[Disclaimer: While the placement of this recap may be a tad peculiar, it appeared fitting given that I concluded my Weekly Unlimited pass as of the Saturday evening class.]
I had been eyeing M Studio for a while, but never quite invested enough to make the commitment to go. When I recently found myself feeling stuck though, I decided a nearby studio was my best bet at breaking free from this plateau. Both my mind and body needed a change of pace.
I had been eyeing M Studio for a while, but never quite invested enough to make the commitment to go. When I recently found myself feeling stuck though, I decided a nearby studio was my best bet at breaking free from this plateau. Both my mind and body needed a change of pace.
By no means was M Studio a budget studio. A Drop-in Single Class would set you back a whopping $35 plus tax! While it was worth noting that each class spanned ninety minutes as opposed to the standard sixty, I still couldn't justify the hefty fee in the face of rising costs of living and an imminent vacation.
The plan was to try out their $39.99 2-Class Welcome Offer. Unfortunately, the MindBody booking page had already axed the supposed summer exclusive. The next best option was the $69.99 Weekly Unlimited Pass. This one was exclusive to the Mississauga location of M Studio; the second outpost is in Oakville.
The plan was to try out their $39.99 2-Class Welcome Offer. Unfortunately, the MindBody booking page had already axed the supposed summer exclusive. The next best option was the $69.99 Weekly Unlimited Pass. This one was exclusive to the Mississauga location of M Studio; the second outpost is in Oakville.
Although I ought to have thoroughly conducted research in advance of committing, the desire to break free was tremendous. I hadn't realized that M Studio also uploaded weekly previews of songs and choreography prior to the classes like BGM!
Regardless, I was interested in one instructor and one instructor only. On Mondays, she taught Jazz Funk.
Regardless, I was interested in one instructor and one instructor only. On Mondays, she taught Jazz Funk.
1) Jazz Funk (Open Level)
Despite being labelled as "Open Level", the session was unmistakably Intermediate or beyond. The pace was quick, repetition was minimal, and moves were diverse and swift. The choreography demanded crazy body control, along with fluidity and strength. It was as if my inner thoughts were answered: This was, undeniably, a challenge.
We started with the standard dance warm-up, but tacked on crunches and pilates hundreds (?) and even hundreds with leg extensions (?!) for core engagement. Warmup alone spanned twenty minutes, which was later learned to be necessary given the range and speed of the choreography components.
The instructor was exceptional at describing the moves and also adjusting the difficulty of certain parts of the choreo to fit the level of the class. The sequence itself was incredibly fun as well, and easier to remember than most R&B tracks.
With all that said, I must admit: I wasn't as happy with my performance as I would have liked, for fatigue had eventually impacted sharpness and memory. It was a physically demanding choreography with spins, turns, and floor segments I hadn't anticipated.
But, ultimately, this was supposed to be a challenge. As I had told my coworker, "I'm not going to class because I can do that. I'm going there to learn how to do that."
Despite being labelled as "Open Level", the session was unmistakably Intermediate or beyond. The pace was quick, repetition was minimal, and moves were diverse and swift. The choreography demanded crazy body control, along with fluidity and strength. It was as if my inner thoughts were answered: This was, undeniably, a challenge.
We started with the standard dance warm-up, but tacked on crunches and pilates hundreds (?) and even hundreds with leg extensions (?!) for core engagement. Warmup alone spanned twenty minutes, which was later learned to be necessary given the range and speed of the choreography components.
The instructor was exceptional at describing the moves and also adjusting the difficulty of certain parts of the choreo to fit the level of the class. The sequence itself was incredibly fun as well, and easier to remember than most R&B tracks.
With all that said, I must admit: I wasn't as happy with my performance as I would have liked, for fatigue had eventually impacted sharpness and memory. It was a physically demanding choreography with spins, turns, and floor segments I hadn't anticipated.
But, ultimately, this was supposed to be a challenge. As I had told my coworker, "I'm not going to class because I can do that. I'm going there to learn how to do that."
For classes that spanned longer than sixty minutes, I was glad that M Studio had 2 bathroom stalls. That said, both were running low on soap. They were also generally filthy - less than Dance Life X's dusty, gag-worthy monstrosity, but a mould-lined shower stall housing a mop setup was all I needed to see. Nevertheless, a bathroom is a bathroom. I was just glad to have a functioning toilet paper dispenser and a wastebin that wasn't overflowing.
