A bit of history
Jane teaching the first pre-school class in 1986
Pegasus Dance and Art Centre was founded in 1986, by the mother and daughter team of Lynda Johnson and Jane Davis-Munro. Classes were first held in Lynda's basement and were primarily, what is now, the renowned Preschool Arts Program. As the centre grew, and more classes were added, Pegasus eventually needed more space and moved to a store front studio at Greenwood and Queen St. Jane taught Ballet, Jazz and Creative Movement upstairs and Lynda taught children and adult Art classes in the basement studio. Pegasus soon expanded again and started hiring teachers to grow the Jazz, Tap and Modern dance programs.
In 1992, due to lack of space, Pegasus moved to its present location behind Kimbourne Park U.C. at Coxwell and Danforth. The studio slowly took over more space and, from originally occupying only two rooms, now has four professional dance studios, an art studio, one fully equipped Pilates studio, music rooms, offices, change rooms, a small dance wear boutique and waiting rooms.
In 1996 Lynda retired from teaching at Pegasus. She continued her career as a painter until her passing in 2013. Lynda will always be a strong presence at Pegasus and her philosophies on teaching children will continue to inspire us to offer the best classes we can.
Jane continues as Director of the school, which is no small task these days. Pegasus Studios is now one of the largest dance schools in East Toronto. With a full schedule of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Hip Hop, Music and Art classes running every week, Pegasus has earned its reputation for quality arts education without losing its community and family feel. Jane prides herself on making dance a positive experience for all children and to ensure that all of her teachers share her philosophy of providing an atmosphere where children can explore, create, express and develop their inborn creative spirit through the arts.
In 1992, due to lack of space, Pegasus moved to its present location behind Kimbourne Park U.C. at Coxwell and Danforth. The studio slowly took over more space and, from originally occupying only two rooms, now has four professional dance studios, an art studio, one fully equipped Pilates studio, music rooms, offices, change rooms, a small dance wear boutique and waiting rooms.
In 1996 Lynda retired from teaching at Pegasus. She continued her career as a painter until her passing in 2013. Lynda will always be a strong presence at Pegasus and her philosophies on teaching children will continue to inspire us to offer the best classes we can.
Jane continues as Director of the school, which is no small task these days. Pegasus Studios is now one of the largest dance schools in East Toronto. With a full schedule of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Hip Hop, Music and Art classes running every week, Pegasus has earned its reputation for quality arts education without losing its community and family feel. Jane prides herself on making dance a positive experience for all children and to ensure that all of her teachers share her philosophy of providing an atmosphere where children can explore, create, express and develop their inborn creative spirit through the arts.
At Pegasus Dance Studios we are committed to the following goals in order to create an "A.C.E." studio:
- Attract - We strive to attract like minded people to be a part of our community. Whether this be amazing faculty, enthusiastic students, caring parents, inspiring mentors or supportive community partners. We are always looking for people and situations that share our values and can help us provide a happy place for kids to grow up.
- Connect - Building meaningful relationships and providing a supportive, nurturing place for children to grow up in is at the core of WHY we do what we do.
- Empower - At the end of the class, the year, or their time at Pegasus, our primary goal is to have students leave feeling empowered. We teach dance, but what we really teach is confidence, joy, expression, creative thinking, respect, team work and much more. We believe that at the heart of everything we do, empowering students to be themselves and share their gifts with others is the most important lesson we can teach.
In memory of Lynda Johnson
Co-Founder of Pegasus Studios & Art Teacher
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Born and raised in Toronto, Lynda was first inspired to pursue visual arts during World War II. A fellow driver in the Canadian Women's Army Corps introduced her to drawing and painting and planted the seed of a lifelong passion. Many years and four children later, Lynda registered as a part time student at the Ontario Collage of Art (now OCAD) the same day that she secured a job working at the art supply store Mixed Media, thus beginning her official career as an artist. Once graduating from OCA, Lynda began teaching adults in her basement. In 1986 Lynda, and her daughter Jane, founded Pegasus Dance and Art Centre. As Pegasus grew, Lynda continued to teach her art classes for adults and children, while building the repertoire for the Exploring Art classes.
In the late nineties Lynda Johnson retired from teaching. She continued her career as a painter and was best known for her still life’s and landscapes. |
Pegasus in the community
 At East Lynn Farmer's Market
Pegasus Studios was built in the East Toronto community and we have flourished due to the immense support the community has given to us. We particularly are indebted to Kimbourne Park United Church, Innstead Co-operative Inc and the Danforth East Community Association. We are continually grateful for this neighbourhood and are dedicated to contribute and give back in as many ways as we can. Please contact us if we can participate in your community event!
Below are some schools and organizations we are proud to have supported: R.H. McGregor, Earl Beatty, Earl Haig, William Burgess, East End Children's Centre, Red Door Shelter, Sheena's Place, Toronto East General Hospital, Robin Rocks On, Liam's Light, DECA, East End Arts Organization, East Lynn Farmer's Market. |
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