Double Vision
by Deirdre Kelly
photography by Horst Herget
Marnie and Rena Schwartz are a force to be reckoned with. The identical twins, who both earned double degrees (BA ’01, BEd ’01) from York University, have spent more than two decades transforming the Greater Toronto Area’s dance scene through their ViBE Dance and Fitness Studio.
Founded in 2002, ViBE is no ordinary dance school. From its inception, the Schwartz sisters envisioned a space where creativity trumped competition – a sprawling 12,000-square-foot studio in Vaughan where students of all ages could focus on self-expression rather than scorecards or trophies. “We wanted to create a place where everyone felt welcome,” says Marnie, who oversees the business side of operations. “It’s about joy, not judgment.”
That vision has resonated with thousands of students over the years. ViBE’s inclusive approach treats every dancer equally – whether they’re three years old, or an adult – and emphasizes fun over pressure. “We believe in building confidence through movement,” adds Rena, who leads the artistic side of their business.
Education has always been central to their lives. Their mother, Susan Schwartz (BA ’80), is an accomplished educator and author of teaching manuals used at York and beyond. Growing up surrounded by her passion for learning and teaching left a lasting impression on Marnie and Rena, who credit their own time at the University for shaping their approach to leadership and innovative thinking. “York taught us how to manage our time and think creatively. It really ignited our passion for lifelong learning.”
This foundation proved essential as they entered the fast-paced world of professional dance. From 1999 to 2001, Marnie and Rena were members of the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak, performing under arena lights during NBA games. Their time with the high-energy dance team helped them hone their skills and gain valuable experience, which later led to performances at the YTV Achievement Awards with the Backstreet Boys, and as dancers at one of Neil Young’s concerts. Those opportunities gave them a taste of large-scale productions – and planted the seeds for what would become ViBE’s signature style: dynamic, performance-driven movement that celebrates individuality.
York taught us how to manage our time and think creatively. It really ignited our passion for lifelong learning.
Their connection to the Raptors has endured. In 2015, they were invited back for an Alumni Dance Pak performance during the team’s 20th-anniversary celebrations with Drake. Earlier this year, they returned to mark another milestone: the Raptors’ 30th season in the NBA – a full-circle moment that reflects how deeply intertwined their lives have always been.
That synchronicity is unmistakable. Marnie and Rena often dress alike, a habit that extends to their matching cars, each with personalized licence plates reading “TWWINZZ” and “TWWINZ.” It’s not just a nod to their twin-hood, but a reflection of the seamless partnership that has defined both their personal and professional lives.
Dance remains at the heart of their work. During lockdowns, they launched online classes to keep their community connected and even invented a product – the Cartwhirler mat – to help kids perfect their cartwheels safely at home. They’ve also co-authored Empower Your ViBE: Igniting Your Passion, Purpose and Brand to Unleash Your Unstoppable Best Self, a self-help book offering practical advice on leadership and personal growth.
This April, their entrepreneurial spirit will be recognized at a Toronto gala where they’ll receive the prestigious Israel Cancer Research Fund Business Award – an honour that reflects not just their success as business owners, but also their commitment to inspiring others.
“We strive to live in the present and build our future,” they say in unison in their book. “We look for and find inspiration all around us. We recommend you do the same.” ■
