time frame, this option will include icebreakers, dancing, story-telling, and music. This is a collaborative programming option that is in partnership with Cody Coyote.