Frequently Asked Questions

In order to teach dance, a secure understanding of dance should be evident — at least an Intermediate standard with the Cecchetti Society or the Royal Academy of Dance. A more extensive background ensures that the applicant has a firmly established interest, well grounded in experience such as those with professional training, such as NBS Alumni.

The applicant should have graduated from high school and be a minimum of eighteen years of age within the first term of enrollment.

In-person auditions consist of a ballet class and will take place in the following cities and dates:

Vancouver	October 17, 2019
Edmonton	October 21, 2019
Ottawa	October 10, 2019
Toronto	January 26, 2020

If you miss the audition or are unable to attend and you’re still interested in auditioning in person, please contact the TTP Manager, Anuschka Roes, at 416.964.3780 x2213 or aroes@nbs-enb.ca. Auditions are also accepted by video submission. The video submission deadline to be considered for the 2020/2021 school year is April 3, 2020. After in person and video auditions have been considered, the Program Manager will invite potential students to the Second Stage Assessment, which takes place April 27-30, 2020. For more information on video auditions and to download forms, please visit the website: www.nbs-enb.ca/TTPaudition. For more information, email your name and contact information to registrar@nbs-enb.ca. Be sure to indicate that you would like information on the Teacher Training Program.

A daily ballet class, repertoire, character class, creative dance, lectures on music, dance history, as well as several interviews with the TTP manager.

Within four weeks of the receipt of complete application material package.

Within two weeks of the conclusion of the Second Stage Assessment Seminar.

Across Canada, approximately 40 applicants.

The youngest have just finished high school and the oldest are returning to invest in a second career in dance. Many have already completed some university course work.

If you are applying for the Teacher Training Program your focus needs to be on teaching — if you wish to perform on stage you should apply to the Post Secondary Program and not the Teacher Training Program.

In first year, students are at NBS 6 days a week. Days usually start at 8:30 and finish between 4 and
6. Saturdays or Sundays involve assisting 2-3 classes and are therefore shorter. Each day is a mix of practical classes (such as ballet class, pedagogy class) and academic classes (such as music, dance history, anatomy).

You spend 3 years of study at the initial institution and 2 years in the associate program. For example: you complete the 3-year program at NBS and join York's 4-year program, taking specific courses that will complete your course requirements for a BFA in 2 years. In this program, you will complete your study of both the Cecchetti syllabus work as well as the RAD syllabus work.
Conversely, you could attend York's 4-year program for 3 years, taking certain recommended electives, and then join NBS’ 3-year program for 2 years. In this program, you will need to focus on either the Cecchetti syllabus or the RAD syllabus and need to enter into the NBS program according to your chosen specialty (even numbered years for RAD, odd numbered years for Cecchetti), having achieved your Intermediate Cecchetti or Intermediate RAD executants’ exam. In both programs, the student will complete both the BFA requirements for York University and the NBS Diploma. The total length of study either way is 5 years.

This program is configured similarly to the program with York. You spend 3 years of study at the initial institution and 2 years in the associate program. For example: you complete the 3-year program at NBS and join SFU to complete your BGS in an additional 2 years. This program has been designed specifically to meet individual study needs and allows the student to participate in the design of the degree program. In this program, you will complete your study of both the Cecchetti syllabus work as well as the RAD syllabus work.
Conversely, you could attend SFU's 4-year BFA program for 3 years, taking certain recommended electives, and then join NBS’ Three Year Program for 2 years. In this program, you will need to focus on either the Cecchetti syllabus or the RAD syllabus and need to enter into the NBS program according to your chosen specialty (even numbered years for RAD, odd numbered years for Cecchetti), having achieved your Intermediate Cecchetti or Intermediate RAD executants’ exam. In both programs, the student will complete both the degree requirements for SFU and the NBS Diploma. The total length of study either way is 5 years.

Students have the option of applying for living accommodations at NBS' newly renovated residence located one block from campus at 113 Maitland Street. Funding is the responsibility of the individual student. In our new facilities, we have cafeteria services.

Dance and dance-teaching clothing (leotards, tights, ballet shoes, pointe shoes, jazz shoes, character shoes, character skirt, black pants to teach in), exam fees (an exam fee deposit is submitted each year and examination fees are subtracted from this account), books including syllabus books, basic living expenses, travel expenses.

Loans and provincial grants (where applicable) are available through the Canada Student Loan program. NBS does not have a formal bursary program for the TTP, however, a limited amount of financial assistance is available.

Trying to seek part-time employment while enrolled in the program can be challenging as both second and third year students are required to work as part of the TTP program requirements. When necessary, students in their first year have sought part-time employment however it is not advisable, as this is a heavy program. In the second year, weekends are left free to allow students to gain experience outside the NBS program as dance teachers and in the third year, in addition to free weekends, students finish early 1-2 days per week to allow additional time to teach. We will assist International students obtain the appropriate work permit for employment as part of the TTP program requirement.

Each year, NBS receives numerous job opportunities from across North America and around the world. Graduates are given guidance on contract negotiations and various details in regard to accepting job opportunities. On average, most graduates are spoken for before they finish their final year. In addition, alumni stay in touch with the school for assistance when they decide to relocate or wish to hire a graduate to add to their teaching staff.

Either a teaching qualification with the Cecchetti Society or registration with the Royal Academy of Dance, in addition to the NBS Diploma which includes the use of the initials NBS — TTP(Dip). Students completing the full Three Year Program will have the knowledge for both teaching methodologies and have the option of taking the qualifying exam needed to be accredited with both associations following graduation.