2) Hip Hop (Beginner)
Class started at 6 PM sharp, contrary to my expectations. I had zipped towards the studio braving rush hour and heavy rain droplets, scurried across slick asphalt surfaces and unkept sodded boulevard, just to arrived a minute late. Warm-up had already started.
The studio was fuller than it was the previous day. A few younger faces could be seen in the room; more latecomers would file in up to the ten-after mark.
Class started at 6 PM sharp, contrary to my expectations. I had zipped towards the studio braving rush hour and heavy rain droplets, scurried across slick asphalt surfaces and unkept sodded boulevard, just to arrived a minute late. Warm-up had already started.
The studio was fuller than it was the previous day. A few younger faces could be seen in the room; more latecomers would file in up to the ten-after mark.
In contrast to the previous day, I had been able to preview the choreography on the instructor's social media page. A one-handed hop on the floor was scary to behold - my shoulder was already hurting! The rest of the choreo was decently tame though, and definitely aligned with her definition of "Beginner", although perhaps a Beginner-Intermediate hybrid due to the speed and details involved in the choreo.
I completed the session without too much stress. Needless to say, I was still fatigued from the previous day. Around the forty-minute mark, my arm began to drop, my legs reducing their range of motion, and my memory beginning to falter.
The instructor had done an exemplary job of explaining the choreography and its details. I did seek clarification of the counts a few times, and was surprised she remembered my name!
I completed the session without too much stress. Needless to say, I was still fatigued from the previous day. Around the forty-minute mark, my arm began to drop, my legs reducing their range of motion, and my memory beginning to falter.
The instructor had done an exemplary job of explaining the choreography and its details. I did seek clarification of the counts a few times, and was surprised she remembered my name!
Ultimately, I had forgotten some of the details by the end of the class, but strived to channel the energy that she had emphasized. It was a fun class! Perspiration levels were acceptable, though this may be due to my choice of athletic attire.
I also marvelled at how majority of the class was on beat and no one had really blanked on the moves. These occurences are quite common in other dance classes, thus the unity of the class had me utterly in awe.
I also marvelled at how majority of the class was on beat and no one had really blanked on the moves. These occurences are quite common in other dance classes, thus the unity of the class had me utterly in awe.
3) Heels
In my head, Heels was definitely the hardest class of the week. Having no pair of heels to my name, I have never once danced in heels nor attended class with a sensual theme.
It was scary to venture into a foreign genre, but I reminded myself of the reason behind signing up for dance class: This was meant to be a challenge.
Heels class was meant to take me out of my comfort zone.
Preparations for said class were more extensive than previous classes: I sought out my knee pads from learning Black Mamba and Case 143, found my biker shorts from two summers past, and borrowed a pair of black heeled booties for the occasion.
This time around, I arrived at the studio with about 10 minutes to spare, instead of entering mid-warmup. I continued to don my soiled terrain sneakers and track pants for the time being. The warm-up sequence was comparatively comprehensive versus the last two: pigeon poses and side body stretches had been added to account for fluidity demanded as part of the choreography. Following an extensive warm-up, the class commenced their transformation. All participants began lacing up heels and slipping on knee pads. I opted not to swap footwear yet, but readily peeled away my track pants to reveal shorts and long socks, over which I slid my - might I say, very necessary, knee pads
In my head, Heels was definitely the hardest class of the week. Having no pair of heels to my name, I have never once danced in heels nor attended class with a sensual theme.
It was scary to venture into a foreign genre, but I reminded myself of the reason behind signing up for dance class: This was meant to be a challenge.
Heels class was meant to take me out of my comfort zone.
Preparations for said class were more extensive than previous classes: I sought out my knee pads from learning Black Mamba and Case 143, found my biker shorts from two summers past, and borrowed a pair of black heeled booties for the occasion.
This time around, I arrived at the studio with about 10 minutes to spare, instead of entering mid-warmup. I continued to don my soiled terrain sneakers and track pants for the time being. The warm-up sequence was comparatively comprehensive versus the last two: pigeon poses and side body stretches had been added to account for fluidity demanded as part of the choreography. Following an extensive warm-up, the class commenced their transformation. All participants began lacing up heels and slipping on knee pads. I opted not to swap footwear yet, but readily peeled away my track pants to reveal shorts and long socks, over which I slid my - might I say, very necessary, knee pads
Truthfully, I think I lucked out due to the song choice of the session. It maintained a slow, beckoning tempo, which not only permitted plenty of room for freestyling, but enabled me to execute the moves without rushing. For the first time in three days, I also appreciated the floor work, as it meant that there was less time standing in the heels.
