Dance Instructor
Chris Duarte brings a unique blend of passion, creativity, and expertise to the world of dance. With a background in multiple disciplines such as Hip Hop, Locking, Popping, House, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Tap, Chris has been dancing since the age of 9. His dedication to mastering these styles and his commitment to teaching the culture of Street Styles to younger generations make him an invaluable asset to the dance community.
Chris has been training with some of Toronto’s top choreographers and experts within funk styles; such as The Male Initiative, Footnotes, The Vibe, and OIP Company. He teaches competitive and recreational classes, with a focus on breaking, popping, locking and foundational grooves. Chris is a founding member of Canadian Hip Hop International winning team Funky Verse. The team went on to place 4th in the world in 2024 at World Hip Hop Championships in Phoenix, Arizona. He has been fortunate to perform for various artists such as Keisha Chante, Girlicious’s Chrystina Sayers, The Launch’s Jayd Ink and Andres Sierra and appeared in Rhianna’s Work music video. He has also had the honour of performing in pieces choreographed by respected artists such as Mark Samuel, Touch, Shavar Blackwood, Leon Blackwood, Scott Fordham, George Jones, Hollywood Jade, Gadfly, Chris Clarke, Alvin Collantes and Hayley Paone.
Chris’s unique contribution lies in his ability to inspire and nurture young dancers, helping them grow beyond just achieving high scores. His focus on characterization and the technical elements of Hip Hop, combined with his experience performing for various artists and in industry events in New York and Los Angeles, allows him to bring a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to his students. Chris’s passion for dance and his drive to share his expertise make him a standout figure in the dance world.