At 236 Dundas St., nestled between two unassuming shopfronts on the bustling downtown strip, lies a painted symbol. A symbol that serves as a beacon—one of unity and rhythm: the ONE Dance Centre’s logo, leading you to a narrow glass door. Half-covered by a poster, the door hints at something hidden, an invitation to discover a secret. To most, it blends seamlessly into the everyday rhythm of London. But for those who know, it’s a portal to a place unlike any other—a place where strangers become family and everyone finds a space to belong.

Climbing the narrow staircase, you feel anticipation in the air. Each step brings you closer to laughter and music from above. At the top, an open door leads you into a cozy studio where LED lights cast a warm glow over wood floors and mirrors.

People of all backgrounds—novices and veterans alike—come together here, stretching, chatting and sharing stories. It’s more than a studio for them; it’s a sanctuary, a home away from home. A mosaic—a patchwork of generations, races, beliefs, and dreams stitched together by movement, respect and a sense of community exuding safety.

At the centre of it all is a calm and steady figure—a man named Mike Kayla. His presence, a quiet anchor marked by confidence, gathers everyone close. “Alright, everyone,” he says, “I’ve got a few updates to share.” Gathered in a circle, the group discusses the latest news before their weekly Adult Training Team (ATT) practice. Sharing glances, smiles and laughs, they are reminded once more of the magic of their community in this hidden studio—a place for anyone and everyone willing to step through that narrow glass door.

This special place, defined by its strong sense of community, however, isn’t just happenstance; its foundation of character, respect and support reflect Mike’s deliberate efforts, shaped by his personal journey.

Born in Windsor, his first dance steps were shaped by the rhythm flowing across the river from Detroit. “Growing up, there was a lot of crip walking because Windsor is right across from Detroit,” he recalls, referencing the street dance that echoed through the hip-hop scene. These impromptu dance sessions with his cousin and friends, combined with YouTube dance videos, sparked an unexpected passion that would become the centre of his life.

His first formal dance class in Toronto, however, was anything but casual. He says the experience was intimidating at first, recalling the nearly professional dancers who filled the room. However, it pushed him to adapt quickly and recognize that this side of dance demanded discipline and resilience. He attended more classes, joined a competitive dance team and found himself immersed in an environment where dancing wasn’t just movement—it was camaraderie, connection and joy. “Working on a team is when it became like, ‘Oh, this is fun. I want to be more serious about it,’” he reflects. It was within this team that he first felt the deeper pull of dance, shaped by the collective spirit of those around him, reminiscent of the joy he once felt dancing with his friends and cousin.

When Mike moved to London, Ontario, in 2008, he noticed that opportunities for hip-hop dance were scarce, often limited to competitive studios, formal settings, or places that didn’t capture the true essence of hip-hop. Wanting to continue dancing, he rented a small space to host drop-in sessions with friends. “Being an owner kind of happened by accident,” he says. What began as casual gatherings soon gained momentum. Four years later, ONE Dance Centre was born—an inclusive space shaped by Mike’s personal journey and a desire to offer accessible dance opportunities for all.

Over time, as the studio evolved, it increasingly mirrored Mike’s sense of community and family. Growing up without much family around, he understood the importance of creating a sense of belonging for those who might lack it elsewhere.

“Community, family—that’s how I relate to it,” he says. “Growing up, I was pretty much by myself. I still don’t have family around except the dancers that come here. So that, to me, is family.” While the studio is a business, its focus has always been to become a home. A place where dancers of all backgrounds could find not only a space to dance but a community that would support them, just as dance had supported him through the years.

Yuna Sung, a choreographer at ONE Dance Centre, is a testament to Mike’s unwavering commitment to fostering an encouraging and supportive community. When she first stepped into the studio, she doubted her ability to be a dancer, let alone join the Adult Training Team (ATT) team. “I told him I had no dance experience and probably shouldn’t be on a team,” she recalls. But Mike’s belief in her was steadfast. “He said, ‘Nah, do it. Come to auditions; it’ll be fun,’” she recounts. This encouragement not only helped Yuna grow as a dancer but also paved the way for her to step into the role of choreographer just a few months after joining the studio. “He believed in me enough to let me step into a role I never imagined for myself. Even though I was new, he trusted me to become a choreographer,” she says.

The impact of Mike’s dedication reaches far beyond Yuna and the dancers who currently call ONE Dance Centre their home—it resonates with those who have moved on to new opportunities as well. Yuna has observed that Mike’s influence leaves a lasting impression, shaping an experience that dancers carry with them long after they leave.

“When dancers move on, they often talk about missing the sense of community here,” she shares. Dancers often describe it as a hidden sanctuary behind that narrow glass door — more than just a studio. It is a rare and profound haven of belonging and support that stays with them, a feeling difficult to find in other dance spaces.

Mike’s commitment to community is evident in every decision he makes for ONE Dance Centre. From keeping the studio open on Thanksgiving to offer a space for those without family nearby to celebrate with their dance family, to refusing to raise prices since he first opened, Mike embodies a rare dedication to putting people over profit. “Mike isn’t driven by just running a business; he’s driven by supporting the community,’ Yuna notes. ’If he were more business-focused, there would be more changes, like raising prices. But he thinks about the dancers and the sense of belonging first.”

As you step out of ONE Dance Centre and descend the narrow staircase to Dundas Street, you carry more than just newfound dance steps—you carry the sense of belonging and community that Mike Kayla has so carefully cultivated. His unwavering commitment has transformed what could have been just another studio into a home. The ordinary glass door is, in truth, a portal to a world brimming with stories, dreams and the collective spirit of those who enter. From the laughter and encouragement shared within, ONE Dance Centre stands as a testament to Mike’s vision: a place where strangers become family and everyone finds a space to belong.