Young dancers putting on pointe shoes

Intensive Ballet

Intensive Ballet - Young Dancers Program


Created for young dancers aged 9-17, our part-time Young Dancers Intensive Ballet Program is about exploring your potential and achieving your ballet goals.


Entrance to the Intensive Ballet stream is by audition or invitation. It is a program well-suited for young dancers interested in structured ballet training with renowned dance educators; more training hours to develop their artistry and technique, as well as performance opportunities to showcase their achievements.

 

Dancers of our Intensive Ballet Program experience:

  • The incredible benefits of a dance education sets young people up for success in any career of their choosing: time management, focus, discipline, teamwork, goal-setting and achievement

  • Teaching principles and curriculum informed by NBS’ internationally renowned Professional Ballet-Academic Program.

  • Opportunities to explore other dance forms.

  • Performance opportunities.

  • Exceptional facilities at Canada’s National Ballet School’s campus in Toronto.

  • High-calibre dance educators.

  • Beautiful live accompaniment in all ballet classes.

The Intensive Ballet training program and curriculum supports future pathways for dancers with aspirations to audition for NBS’ Professional Ballet-Academic Program, NBS’ Teacher Training Program and potential careers in performance and entertainment.

Audition


The Intensive Ballet audition takes place at our campus in Toronto, where participants will enjoy the experience of two back-to-back dance classes including ballet and an additional movement style. Prior dance experience is not required for children 12 and under.

 

Auditions are now open! Register for your audition for April or May below.

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What's unique about the Young Dancers Program?

Performance opportunities, including the Nutcracker


Intensive Ballet students have performance opportunities to display their achievements throughout the year, including 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

Financial
Assistance

At NBS we believe that dance education should be accessible to all members of our community and work to remove barriers that may deter potential students from pursuing their passion and talent for dance. We welcome you to learn more about financial assistance for our Young Dancers Program.

Financial
Assistance

At NBS we believe that dance education should be accessible to all members of our community and work to remove barriers that may deter potential students from pursuing their passion and talent for dance. We welcome you to learn more about financial assistance for our Young Dancers Program.

Rachel Karker, Alumni and Olympian

Rachael Karker, Alumni and Olympian

I would definitely recommend dance. I think it’s such a fun sport to start out in and to continue in as well. Dance is so much fun, and you learn so many skills. I think it’s a great way to get exercising or to just try something new, and I think it’s a great basis for a lot of other sports.

Members of the community at NBS block party.

Parent, YDP

The teachers create an environment that is supportive and kind while at the same time inspiring the young dancers to keep learning, striving and extending themselves as they learn technique.

A crowd of people sharing dance.

Charlie, YDP Student

Working with a live musician has been great. So far the teachers I’ve had have been very inspiring. When I dance I feel happy and determined to get better

Parent, YDP

Being a motivated and effort oriented learner, Lauren has been able to thrive in NBS' ballet environment and feels welcome, appreciated, and cared for. She absolutely loves the teachers and has built strong friendships with her fellow dancers.

Let's Get In Touch

Do you have any questions about the Young Dancers Program? Complete the email form, or contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca.