Legal steps to open a dance academy in Canada

Eddy Ramirez
June 7, 2025

Owning a dance studio in Canada is a wonderful way to share knowledge and passion, as well as generate income for the household. Many immigrants want to start a business from their Latin roots, but they do not always know how to start and need guidance to lead them to success. In Canada, there are specific local laws and regulations for incorporating a new business, either at the federal or provincial level.

So today I will tell you what it takes to open a dance academy in Canada and how Immiland Law can guide you through each step. Read this blog to the end and start realizing your dream! Let's get started.

What does it take to open a dance academy?

In principle, it is important to have an adequate space for classes that meets certain conditions such as:

  • Be in a strategic location. Preferably in areas with high pedestrian traffic, near schools, universities or community centers. 
  • Have an adequate infrastructure, with special dance floors (such as floating wood or vinyl), mirrors on the walls and a quality sound system. 
  • Comply with safety and accessibility regulations established by the province.
  • Have qualified instructors with dance certifications. Depending on the type of dance, some instructors may need specific accreditations.
  • Experience in teaching both dance and pedagogy and group management.
  • Labour registration: comply with the regulations for hiring and payment of taxes in Canada.

Federal and/or provincial incorporation

Incorporating a company means creating a separate legal entity for a business. This process allows the company to function as a "legal entity" with legal rights and responsibilities, such as entering into contracts, owning property, and paying taxes. It also offers benefits such as personal liability protection, tax advantages and increased credibility.

In this blog, we focus on a dance academy, but any company in any other field that is incorporated into the Canadian legal system can operate safely and smoothly, as long as the process is carried out by legal advisors specialized in corporate law.

The federal incorporation allows to operate in all of Canada, while the provincial incorporation limits the activity to a specific region. To open a dance academy in Canada, it is necessary to comply with certain permits and regulations that vary according to the province and the area where the business is established. 

Here are the main requirements:

  • Trade name registration: at this stage, the availability of the name must be checked in NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search). 
  • Zoning permit: before opening a dance academy, it is important to verify that the location complies with the zoning regulations of the area where it will operate, as some may have restrictions for entertainment or educational businesses.
  • Business license: dance academies may require a specific license to operate, especially if they offer classes for children or if the business involves live music and performances.
  • Health and safety permit: the premises must comply with safety standards, including emergency exits. Fire extinguishers and fire-fighting measures. Accessibility for people with reduced mobility.
  • Liability insurance: since dancing involves physical activity, it is advisable to have liability insurance to protect against possible accidents to students or instructors.

Company incorporation legal services in Canada

From business incorporation to licensing and permitting, successfully registering and operating a dance academy in Canada requires specialized legal advice. This is where Immiland Law can help Latino entrepreneurs who are looking for culturally sensitive attention that is able to understand the aspirations of business growth in the new country and show them how to maintain the Latino essence of their business while complying with the necessary legal steps at every stage. 

Our team of lawyers can make the process of opening your business in a structured way, avoiding complications and ensuring the success of your venture. 

In addition, we offer bookkeeping and compliance services, handling of agreements and negotiations, due diligence process to assess the financial health of the company and much more.

Opening a dance academy in Canada is an excellent way to prosper economically and enrich the multiculturalism of this country. With a proper legal structure, you can build a solid and successful business.

Consult with our corporate incorporation experts to choose the option that best suits your requirements. You can schedule an incorporation consultation at Corporate Legal Counsel Canada | Specialized Legal Services - Immiland.

I hope you find this topic useful and are encouraged to investigate the first steps to safe and successful entrepreneurship in Canada. Do you want to know an inspiring story about entrepreneurship? Here you will find a very special one: She opened a dance company in Canada. Peruvian student becomes an entrepreneur.

Thank you very much for reading us, success in your business!

With love,

Immiland Law Professional Corporation