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Une professeure dirige deux jeunes danseuses dans un cours de ballet
A large crowd gathered for Sharing Dance Day.
Students perform in Arise.
Five dancers jumping in unison.

Canada's National Ballet School | NBS

Dance Beyond Your Dreams

Dance Beyond Your Dreams

Take the next step in your dance journey.

Audition for NBS
Dance is for everyone!

Dance is for everyone!

Bring joy, creativity and wellbeing to your life through programs for all ages and abilities

Explore Dance
About Us

About Us

At Canada's National Ballet School (NBS), programming excellence, access and inclusion fuel our belief in sharing the transformative power of dance to change lives for the better.


This is what drives our commitment to making dance a part of all Canadians’ lives—from the Olympic-calibre dancer training for a professional ballet career on the world stage to the young child or older adult who may be embracing the joy of dance for the first time.

Learn More
Register for an audition

Register for an audition

Take the leap and audition for our Professional Ballet-Academic Program!


Annual auditions take place in-person and through video submission for dancers across Canada and worldwide.

 

Auditions for the 2026/27 school year are now open. Email registrar@nbs-enb.ca with any auditions-related questions you may have. 

 

Register for an audition here.

Spring Showcase 2026

Spring Showcase 2026

Setting the Stage: Spotlight on Artists in Training, May 20-23


 

Get a glimpse into the artistry and extraordinary talent of Canada's National Ballet School's Professional Ballet Program Students at our annual Spring Showcase!

 

Tickets are limited! Secure yours today.

 

Secure your Tickets

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Learn more about the Young Dancers Program

Cultivating talent, passion, and a life-long love for ballet and dance!

Learn more
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Explore Professional Development

Enrich your dance teaching education and expand your skills!

Learn more
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Discover Educator Resources

Engage your classroom with free online creative movement resources, courses, and pop-up webinars developed by world-renowned dance experts!

Learn more

Eamon, Student

"From the moment I first arrived at NBS, I knew that these were the people I wanted to spend the rest of my dance journey with."

marley-dancer

Marley, Professional Ballet-Academic Program

What I really like about dancing is the feeling through my body, feeling the freedom, really moving to the music, and interpreting how I feel.

Fu-Arnold-Family

The Fu Arnold Family, NBS dancers

Meet Sidney, Ruben, Jonah, Angela, and Yu Rong–a family spanning three generations, with dance and NBS at its heart. They dance in different ways, but together they are discovering how dance builds connection and appreciation for each other.

gwen-participan

Gwen, Dancer Not Dementia project participant

I really love it. I can't say it any other way. When I'm dancing and doing things like that, I'm very happy.

Rachel Karker, Alumni and Olympian

Rachael Karker, YDP Alumni and Olympian

I would definitely recommend dance. I think it’s such a fun sport to start out in and to continue in as well. Dance is so much fun, and you learn so many skills. I think it’s a great way to get exercising or to just try something new.

Young-Dancer-Program-Intensive-Ballet

Ben, Professional Ballet-Academic Program graduate

Dance has taught me what it means to have a passion in life. With the help of my mother and my hometown ballet teacher, I made the decision to audition. Once I got to NBS, it really felt like home and I knew that this is where I needed to go to further my training.

Juan Pablo

Juan Pablo, Adult Ballet Student

Since I was a kid, I always dreamt of being a dancer…I’ve been taking classes at Canada’s National Ballet School for almost two years now. I’m so glad I found the program and fulfilled the dream.

Take a Virtual Tour of NBS

Take a Virtual Tour of NBS

Get to know our state-of-the-art campus in Toronto's vibrant downtown core.


Our expansive campus serves dancers from the professional ballet programs, recreational dance programs and community dance programs alike. It’s also the site of content and resource creation that gets shared with even more dancers across Canada.

 

See more of NBS here!

Upcoming Events

Spring Showcase 2026

20 May

2026

Spring Showcase 2026

May 20-May 23, 2026. Tickets now available!

Intensive Ballet Auditions

24 May

2026

Intensive Ballet Auditions

Explore your potential and achieve your ballet goals in our part-time Young Dancers Program Intensive Ballet stream!

NBS Block Party

30 May

2026

NBS Block Party

An extraordinary open-door celebration of dance, community, and inclusivity that attracts thousands of attendees.

LEAD National Summit

04 Aug

2026

LEAD National Summit

August 4-9, 2026

Our Stories

Professional Ballet students perform ESHI at Spring Showcase.

