Empowering Future Leaders in Dance Education

Start the next chapter in your dance educator journey in Canada's National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program—a world-renowned program that prepares teachers to inspire dancers of all ages, abilities and aspirations.

For over four decades, NBS has trained teachers, répétiteurs and artistic directors who now hold posts in schools and companies across Canada and around the world.


Through pedagogy classes, academic coursework and ongoing technical training, students are immersed in the art and science of dance education. With the guidance of NBS’ Artistic Faculty, students explore established and emerging practices in ballet with the goal of fostering healthy, inclusive training environments that empower young dancers to flourish in the art form and beyond. Teacher Training students will also have the opportunity to practice hands-on training, assisting classes in NBS’ community and professional programs.


The program includes several pathways for aspiring teachers, and we’re proud that 100% of Teacher Training Program students are employed upon graduation.

 

What the Program can offer you:

  • Global Leadership: Positioned uniquely at the forefront, Canada's National Ballet School's Teacher Training Program is shaping the future of dance education globally. Our graduates are equipped to lead efforts for inclusion and representation in dance schools worldwide.

  • Cutting-edge Training: Learn from leading industry professionals, including dance artists, musicians, physiotherapists, and more. Students are immersed in the latest innovations in dance education and gain a comprehensive understanding of inclusive teaching methodologies that address the unique needs of recreational, community, and professional dance settings.

  • Empowered Educators: Our program empowers teaching artists to negotiate, examine, and exercise discretion in dance education. By honing their skills as teachers, artists, and leaders, they become advocates for positive change within their institutions.

  • Trailblazing Initiatives: From curriculum enhancements to community engagement projects, we are committed to creating a dance world that celebrates every voice. Learn about NBS’ ongoing initiatives to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in dance.

  • Well-rounded Artists and Leaders: Our holistic approach to dance education, including the process of preparing students for a career as teachers, helps to develop well-rounded artists and leaders. Students engage in a wide variety of class subjects, including Ballet, Contemporary, Anatomy, Music, Community Dance, and Voice. Students study anatomy with a focus on dance and movement. Conditioning classes focus on both personal conditioning and formulating conditioning programs for students. Students also have access to NBS’ Artistic Health Department for support in their physical health and wellness.

 

Review below to choose your program pathway and read more about the program. 

One year of full time study into the science and skill of teaching dance, with a focus on classical ballet. The program offers flexibility to allow students to choose areas of focus within the program and delivers the essential information and practice required in developing teaching skills.

Admission Requirements

Certifications Earned

  • 18+

  • High School Diploma

  • Intermediate Level of Ballet

  • Certificate

 

Canada’s National Ballet School is registered as a private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

 

NBS' unique three year diploma prepares students for a successful dance teaching career. The diploma is recognized as a hallmark of excellence and graduates of the program are always in demand – across Canada and around the world.

Admission Requirements: 

Certifications Earned:

  • 18+

  • High School Diploma

  • Intermediate Level of Ballet

  • Diploma

  • Students are also eligible to apply for teaching credentials from Cecchetti Society, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, and for Registered Teacher Status with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD RTS).

 

Canada’s National Ballet School is registered as a private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

In collaboration with York University (Toronto, ON) and Simon Fraser University (Vancouver, BC), this program allows students to gain both an NBS Teaching Diploma from the Teacher Training Program (TTP) and an undergraduate degree from these institutions. This program consists of five years of study. Students begin with 3 years at either York University or Simon Fraser University and transfer to Canada’s National Ballet School for their final 2 years.

Admission Requirements:

Certifications Earned:

  • 18+

  • SFU or York Transcript

  • Intermediate level of ballet

  •  Diploma

  • Students are also eligible to apply for teaching credentials from Cecchetti Society, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, and for Registered Teacher Status with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD RTS).

 

Canada’s National Ballet School is registered as a private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

 

The Professional Dancers pathway of the Teacher Training Program is designed to guide ballet professionals into new careers as educators, artistic directors and beyond. A One Year Certificate or a Two Year Diploma Program are available.

Admission Requirements:

Certifications Earned:

  • 18+

  • High School Diploma

  • At least five years’ experience in a classically based company

  • Certificate or Diploma

 

Canada’s National Ballet School is registered as a private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

Aspiring dance teachers participate in a ballet class

Register for an Audition

Start your journey as a dance educator today.

 

Different audition pathways are offered for different programs.

 

A day in the life

The Teacher Training Program prepares well-rounded dance educators through its close community atmosphere and holistic approach to curriculum.


From dance pedagogy classes, to academic coursework and personal dance classes, students will explore all aspects of the skills and science of teaching. Students will also have the opportunity to experience practical hands-on training assisting classes in NBS’ community and professional programs. Community-building, networking, and social activities will help you create connections with other artists inside and outside the studio that will last a lifetime!

Curriculum

Personal skill development and understanding of classical technique is emphasized, allowing students to advance their own skill set from both a technical and artistic perspective. Read below for a sense of some of the classes we offer!


Anatomy: An in-depth study of functional human anatomy and physiology and how it applies to the needs of the dancer/dance teacher. 


Music: This course is designed as a preliminary exploration of music as it applies to practical situations in the dance classroom, as well as a study of music style & form. Learn about the practical applications of working with a pianist and recorded music in a classroom setting.


Voice: One of the most powerful and effective tools a teacher can use is their voice. In this course, we will discuss topics such as projection and vocal clarity and will explore the subtleties of the voice (e.g., timbre, emotion, and colour) to work towards using your voice at its full potential. 

Career Planning

Students are given guidance on preparing for a career as a dance educator, including securing a job upon graduation, navigating job opportunities, and negotiating contracts.


We receive job opportunities from across North America and around the world, providing a wealth of pathways for program graduates. The Teacher Training Program Alumni community is a supportive network that supports students long after their graduation. On average, most graduates are spoken for before they finish their final year.

Aspiring teachers participate in a training class

Continuing Professional Development for Dance Teachers

This part-time program offers dance teachers the opportunity to augment their experience, enhance their skills and add to their teaching qualifications.

NBS’ Celia Franca Centre in our Toronto campus

Campus Virtual Tour

This is a great way to see our school grounds and experience what it feels like to walk around on campus at NBS.

Two dancers perform in Jera Wolfe’s Arise onstage.

New & Now

Discover more about life at NBS and see what’s happening around campus and what’s up and coming on stage!

Canada’s National Ballet School is a publicly-subsidized professional training institution. Full-time fees are based on the academic school year (September to June). For most programs, the School charges tuition fees which cover only a portion of the real costs. Limited student financial assistance is available. As we’re part of the private career college, students are able to apply for government student assistance.

Fees for Academic Year September 2023 - June 2024

Domestic

International

Tuition

$10,920

$23,780

Registration Fee

$100

$100

Meal Plan

$2,580 (per school  year)

$2,580 (per school year)

 

Let's get
In Touch

Have questions for us about the Teacher Training Program? We would love to hear from you. Complete the email form and our Teacher Training Program Artistic Administrator will get back to you with more information.