I learned approximately 75% of the choreography before switching into heels to finish the class. The first few runs required calibration, for I could neither step nor spin with confidence. Admittedly, it became easier with time. My comprehensive training routine had strengthened my calves enough to protect the ankles in the face of somewhat loose heeled boots. I wobbled twice, but otherwise completed the routine unscathed and with fluidity - a trait I hadn't even been aware existed within me!
Of course, I do express regret towards a handful of moves. There was a kick that risked rolling the ankle if landing wrong, as well as some details that had been forgotten with each subsequent practice. I also modified the "Snake" move, for I had yet to master the tricep push-up to the depicted range of motion. A forearm version allowed me to stay on beat without compromising too much of the aura.
I was thankful for M Studio's 90-minute classes though: We would be granted 20-30 minutes to practice the choreography and clarify details prior to the end of class and filming.
By the end of the session, I thanked the instructor and inquired whether she had any constructive criticism for me. After all, it would be my last class with her with my weekly pass. She responded that, while she did not have any constructive criticism, she noted that I was able to pick up choreography quickly, summon my own style, and encouraged me to continue dancing and have fun with the choreography. This was an important piece of advice, for I have been in a mindset of perfecting moves to align with a given choreography, rather than morphing it into a personal piece.
Suffice to say, I will be missing her as a teacher. The $35 class fee would be worth it for her guided sessions - it was always fun, encouraging, and fulfilling!
I learned approximately 75% of the choreography before switching into heels to finish the class. The first few runs required calibration, for I could neither step nor spin with confidence. Admittedly, it became easier with time. My comprehensive training routine had strengthened my calves enough to protect the ankles in the face of somewhat loose heeled boots. I wobbled twice, but otherwise completed the routine unscathed and with fluidity - a trait I hadn't even been aware existed within me!
Of course, I do express regret towards a handful of moves. There was a kick that risked rolling the ankle if landing wrong, as well as some details that had been forgotten with each subsequent practice. I also modified the "Snake" move, for I had yet to master the tricep push-up to the depicted range of motion. A forearm version allowed me to stay on beat without compromising too much of the aura.
I was thankful for M Studio's 90-minute classes though: We would be granted 20-30 minutes to practice the choreography and clarify details prior to the end of class and filming.
By the end of the session, I thanked the instructor and inquired whether she had any constructive criticism for me. After all, it would be my last class with her with my weekly pass. She responded that, while she did not have any constructive criticism, she noted that I was able to pick up choreography quickly, summon my own style, and encouraged me to continue dancing and have fun with the choreography. This was an important piece of advice, for I have been in a mindset of perfecting moves to align with a given choreography, rather than morphing it into a personal piece.
Suffice to say, I will be missing her as a teacher. The $35 class fee would be worth it for her guided sessions - it was always fun, encouraging, and fulfilling!
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4) K-Pop Cover
I had opted out of a fourth consecutive day, simply since the choreography was one that I had already learned weeks prior. After seeing one of the instructor's interpretation of the dance, I was glad to not have learned in that format. While the moves and tempo were correct, the amount of tension was not consistent with the original. Moreover, it did not appear that the students were able to grasp the sequence as in the other classes I attended.
After taking a break on Thursday evening, I continued the following day for a different K-Pop cover class: Fancy by TWICE.
Experiences leading up to the day had been extremely positive, thus I anticipated the session with enthusiasm, despite the instructor being different.
Prior to the class, I searched for TWICE's choreography video and casually reviewed the first chorus section while wrapping up work duties for the day. Within 10-15 minutes, I had learned the moves. This duration was consistent with my typical pace of learning, which is usually the reason behind my lack of interest in K-Pop cover classes: "Why go and pay when I am fully capable of learning myself, at home and faster?"
Nevertheless, I resolved to use the 90-minute class to practice and refine the moves, with the assistance of the instructor.
Giddily entering the studio in attire that mimicked the Fancy stage performances, I thought I had walked into the wrong room at first. The class was dressed in loose t-shirts and track pants, with a median age of 15 years. Despite the class being labelled as "Teens and Adults", the composition was primarily the former.
I had opted out of a fourth consecutive day, simply since the choreography was one that I had already learned weeks prior. After seeing one of the instructor's interpretation of the dance, I was glad to not have learned in that format. While the moves and tempo were correct, the amount of tension was not consistent with the original. Moreover, it did not appear that the students were able to grasp the sequence as in the other classes I attended.
After taking a break on Thursday evening, I continued the following day for a different K-Pop cover class: Fancy by TWICE.
