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Une professeure dirige deux jeunes danseuses dans un cours de ballet
A large crowd gathered for Sharing Dance Day.
Students perform in Arise.
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Dancers learning West African dance

Open Dance

Open Dance - Young Dancers Program


Specially created for young dancers aged 5-17, our part-time Open Dance stream is about exploring movement and freedom of expression.


Participation does not require an audition and with a primary emphasis on nurturing a love for dance, students have the flexibility to customize their classes to suit their schedules, as well as the option to select from their choice of dance genres.

 

Participants of our Open Dance Program experience:

  • The incredible social, physical, and benefits of dance that will set young dancers up for success in all areas of their life.

  • Opportunities to explore a range of dance forms including ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop and more.

  • Customizable schedules to suit each student’s time commitment and interests.

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

  • High-calibre dance educators with expertise in a range of dance forms.

  • ​Beautiful live accompaniment in all ballet classes.

Young Dancers Program 2023/24

Term Dates: September 11-June 7

Registration for the 2023/24 term is now open!

Foundation A (Age 5)

For dancers ages 5 – 8, the foundation levels are designed to spark a young dancer’s joy of movement. With emphasis on musicality and creativity, these engaging dance classes introduce concepts and techniques that establish a strong foundation for dance training.

Foundation classes include Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop.

 

Class

Week Day

Time

Ballet (option 1) 

Saturday

9:00 - 9:45 am

Ballet (option 2) 

Sunday

9:15 - 10:00 am

 

Register for Foundation A classes 

 

Class full? Register for the waitlist here

 

For inquiries please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca.

Foundation B (Age 6)

For dancers ages 5 – 8, the foundation levels are designed to spark a young dancer’s joy of movement. With emphasis on musicality and creativity, these engaging dance classes introduce concepts and techniques that establish a strong foundation for dance training.

Foundation classes include Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop.

Multiclass discount: For every additional class you register for after the first, a $55 discount will be applied to your registration.

 

Class

Week Day

Time

Ballet (option 1)  

Saturday

9:45 - 10:45 am

Ballet (option 2) 

Sunday

9:00 - 10:00 am

Foundation B&C Jazz 

Sunday

10:15 - 11:00 am

Hip Hop 

Monday

6:15 - 7:00 pm

 

Register for Foundation B classes

Foundation B Ballet is now full. Register for the waitlist here

 

For inquiries please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca.

Foundation C (Age 7)

For dancers ages 5 – 8, the foundation levels are designed to spark a young dancer’s joy of movement. With emphasis on musicality and creativity, these engaging dance classes introduce concepts and techniques that establish a strong foundation for dance training.

Foundation classes include Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop.

Multiclass discount: For every additional class you register for after the first, a $55 discount will be applied to your registration.

 

Class

Week Day

Time

Ballet (both classes are required)  

Friday
Sunday     

6:15 - 7:15 pm
9:00 - 10:00 am     

Foundation B&C Jazz

Sunday

10:15 - 11:00 am

Hip Hop

Monday

6:15 - 7:00 pm

 

Register for Foundation C classes

 

Class full? Register for the waitlist here

 

For inquiries please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca.

Foundation D (Age 8)

For dancers ages 5 – 8, the foundation levels are designed to spark a young dancer’s joy of movement. With emphasis on musicality and creativity, these engaging dance classes introduce concepts and techniques that establish a strong foundation for dance training.

Foundation classes include Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop.

Multiclass discount: For every additional class you register for after the first, a $55 discount will be applied to your registration.

 

Class

Week Day

Time

Ballet (both classes are required)   

Friday
Sunday     

6:30 - 7:45 pm
11:15 - 12:30 am     

Jazz

Sunday

12:45 - 1:45 pm

Hip Hop

Monday

6:15 - 7:00 pm

 

Register for Foundation D classes

 

Class full? Register for the waitlist here

 

For inquiries please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca.

Foundation Boys (Ages 6-8)

For dancers ages 5 – 8, the foundation levels are designed to spark a young dancer’s joy of movement. With emphasis on musicality and creativity, these engaging dance classes introduce concepts and techniques that establish a strong foundation for dance training.

Foundation classes include Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop.

Multiclass discount: For every additional class you register for after the first, a $55 discount will be applied to your registration.

