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Young dancers putting on pointe shoes

Young Dancers Program

Young Dancers Program


In a warm and supportive environment, with a focus on health and well-being, our Young Dancers Program is about cultivating talent, passion, and a life-long love for ballet and dance!


The NBS Young Dancers Program has grown and evolved through the experience of teaching our part-time dance programs to children and youth. Formerly known as the Associates Program, this part-time ballet and dance program is designed specifically for children and youth ages 5-17 who live in the greater Toronto area.
 

This renewed program now offers two streams of programming – Intensive Ballet and Open Dance – which allows each student to choose the pathway that suits them best! Providing a wider spectrum of opportunities to dance, so that every young person feels a true sense of belonging at NBS, the Young Dancers Program continues to be a warm, supportive environment; it provides lasting foundations for physical and artistic engagement, as well as social and emotional development using a holistic, innovative curriculum created by our expert teachers.

 

Our Young Dancers Program offers:

  • After school and weekend classes from mid-September to early June for dancers ages 5-17. 

  • Summer programming options.

  • 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.

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 is for dancers ages 5-17 who seek flexibility in time commitment and dance genre. No audition is required.

Learn More

Intensive Ballet stream

This stream is for dancers ages 9-17 who seek structured ballet training. Audition or invitation is required.

Learn More

Financial Assistance

We believe that dance education should be accessible to all members of our community and welcome you to read about financial assistance.

Learn More

Young Dancers Program: Summer Immersion

Canada's National Ballet School is thrilled to announce that the Young Dancers Program: Summer Immersion will be returning this year from August 8-18, Monday to Friday!

 

The summer immersion is a great opportunity for children and youth ages 7-18 to further develop their dance skills and spark a passion for creative expression with their peers. Taught with the guidance of expert NBS teachers, students will experience a variety of dance forms, including ballet, hip hop, jazz and contemporary. This special summer program is open to all students, current and new, and will conclude with a studio presentation on August 18. 

 

New this year, we are excited to announce we will be offering swim lessons in collaboration with Davina’s Swim House (DSH) at NBS’ on-campus swimming pool!

 

With over 20 years of experience, DSH has designed a swim program that emphasizes water safety, fitness, and essential swim skills for all ages and levels. Encouraging and caring instructors will guide swimmers at every step, ensuring they gain confidence and mastery in the water. Swim lessons will be held after the Summer Immersion dance classes so students will have the chance to enjoy both in one day! Additional fees apply.

 

Stay tuned for a detailed schedule and information on what to bring, what to wear and how to have fun!

Junior YDP Summer Immersion

Ages 7 – 11 | 9:30am-3:30pm | Cost: $845

 

Dancers will participate in daily ballet classes and additional dance classes. We will follow-up in July with a detailed schedule and information on what to bring, what to wear and how to have fun!

 

Before and after care is available from 8:00am-9:30am, and 3:30-6:00pm. Swim lessons with Davina’s Swim House are also available from 3:30-6:00pm. Students who register for swim lessons will be placed in a swim level based on their age and swimming experience. Each level will receive a 30 minute swim class at NBS’ on-campus swimming pool. Your child’s class will be scheduled between 3:30-6:00pm, students will be chaperoned by NBS’ camp councillors during this time. Additional charges will apply.


* Please note that NBS does not provide residence for this summer program.

 

Optional Fees:

  • Before care fee: $90

  • After care fee: $135

  • Before & after care fee: $225

  • After care plus swim class: $227

 

Register

Senior YDP Summer Immersion

Age 12-18 | 9:30am-4:30pm | Cost: $975

 

Dancers will participate in daily ballet class and additional dance classes. We will follow-up in July with a detailed schedule and information on what to bring, what to wear and how to have fun!

 

Before and after care is available from 8:00am-9:30am, and 3:30-6:00pm. Swim lessons with Davina’s Swim House are also available from 3:30-6:00pm from Mondays to Thursdays. Registered students will be placed in a swim level based on their age and swimming experience. Each level will receive a 30 minute swim class at NBS’ on-campus swimming pool. Your child’s class will be scheduled between 3:30-6:00pm, students will be chaperoned by NBS’ camp counsellors during this time. Additional charges will apply.


* Please note that NBS does not provide residence for this summer program.

 

Optional Fees:

  • Before care fee: $90

  • After care fee: $135

  • Before & after care fee: $225

  • After care plus swim class: $227


Register

What's unique about the Young Dancers Program?

Performance opportunities, including the Nutcracker


Students in the Young Dancers Program experience unforgettable opportunities to perform at NBS’ Betty Oliphant Theatre and at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in The National Ballet of Canada’s The Nutcracker and other productions.

 

"I think my years at the School set up a really good expectation of what sport was going to be like. The performance aspect is something I think about a lot because I had done big shows at the Four Seasons when I was really young. I always get asked how it felt when I went to my first X Games or at the Olympics, when you’re on the world stage, people are watching you, and I think that doing those big performances really helped me."

- Rachael Karker, Olympian and YDP Alumni

World-Class Facilities


Students experience the exceptional facilities at NBS’ campus in downtown Toronto. Large world-class studio spaces give young dancers a bright, airy, and safe place to explore their movement. The three storey atrium at the heart of the Celia Franca Centre is called Mona Campbell Square. It serves as a café and gathering place for the school, and a comfortable space for families to relax between classes. 

 

Take a tour of NBS' facilities

Exceptional Instruction


Our exceptional dance educators will help your young dancer discover and explore their love of movement. With expertise in a range of dance forms, our teachers bring years of experience, and their own passion for dance into the studio. 

 

Get to know our teaching staff