Experiences leading up to the day had been extremely positive, thus I anticipated the session with enthusiasm, despite the instructor being different.
Prior to the class, I searched for TWICE's choreography video and casually reviewed the first chorus section while wrapping up work duties for the day. Within 10-15 minutes, I had learned the moves. This duration was consistent with my typical pace of learning, which is usually the reason behind my lack of interest in K-Pop cover classes: "Why go and pay when I am fully capable of learning myself, at home and faster?"
Nevertheless, I resolved to use the 90-minute class to practice and refine the moves, with the assistance of the instructor.
Giddily entering the studio in attire that mimicked the Fancy stage performances, I thought I had walked into the wrong room at first. The class was dressed in loose t-shirts and track pants, with a median age of 15 years. Despite the class being labelled as "Teens and Adults", the composition was primarily the former.
Mississauga Schedule - Oct 6-12, 2025
The warm-up sequence also had me puzzled. While somewhat consistent with that of other studios, the instructor did not engage the body parts that would be used in TWICE's choreography. I had no idea why she focused on body rolls in one direction instead of warming up the hands and wrists. In addition, she forgot to repeat the stretches on one side of the body.
It was when we began to learn the moves that things truly did not feel right. I raised my concern to the instructor: "Is this the correct direction?"
She replied in a nonchalant manner, "Sometimes I mirror the dance and sometimes I don't." Then she shrugged, unapologetically, and said we could "flip the video". I was absolutely shocked. Not only had she not bothered to fact check a choreography, she had no issues with teaching inaccuracies to a class and further tried to mask her lack of due diligence by "flipping the video". In that case, what is the point of left and right? Why bother learning a choreography that isn't the correct one anyway?
Learning the choreography correctly was simply the bare minimum for any instructor!
Technically, I gave her the benefit of the doubt at first: Perhaps she used a different member, or perhaps she was doing a different section of pre-chorus (unlikely, as most only teach the first chorus). But teaching a mirrored version of the chorus was unforgivable.
While I can understand there could be variances if we were learning an "interpretation" or the instructor's original choreography, a K-Pop cover dance is supposed to teach the original choreography - correctly.
Having watched the original dance video in advance, I noticed she also taught many of the hand gestures wrong. The height was wrong, the weight shift was wrong, the motion was wrong, the counts were wrong, and, most shockingly, the key hand gestures were wrong. Many critical points of the original choreography had been missed in their entirety, then replaced with whatever she deemed suitable.
The class had already been progressing at a snail-like pace. Instead of committing the inaccuracies to memory, I patiently waited until she suggested a water break. Then, as the rest of the participants neared the cubbies for their water bottle, I swiftly grabbed my belongings - boots included - and made my way to the door.
Needless to say, I had plenty to say about the occurrence. Furiously messaging a fellow dance enthusiast, she responded with "You just walked out?!"
"Well I waited for the water break to be polite, then I left."
It was when we began to learn the moves that things truly did not feel right. I raised my concern to the instructor: "Is this the correct direction?"
She replied in a nonchalant manner, "Sometimes I mirror the dance and sometimes I don't." Then she shrugged, unapologetically, and said we could "flip the video". I was absolutely shocked. Not only had she not bothered to fact check a choreography, she had no issues with teaching inaccuracies to a class and further tried to mask her lack of due diligence by "flipping the video". In that case, what is the point of left and right? Why bother learning a choreography that isn't the correct one anyway?
Learning the choreography correctly was simply the bare minimum for any instructor!
Technically, I gave her the benefit of the doubt at first: Perhaps she used a different member, or perhaps she was doing a different section of pre-chorus (unlikely, as most only teach the first chorus). But teaching a mirrored version of the chorus was unforgivable.
While I can understand there could be variances if we were learning an "interpretation" or the instructor's original choreography, a K-Pop cover dance is supposed to teach the original choreography - correctly.
Having watched the original dance video in advance, I noticed she also taught many of the hand gestures wrong. The height was wrong, the weight shift was wrong, the motion was wrong, the counts were wrong, and, most shockingly, the key hand gestures were wrong. Many critical points of the original choreography had been missed in their entirety, then replaced with whatever she deemed suitable.
The class had already been progressing at a snail-like pace. Instead of committing the inaccuracies to memory, I patiently waited until she suggested a water break. Then, as the rest of the participants neared the cubbies for their water bottle, I swiftly grabbed my belongings - boots included - and made my way to the door.
Needless to say, I had plenty to say about the occurrence. Furiously messaging a fellow dance enthusiast, she responded with "You just walked out?!"
