MWDA History
At McDonald-Wilson Dance Academy, our studio is more than just a place to dance—it's a vibrant community where passion, creativity, and growth come together. Designed to inspire and nurture dancers of all ages and skill levels, our studio provides a supportive environment with state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated team of instructors. Explore our space and discover the perfect place for your dance journey.
History
McDonald-Wilson Dance Academy (MWDA) has continually served the dance community in Calgary for over 50 years. It has been active in its original northwest location in the Brentwood community since it’s inception in 1971. MWDA was established by Shannon Bachynski (Wilson) A.R.A.D, R.T.S. and at the time, it was Shannon’s objective to share her passion and love of dance with her students.
After several years of running a very successful “competitive” studio, Shannon had a vision to create a “non-competitive” environment. This metamorphosis occurred through a couple of significant events that had her questioning the philosophy of dance competitions versus the ‘art of dance’. Though a tough business decision to make in a saturated dance studio market that stressed competitions, Shannon took a leap of faith and took the Academy and its students to a level of dance that embraced the art. In the early 1980’s, the Academy left behind the world of competitive dance and introduced a philosophy that emphasized the student and their ability to develop as and artist and individual. By accentuating a “non-competitive” philosophy within the Academy, it allowed for more focus on the individual value of each and every student, not just a chosen few. This contributed to radical change of values and the ultimate success of the Academy as a whole.
In 2008, Shana Eriksen (Bachynski), A.R.A.D., R.T.S. purchased the Academy from her mother, Shannon. Shana had lived the evolution that the studio had gone through to become “non-competitive” and applied the same philosophy and principles into her own teaching practice. Shana has continued to uphold, develop and maintain the Academy’s high standards within the arts community and with the same set of values and philosophy and desire to develop the best dancers and individuals with creativity and respect.
MWDA has firmly established itself as a studio that is a first-rate training institute that produces and fosters incredible dancers and people. The Academy has trained generations of dancers who garner praise, respect and awareness in the local and international dance communities.
Our History
McDonald-Wilson Dance Academy (MWDA) has proudly served the Calgary dance community for over 50 years. Established in 1971 by Shannon Bachynski (Wilson) A.R.A.D., R.T.S., the Academy began in the heart of the Brentwood community with a mission to share her passion for dance with her students.
Initially known for its competitive edge, MWDA underwent a significant transformation in the early 1980s. Inspired by a vision to shift focus from competition to artistry, Shannon redefined the Academy’s approach, fostering a “non-competitive” environment. This change emphasized each student’s personal growth and artistic development, allowing them to thrive individually and collectively.
In 2008, Shana Eriksen (Bachynski), A.R.A.D., R.T.S., took the reins from her mother. Having experienced and embraced the Academy’s evolution, Shana continued to uphold and enhance the values of creativity, respect, and personal growth. Under her leadership, MWDA has maintained its reputation for excellence and continued to inspire and develop exceptional dancers.
Today, McDonald-Wilson Dance Academy stands as a premier dance institution, known for nurturing generations of talented dancers who are recognized and respected both locally and internationally. Our commitment to artistic integrity and individual development remains at the core of everything we do.