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. This full-time, immersive program prepares students, through pedagogy classes, academic coursework and technical training, to share the art of classical ballet through excellence in dance education. Through 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.  

 

We’re thrilled that the program reports a 100% satisfaction rate through the Career Colleges key performance indicators. Click to view the full reports. 

  

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. 

NBS' unique three-year, full time training program 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.

Application Deadline:

Admission Requirements: 

Graduate Credentials:

 

More about the program stream:

 

  • April 18, 2025
  • Register here.

 

  • 18+
  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent and/or University Degree
  • Advanced level of ballet training (experience within a syllabus structure is not required but the candidate's level of dancing should be equivalent to RAD or Cecchetti Advanced I at a minimum)
  • NBS Diploma (NBS TTP Dip)
  • Eligible to apply for teaching credentials with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD Registered Teacher Status), Checchetti Society, and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD)
  • In addition to the three-year program described above, a one-year certificate program is available upon special request and by approval of the program director. If you are interested in this program, please email TTPadmin@nbs-enb.ca for further information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fees and Financial Assistance

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

In collaboration with York University (Toronto, ON) and Simon Fraser University (Vancouver, BC), this program supports students in achieving an NBS Teaching Diploma and an undergraduate degree. The five years of full-time study includes 3 years at either York University or Simon Fraser University and 2 years at Canada’s National Ballet School.

Application Deadline:

Admission Requirements: 

Graduate Credentials:

 

More about the program stream:

 

 

  • 18+
  • Intending to audition, accepted, or current student at SFU or York University in the BFA dance program (note: to attend this program you must be independently accepted by both the partner and NBS' TTP)
  • Advanced level of ballet training (experience within a syllabus structure is not required but the candidate's level of dancing should be equivalent to RAD or Cecchetti Advanced I at a minimum)
  • NBS Diploma (NBS TTP Dip)
  • Eligible to apply for teaching credentials with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD Registered Teacher Status), Checchetti Society
  • In addition to the three-year program described above, a one-year certificate program is available upon special request and by approval of the program director. If you are interested in this program, please email TTPadmin@nbs-enb.ca for further information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canada’s National Ballet School is registered as a career college under the Ontario 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.

Application Deadline:

Admission Requirements: 

Graduate Credentials:

 

  • 18+
  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent and/or University Degree
  • Minimum of five years of experience dancing in a classical ballet company
  • 1-Year Program
    • NBS Certificate
  • 2-Year Program
    • NBS Diploma (NBS TTP Dip)
    • Students are eligible to apply for teaching credentials with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD Registered Teacher Status), Checchetti Society

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Register for an Audition


Start your journey as a dance educator today.


Click here to open registration in a new window. 

 


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.

An aspiring teacher enjoys themselves during class
An aspiring teacher enjoys themselves during class
Dancers and artistic staff enjoy a happy moment together

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, NBS charges tuition fees which cover only a portion of the real costs of program delivery. NBS’ Teacher Training Program is a registered career college under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005. Teacher Training Program students are eligible to apply for government funding and limited student financial assistance is available. For more information please connect with us at TTPadmin@nbs-enb.ca.

Fees for Academic Year September 2024 - June 2025

Domestic

International

Tuition

$11,250

$24,500

Registration Fee

$126

$126

Meal Plan

$2,840(per school year)

$2,840 (per school year)

 

*additional costs may include external examination fees, text books and materials, international student insurance etc. 

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!

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.