Introducing the new young dancers program

The Young Dancers Program at Canada’s National Ballet School offers part-time ballet and dance programs for children and youth, ages 5-17, in the Greater Toronto Area. 

Introducing the new Young Dancers Program—an evolution and growth of the School’s part-time dance programs for children and youth (formerly known as the Associates Program)—that now provides a wider spectrum of opportunities to dance, so that every young person feels a true sense of belonging at NBS.

Two streams of programming–Intensive Ballet and Open Dance–allow students to choose the pathway that best suits them. Sharing the life-changing impact of dance, the Young Dancers Program offers a warm, supportive environment, providing opportunities to create lasting foundations for physical and artistic engagement and social and emotional development using a holistic innovative curriculum created by expert NBS teachers. 

The Young Dancers Program offers:

  • After school and weekend classes from mid-September to early June for dancers ages 5-17
  • Summer programming options are also available
  • Opportunities to explore a range of dance forms including ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop and more
  • Exceptional facilities at Canada’s National Ballet School’s campus in Toronto
  • High-calibre dance educators
  • Beautiful live accompaniment for all ballet classes
  • Curriculum founded on the same principles of NBS’ internationally recognized Professional Ballet-Academic Program


Choose Your Pathway:

In the Young Dancers Program, all students will have the opportunity to explore their passion and potential in a warm and supportive environment. Dancers can move between streams, based on their developing goals and interests.

Open Dance stream

This stream of programming offers flexibility for young dancers ages 5-17, both in time commitment and genres of dance offered. With emphasis on freely exploring a love for dance, students can customize their schedules to suit their interests and desired time commitment. No audition is required for entry to the Open Dance stream.

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Intensive Ballet stream

This stream of programming is designed for young dancers ages 9-17 who are committed to more training hours, focused and structured ballet training and performance opportunities. Entry to the Intensive Ballet stream is by audition or invitation.

Learn more


Young Dancers Program Summer Intensive

The Summer Intensive is open to all students ages 8-18 and will take place at NBS from August 2nd-12th. In addition to ballet, students will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of dance styles including ballet repertoire, hip hop, contemporary, pointe (for eligible students) and more. The intensive will conclude with a studio presentation for families on Friday, August 12th.

YDP Junior Summer Intensive – Ages 8-11
August 2nd-12th (excluding weekends) 9:30am-3:30pm
*No prior dance experience is required for this level.
Fee: $845 – payment plans are available
Register Here

YDP Senior Summer Intensive – Ages 12-18
August 2nd-12th (excluding weekends) 9:30am-4:30pm
*Students age 13 and older should have at least 2 years dance experience.
Fee: $975 – payment plans are available
Register Here

Registration will open to the public on Friday, May 27th at noon. Registration links will be sent at that time via email and also made available on our website.

Interested in the Young Dancers Program?

Take a brief survey about your interest in the Young Dancers Program and ensure that you recieve the most up-to-date information regarding the program's evolution.

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Financial Assistance

Through financial assistance, NBS supports high-calibre dance education for children ages 7-12 with a love for dance and the drive to pursue formal training, by addressing financial barriers and working with key partners in the community. The Young Dancers Program financial assistance covers all program fees and uniform costs.

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