About

About Defy Gravity Dance

See your dancer twirl with delight, gaining confidence and a lifelong passion for dance! At Defy Gravity, your child will build strength, dance skill, artistry through creativity and authentic performance, boosting self esteem and promoting a solid work ethic that your dancer will apply to every aspect of their life. Dancers are lifelong learners and artists! Give them the gift of exceptional training in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern, Acro, Tap, Hip Hop and Breakdance for dancers 3 yrs - adult, Recreational - Professional level, including opportunities for Competitive dancing and Cecchetti Ballet Examinations.

Why choose DG?

Your dancer is treated with respect from the moment you decide to join our dance family through clear communication, streamlined enrolment and dress code, dedicated and passionate teachers who strive to connect with each student to bring out their potential in dance and in life, focus on positive encouragement through

We are a community minded studio, with a group of dancers on our DG guiDance Team who performing locally to help raise awareness for the Canadian Cancer Society. To date, they have performed at 9 annual events and have raised over $40,000. Our studio family has sponsored the education of several students in Uganda and have donated over 120 shoeboxes for local families in need through the Shoebox Project! Join a studio that treats your dancer like one of the family, building them up from the inside to be confident and accomplished performers and the leaders of tomorrow! #dgdancefamily

Our Story: Confidence in Every Step, Excellence in Every Dancer

Since opening our doors in 2007, Defy Gravity Dance Company has been more than just a Richmond dance studio—it’s been a place where young dancers learn to believe in themselves, grow through challenges, and rise with purpose. Founded by Miss Rishell, Defy Gravity was built on the vision of blending age-appropriate dance training with life-skills development, artistic expression, and leadership mentorship. From day one, our mission has been clear: build confidence. inspire excellence.

2007–2010: A Dream Takes Root

In our very first space, dancers began discovering their love of movement while building friendships, resilience, and self-esteem. Our signature mentorship initiative, the DG guiDance Team, was launched early on—offering students unique opportunities in community leadership, fundraising, and peer mentoring that still set us apart today.

2010: Growing Into Our Home

After just three exciting years, we expanded to our current state-of-the-art facility featuring three air-conditioned studios, a welcoming change room, and an on-site dancewear store—designed to serve our growing DG Dance Family with efficiency and ease - a one-stop shop with dress code/uniform items fitted by our team and charged to your account.

2016: Going Green, Staying Connected

In alignment with our commitment to sustainability and innovation, Defy Gravity became a paperless studio—moving registration, communication, and purchases entirely online. We proudly support a more connected and eco-conscious dance community.

2017–2018: A Bold Expansion

We took a leap to expand into South Surrey in 2017, opening a second location. While the experiment was rich with learning, Miss Rishell made the intentional decision in 2018 to refocus on Richmond—ensuring our flagship studio remained rooted in quality, community, and care. Many dedicated families from South Surrey continued their journey with us in Richmond, graduating from our esteemed Professional Division.

2019: A Space That Feels Like Home

We redesigned our lobby and common spaces to better reflect the warmth and energy of our studio culture. Now, families can enjoy a tea or dinner break in our cozy kitchen, recharge at our water bottle filling station, and connect in a screen-free environment that promotes conversation and community. (Yes, there’s Wi-Fi when needed!)

2020–2021: Resilience in Motion

When the world changed, so did we. DG was proud to lead the way in pivoting to online dance classes, and quickly became the first studio in Canada to host a Safe-Distance Outdoor Recital right in our parking lot. From virtual learning platforms to cohort-based training, mask-friendly costuming to medical-grade air sanitation, we rose to every challenge—and taught our dancers that the show can go on, no matter what.

In June 2021, we made history again by hosting Canada’s first in-person dance recital post-pandemic—proving that when we move together, we move forward.

2022–Present: Reimagining What’s Possible

As the world reopened, so did our possibilities. We expanded our Competitive Dance Program to include new Pre-Competitive teams that meet dancers where they are—emotionally, technically, and logistically.

In 2024, we celebrated our 18th season with our first-ever Disney dance tour, bringing the magic of DG to the Happiest Place on Earth!

What’s Next?

For the 2025–2026 season, we’ve restructured our Professional and Competitive Divisions to offer more flexible training pathways, including a Ballet-only program (includes Cecchetti Ballet Exams and Group Competition). From LAUNCH, our foundational program, to CELESTIAL, our highest level of training, we’ve created a development journey that empowers dancers to ACCELERATE, SOAR and ASCEND to their full potential. Don’t forget our wildly popular competitive Hip Hop team, ZERO GRAVITY—where energy, style, and team spirit collide.

Season 19 is just beginning—and your dancer’s story could be part of it. Whether they’re stepping into their first dance class or dreaming of a professional stage, Defy Gravity Dance Co is where confidence begins and excellence takes flight