"Well I waited for the water break to be polite, then I left."
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I continued learning the proper choreography from TWICE's dance practice video after returning home. This process spanned about thirty more minutes, as I had to conquer both the soles of grippy boots while fine-tuning the details. Ultimately, I still could use revisions for the hand gestures, however any attempt was already better than the mirrored version being taught.
Heading out for that class had been a waste of time. I've attended plenty of K-Pop dance classes in various studios, but have never been taught choreography in the opposite direction from the original and brimming with errors.
I wrote an email later that evening, voicing concerns over the class. About an hour later, I received a reply back. It acknowledged the issue at hand, promised to review the standard of instructors, and also offered a make-up class for the negative experience. I wasn't opposed to this in the slightest, for all the classes thus far with the other instructor had been nothing short of exemplary.
Heading out for that class had been a waste of time. I've attended plenty of K-Pop dance classes in various studios, but have never been taught choreography in the opposite direction from the original and brimming with errors.
I wrote an email later that evening, voicing concerns over the class. About an hour later, I received a reply back. It acknowledged the issue at hand, promised to review the standard of instructors, and also offered a make-up class for the negative experience. I wasn't opposed to this in the slightest, for all the classes thus far with the other instructor had been nothing short of exemplary.
5) Jazz Funk (Beginner)
The fifth class of the week was a Beginner Level Jazz Funk led by the studio director herself. Truthfully, it leaned closer to a Jazz Funk / Hip Hop hybrid, but remained true to the confident aura required of Jazz Funk pieces.
The class commenced with a fifteen-minute warm-up constituting a combination of dynamic stretches and moving the body in ways that incorporated the choreography for the day. Foundational moves were executed slow to start, then quickened to match the counts of the song playing. This approach was both familiar and appreciated. Many students were able to successfully execute the standalone move to beat, but later had difficulty incorporating the move into the choreography sequence.
Overall, the pace was far slower than desired. It was unbelievable that the class participants requested to go over the moves even more meticulously. Consequently, there was an atrocious amount of repetition for the same moves, which led to rapid depletion of stamina. After all, I had already hiked and obtained a shin injury from the rocky adventure.
We never fully finished learning the choreography, as the participants continually voiced concerns over the moves. In the end though, most had managed to get the moves down, despite not being able to introduce tension and dimension. Compared to the classes held between Monday and Wednesday, the direction focused more on the beats as opposed to "levels", intention, and adding a personal aura. Not to mention, the participants were seemingly less acquainted with dance in general.
While the instructor did her best to match the attendees, the constant repetition was far too draining for me. I didn't feel a need to repeat something I had already remembered over and over again. Quick to be out of breath, I was reminded to just "mark" the dance and reserve my energy for "full out" at the end.
Frankly, this is easier said that done, as too often do I underestimate my range of motion and miss a beat. Expanding my range and scaling back to accommodate the beat is far easier in comparison. Unfortunately, this also leads to expending energy faster.
To say that the Beginner Jazz Funk was a challenge would be a lie. I was dancing in my comfort zone, executing moves that were second nature to me. Most notably, I remained on two feet for the entire time! There were no spins, no floorwork, and not balance-heavy elements. It was an enjoyable class and undeniably fun choreo; my only regret was the lack of emphasis on aura and lyric (for crafting hand gestures).
While the instructor did her best to match the attendees, the constant repetition was far too draining for me. I didn't feel a need to repeat something I had already remembered over and over again. Quick to be out of breath, I was reminded to just "mark" the dance and reserve my energy for "full out" at the end.
Frankly, this is easier said that done, as too often do I underestimate my range of motion and miss a beat. Expanding my range and scaling back to accommodate the beat is far easier in comparison. Unfortunately, this also leads to expending energy faster.
To say that the Beginner Jazz Funk was a challenge would be a lie. I was dancing in my comfort zone, executing moves that were second nature to me. Most notably, I remained on two feet for the entire time! There were no spins, no floorwork, and not balance-heavy elements. It was an enjoyable class and undeniably fun choreo; my only regret was the lack of emphasis on aura and lyric (for crafting hand gestures).
As pricey as the short-lived undertaking was, I'd recommend the Weekly Unlimited option for those eager to build upon an existing dance foundation. While the difficulty level can range depending on the class, song, and instructor, attending at least one session is a fun, worthwhile experience. M Dance Studio is most definitely one of the better studios in the GTA, inclusive in their offerings of genres (for different age groups too!) and recognizing the importance of customer experience and student feedback.
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