April 14, 2026

Lighting designer Simon Rossiter makes every dancer shine

February 12, 2026

The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine speaks at NBS

February 11, 2026

Discover Olympian Rachael Karker's relationship with dance

February 06, 2026

In Memory of Nadia Potts (1948–2026)

Read All News
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Wishing everyone a happy #tututuesday! 📸 Giselle, Spring Showcase 2012
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We are reflecting on the recent Ballet Forward Summit that served as the conclusion to this inspiring two year project. Ballet Forward gathered youth from across Canada to address equity, reconciliation and anti-Black racism in ballet’s practices and take action towards systemic change. We are incredibly grateful to the Youth Assembly Members as well as the Artistic and Executive Directors of our partner schools for an inspirational Summit marking the culmination of this project. This is not the end of Ballet Forward's work, as we commit to continue to make ballet and its practices more equitable and inclusive for all. Ballet Forward was made possible with funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage’s (DCH) Youth Take Charge program. ---- Nous menons actuellement une réflexion sur le récent Sommet de L’évolution du ballet qui a permis de conclure ce projet inspirant de deux ans. L’initiative L’évolution du ballet a permis de rassembler des jeunes de partout au Canada qui ont ainsi eu l’occasion d’aborder les questions de l’équité, de la réconciliation et du racisme dirigé contre les Noirs·es dans les pratiques du ballet et de prendre des mesures en vue d’un changement systémique. Nous exprimons notre profonde reconnaissance aux membres de l’Assemblée des jeunes ainsi qu’aux directeurs·trices artistiques et administratifs·ves de nos écoles partenaires d’avoir fait de ce sommet un événement inspirant qui marque le point culminant de ce projet. Le travail n'est pas terminé pour L’évolution du ballet : nous nous engageons à renforcer l’équité et l’inclusivité au sein du monde du ballet et de ses pratiques pour tout le monde. L’évolution du ballet a été rendu possible grâce au financement du programme Les jeunes s’engagent du ministère du Patrimoine canadien (MPC).
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Audition for the Intensive Ballet stream of our Young Dancers Program (YDP) on May 24, 2026! With classes in the evenings and on the weekend, the Intensive Ballet stream offers structured part-time training where dancers can refine their technique and artistry with the support of NBS' renowned educators. Register to audition at 400 Jarvis St., Toronto, ON on May 24 by clicking the link in our bio.
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Experience the artistry and extraordinary talent of the next generation of dance artists at our annual Spring Showcase from May 20-23! This year, our Spring Showcase brings ballet’s richness to life featuring works by renowned choreographers including John Alleyne, Peggy Baker, George Balanchine, and a new work by Silas Farley. Tickets are limited. Visit the link in our bio to secure your tickets today!
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See you May 30 for our free NBS Block Party! This beloved festival-style event returns for its fifth year with dance and fun activities for all ages! Experience live performances and free dance classes in a variety of dance forms, get an insider look at rehearsals with our Professional Ballet Program students, enjoy face painting, food, music and more! Celebrate the power of dance with your family and friends and let us know you're coming by RSVPing at the link in our bio!
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Soaking in the joy of springtime. 📸 Haieff Divertimento, Spring Showcase 2025. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
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On April 30, NBS Gala: Kaleidoscope brought together hundreds of dance lovers and supporters to make a transformative impact for the future of dance. With the support of our community, we surpassed our fundraising goal, advancing our commitment to ensure that every talented young dancer with the ambition and drive to succeed at NBS can do so, regardless of financial means. Thank you to all the guests that attended, and an extra special thank you to our Gala Committee and all of the sponsors and supporters who made this night possible. Visit the link in our bio for a full list of Committee Members, sponsors, and supporters. 📸 George Pimentel Photography
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For dancers with diverse physical, cognitive, and developmental needs, experience a summer of dance in our Adaptive Dance Program (ADP)July Programming! From July 27-30, 2026, dancers ages 3 and up can choose the camp experience that best suits them. Summer Programming streams include: the Discovery Days Series, Creative Dance Camp, and the Adaptive Leaders in Training Camp. Learn more about ADP Summer Programming and register at the link in our bio. 📸 by Celeste Cole
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Don't wait! Applications for the 2026 LEAD National Summit close on May 10! Taking place August 4-6 2026 in Toronto, the LEAD (Leadership, Empowerment, Action, Dance) National Summit is a unique leadership and development opportunity for people who identify as women and nonbinary+ ages 16-25. Using dance as a foundation, participants will explore questions of equity, belonging, and social justice, supporting them in taking on leadership roles now and into the future. Apply at the link in our bio. N'hésitez pas de soumettre votre candidature! La date limite pour les demandes pour le sommet national LEAD de 2026 est le 10 mai! Pendant le 4 au 9 août 2026 à Toronto, le somment National LEAD (Leadership, Émancipation, Action, Danse) est une occasion unique pour developper le leadership pour des personnes âgées de 16 à 25 ans qui s'identifient comme femmes ou personnes non-binaires+. En appuyant sur la danse, les participants vont explorer les questions d’équité, d’appartenance et de justice sociale, en les aidant à assumer des rôles de leadership, maintenant et à l’avenir.
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The 2026 NBS Gala: Kaleidoscope is tonight! We have limited Party tickets remaining! Secure yours at the link in our bio for this not-to-be-missed event in support of Canada's National Ballet School. Online ticket sales end at 12pm today. Unable to attend but want to follow along with the celebration? Stay tuned to our stories this evening to experience a bold vision for the future of ballet. #nbsgala
