WELCOME TO THE CANDY SHOP

Where the legs are straight, the feet are pointed

...AND THE FLAVOURS ARE ENDLESS

A one-stop shop for all of your 'appropriately inappropriate' dance needs. Where dance meets empowerment and self-expression, we're not just a dance company – we're a lifestyle.

The Candy Shop Dance is a movement dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences and helping individuals connect with their bodies, build confidence, tap into their sensual energy, and discover their unique flavours.

More than just a dance company

OUR VALUES

They’re as
sweet as candy

🍭 Empowerment: Be you, unapologetically fabulous.

🍭 Community: We're a diverse group of like-minded individuals coming together to share and support each other in our dance experiences.

🍭 Integrity: We operate with honesty, positivity, and care, staying true to our morals and values in everything we do.

🍭 Innovation: Why stick to the same old routine? Let's push boundaries and get creative!

🍭 Work Ethic: Put in the work, own your journey, and watch yourself shine.

OUR FOUNDERS

Lauren & Kaleela

Seasoned veterans in the Toronto dance scene, united through their shared passion for dance and their desire to create a community of endless flavours and possibilities.

What started as a successful collaborative workshop, to the song "Candy Shop" by 50 Cent, quickly evolved into a partnership dedicated to offering specialized workshops, programs, private lessons, special events and performances tailored to tantalize every taste bud.

Our journey has been sprinkled with memorable performances and collaborations. But our proudest moments? They come when we showcase the incredible talent of our students. We've produced several showcases called CANDYLAND, where our students take center stage, creating magical moments that leave lasting memories.

Meet the Candy Crew

Cheeky in more ways than one…

KALEELA

Kaleela is a professional dancer and dance educator based in Toronto, Canada. After booking her first job at 16, she has since worked professionally as a dancer for musical artists, commercials, television, festivals, theatre productions and more. With over 17 years of teaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion into the studio. Kaleela has her BFA in Dance Performance, is certified by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and is well versed in many styles including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, musical theatre, and hip hop. This training lead her to become a well rounded dancer and educator, and enables her to pull inspiration and technique from various genres. You never know what flavour you’re going to get!

LAUREN

Lauren Lyn is a seasoned dancer, choreographer, and instructor, holding certification from the Canadian Dancesport Federation and George Brown College. She has appeared on So You Think You Can Dance Canada and featured in productions on Netflix and Disney. Lauren has performed alongside top artists like Lady Gaga, Nick Jonas, Flo Rida, and Carly Rae Jepson. As an educator, she is committed to empowering her students to unlock their full potential. Whether teaching beginners or seasoned dancers, she infuses her classes with creativity, technique, and a supportive atmosphere, inspiring her students to push past their limits and embrace their every flavour.

JENN

Jenn Li joined The Candy Shop Dance as an assistant in 2019 after training under Lauren Lyn and Kaleela Maria in the styles of heels and jazz funk. Since then, Jenn has had the privilege to watch students step into their self-empowerment in an environment that allows for constant growth and community-building. Jenn feels inspired by, and comfort in, intentional movement and other forms of somatic expression. When Jenn is not dancing, you can find her engaging in advocacy work, community outreach/education, and practicing psychotherapy.

NICHOLA

Nichola has been a dancer her whole life and has no plans of stopping! She grew up training in a variety of styles like ballet, contemporary and jazz. She has trained with several teachers and companies in Toronto to hone her skills in heels, jazz funk and hip hop, including The Candy Shop. Being an assistant with The Candy Shop has been an amazing experience and watching the dancers embrace themselves through movement is her favourite part. She can’t wait to continue growing with the company!

MK...coming soon!

MOMO

MoMo, also known as Lil’MC MoMo, is a professional entertainer, artist, host & dance educator based in Toronto, with a career spanning over a decade long. He is The Candy Shop Dance’s resident Emcee and has hosted every season of Candyland to date. What he loves most about being involved with The Candy Shop Dance is being able to work closely with such role models and icons in the industry: Lauren Lyn & Kaleela Maria, and being able to witness how their vast expertise and knowledge brings together a community full of different flavours (recreational, pre-professional and professional dancers) in order to have fun and elevate in all aspects in and out of dance!