Stoney Brook Dance Company began as the Steinbach Dance Association in the 1980s, founded by a dedicated group of parents who created a non-profit board to bring dance education to the community. At the time, classes were taught by Wendy Bobby in the multipurpose room of the Steinbach Centennial Arena, offering Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. Most students attended one class per week, and while competitions and examinations were not yet part of the program, the year concluded with a single recital celebrating the students’ accomplishments.
In the 1990s, additional instructors joined the teaching staff as the studio transitioned to the Steinbach Arts Council. In 1999, Karla Coldwell joined the faculty while Chantale Lussier served as Artistic Director. During this period, Musical Theatre classes and Ballet examinations were introduced. In 2002 Karla guided the studio’s first group of dancers through Al Gilbert Tap examinations. Soon after, ADAPT Jazz and Tap examinations were also added to the program.
In 2004, Karla Coldwell became Artistic Director following Chantale’s departure. That same year, Amanda Dark began teaching at the studio and continued developing the Ballet examination program, also supporting the studio in the role of Ballet Director and then Co-Director during her years with Stoney Brook Dance Company.
A major milestone came in 2005 when the president of the parent board encouraged Karla to submit a proposal to purchase the business. Once accepted in 2006, the decision was made to move beyond the Arts Council and relocate to a new space in Clearspring Mall for the following season. The studio expanded to two classrooms, and during this time Hip Hop was introduced to the company’s programming.
After only one season in the mall, the studio had once again outgrown its space. In 2007, the company moved to a larger facility on Acres Drive, expanding to three studios. Around this time, competitive dance opportunities were introduced and offered to students by invitation.
When the lease ended in 2013, the decision was made to establish a permanent home for the growing dance community. The company relocated to its current location on Highway 12, where an airport hangar was transformed into a vibrant dance facility through countless hours of volunteer hard work and dedication. The new space featured four studios, a student lounge, and an in-house dancewear store.
In 2018, Miss Amanda brought in the acro program, which quickly grew to be one of the most popular styles of dance at the studio.
In 2026, the company began transitioning back to a non-profit organization operated by a parent board of directors. During this transition, Stephanie Martel was invited to step into the role of Artistic Director.
Over the years, Stoney Brook Dance Company has been fortunate to welcome many talented teachers, dedicated students, and supportive families through its doors. Today, the studio is proud to be a well-established part of the community, offering classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Acro, and Contemporary for dancers ages 2 through adult. Stoney Brook is also proud to be the only studio in Steinbach to offer Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Acro examinations, while providing students with opportunities to compete throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the United States.
While dance training has always remained at the heart of the studio, the company is equally committed to teaching life skills that extend far beyond the classroom — including discipline, teamwork, perseverance, confidence, and community. Above all, SBDC continues to foster an inclusive, family-oriented environment where every dancer is encouraged to grow both artistically and personally.