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Happy International Dance Day! Across our programs, Canada's National Ballet School is proud to share the life-changing power and joy of dance every day. 📸 by Karolina Kuras, Arthur Mola, Johan Persson, Celeste Cole, Bruce Zinger #internationaldanceday #sharingdance
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"I just love the freedom of emotion that you get when you're dancing, and the different way of communicating. When I dance, I feel so happy." -Ocean, Grade 12 Professional Ballet-Academic Program Student "The main reason why I fell in love with ballet was because I could really be myself. Just be free and express everything that I was feeling in the moment. Dancing has always been a part of me." -Carlos, Grade 9 Professional Ballet-Academic Program Student This International Dance Day, join us in celebrating the inspiring next generation of artists, as they follow their dreams and chart a vibrant future for ballet and dance. With a gift of any amount, you help ensure that every talented young dancer with the ambition and drive to succeed at Canada’s National Ballet School can do so, regardless of financial means. Make a donation at the link in our bio. Your generosity will help students reach toward the futures they’ve been working for, step by step.
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Happy #tututuesday! Here's a window into our Professional Ballet Program students' training. 📸 by Karolina Kuras
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Let the party begin! See you at the 2026 NBS Gala: Kaleidoscope on April 30 for an evening celebrating the vibrant future of ballet! In support of student financial assistance at Canada's National Ballet School, the purchase of a Gala Party Ticket offers you a colourful night of festivities and dance, featuring a performance by Professional Ballet Program students of all ages, followed by a live DJ dance party with beverages and sweet and savoury bites. Don't miss the party and the opportunity to help shape a bold vision of ballet that reflects the world looking through it: diverse, vibrant, and radiant with possibility! Secure your ticket at the link in our bio.
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Do you dream of dancing on the world stage and taking your training to the next level? Canada's National Ballet School is accepting video auditions for our internationally-recognized Professional Ballet Program! As a student in our Professional Ballet Program, you can expect daily dance training from renowned artistic staff and guest teachers, interwoven with academic studies to prepare you for a world of possibilities. Submit your video audition at the link in our bio and join the next generation of dance artists.
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#ThrowbackThursday to a few highlights from our previous NBS Block Parties! Join us on May 30 for this year's Block Party for a day of dance, community, and festivities. Free for all to attend! Learn more at our link in bio. Photos by Celeste Cole.
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Join Adrianna, a student in the Teacher Training Program (TTP) at Canada's National Ballet School for a day in her life! Teacher Training Program students experience a range of classes and gain invaluable practical experience, honing their teaching skills through hands-on learning opportunities. For more than forty years, our TTP has prepared world-class dance educators who hold positions in the dance field around the world. Begin your dance educator journey and submit a video audition by April 27 at the link in our bio!
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Join us this weekend, on April 26, to audition for the Intensive Ballet stream of our Young Dancers Program! Explore your potential and achieve your ballet goals with structured training on evenings and weekends, with performance opportunities to showcase your growth. Learn more and register at the link in our bio.
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At NBS, world-class educators and passionate dancers put in hundreds of hours of thought and care into their time in the studio. Moments like these are what make up the ballet journey! 📸 by Bruce Zinger
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Begin the next chapter in your dance educator journey in NBS' renowned Teacher Training Program (TTP)! Build your skills and knowledge in this full-time post-secondary program as you prepare to inspire the next generation of dancers. As a global leader in dance education, the TTP develops empowered educators whose expertise is in demand across Canada and around the world. Register to audition through video at the link in our bio. Auditions close April 27.
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Auditions for our part-time Young Dancers Program: Intensive Ballet stream are taking place April 26 and May 24, 2026! The Intensive Ballet stream is designed for dancers seeking structured training from renowned educators, more training hours to develop their artistry and technique, and performance opportunities to showcase their achievements, with classes on evenings and weekends. Learn more and register to audition at the link in our bio.
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For a special #ThrowbackThursday we are highlighting some fun memories from Galas past! Do you want to join in the fun this year? Purchase your Party Tickets for the 2026 NBS Gala: Kaleidoscope on April 30! Every ticket goes to support student financial assistance, ensuring talented young dancers with the ambition and drive to pursue their craft at the highest degree can thrive, regardless of financial means. With a cocktail reception, a special NBS student performance, exciting live entertainment, and sweet and savoury bites all night long, the Kaleidoscope Party Experience is a not-to-be-missed event! Purchase your ticket at https://www.nbs-enb.ca/new-now/nbs-gala/#section7126
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Save the date for our fifth annual Block Party on May 30, 2026 and celebrate the power of dance and community with us! From free dance workshops and pop-up performances to behind-the-scenes rehearsals and festival games, NBS Block Party invites you to connect with your inner dancer. Learn more and RSVP at the link in bio.
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Experience a party like no other at NBS Gala: Kaleidoscope on April 30! Proceeds from each ticket will go towards supporting the future of dance by ensuring that every talented young dancer with the ambition and drive to succeed at Canada’s National Ballet School can do so, regardless of financial means. We offer a range of party ticket options and Box and Mezz Seat tickets are eligible for a partial tax receipt. For all the details visit our link in bio.

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