 

Class

Week Day

Time

Ballet

Sunday      

2:30 - 3:30 pm           

Foundation B&C Jazz (option 1: ages 6-7)     

Sunday

10:15 - 11:00 am

Foundation D Jazz (option 2: ages 8-9)

Sunday

12:45 - 1:45 pm

Hip Hop (ages 5-8)

Monday

6:15 - 7:00 pm

 

Register for Foundation Boys classes

 

Class full? Register for the waitlist here

 

For inquiries please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca.

 

Junior A (Ages 9-10)

The junior levels are for dancers aged 9 to 13. Building from the foundation level, the junior program establishes fundamental technical skills and supports dancers in developing their unique, individual artistry. Through a warm, inclusive approach, these classes encourage students deeply explore their physical and artistic potential.

Junior classes include Ballet, Pointe* (for students age 11 and up), Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary.
Multiclass discount: For every additional class you register for after the first, a $55 discount will be applied to your registration.

 

Class

Week Day

Time

Ballet (both classes are required) 1-2 years ballet training is required*     

Wednesday      
Sunday

6:45 - 8:00 pm       
1:00 - 2:15 pm

Hip Hop

Monday

7:00 - 8:00 pm

Contemporary

Thursday

6:15 - 7:15 pm

Junior A&B Jazz

Sunday

2:30 - 3:30 pm

 

Register for Junior A classes

Class full? Register for the waitlist here

 

*  If you have a beginner dancer, please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca so we can help you find the appropriate level.
** Pointe classes will begin after Thanksgiving. Students will be assessed in September on their readiness to begin Pointe. If you register for Pointe and your child is not assessed as being ready for Pointe come Thanksgiving, your Pointe registration will be refunded.

 

For inquiries please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca.

Junior B (Ages 10-11)

The junior levels are for dancers aged 9 to 13. Building from the foundation level, the junior program establishes fundamental technical skills and supports dancers in developing their unique, individual artistry. Through a warm, inclusive approach, these classes encourage students deeply explore their physical and artistic potential.

Junior classes include Ballet, Pointe* (for students age 11 and up), Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary.

Multiclass discount: For every additional class you register for after the first, a $55 discount will be applied to your registration.

 

Class

Week Day

Time

Ballet (both classes are required) 1-2 years ballet training recommended*     

Wednesday        
Sunday

6:45 - 8:15 pm
12:45 - 2:15 pm       

Pointe** (for students age 11) 

Wednesday

8:15 – 9:00 pm

Hip Hop 

Monday

7:00 - 8:00 pm

Contemporary 

Thursday

6:15 - 7:15 pm

Junior A&B Jazz 

Sunday

2:30 - 3:30 pm

 

Register for Junior B classes

 

Class full? Register for the waitlist here

 

* If you have a beginner dancer, please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca so we can help you find the appropriate level.
** Pointe classes will begin after Thanksgiving. Students will be assessed in September on their readiness to begin Pointe. If you register for Pointe and your child is not assessed as being ready for Pointe come Thanksgiving, your Pointe registration will be refunded.

 

For inquiries please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca.

Junior C (Ages 12-13)

The junior levels are for dancers aged 9 to 13. Building from the foundation level, the junior program establishes fundamental technical skills and supports dancers in developing their unique, individual artistry. Through a warm, inclusive approach, these classes encourage students deeply explore their physical and artistic potential.

Junior classes include Ballet, Pointe* (for students age 11 and up), Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary.

Multiclass discount: For every additional class you register for after the first, a $55 discount will be applied to your registration.

 

Class

Week Day

Time

Ballet (both classes are required) 1-2 years ballet training is required*   

Friday     
Sunday

6:45 - 8:15 pm
12:45 - 2:15 pm        

Pointe**

Friday

8:15 - 9:00 pm

Hip Hop

Monday

7:00 - 8:00 pm

Contemporary

Thursday

6:15 - 7:15 pm

Jazz

Sunday

2:30 - 3:30 pm

 

Register for Junior C classes

 

Junior C Ballet is now full. Register for the waitlist here

 

* If you have a beginner dancer, please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca so we can help you find the appropriate level.
** Pointe classes will begin after Thanksgiving. Students will be assessed in September on their readiness to begin Pointe. If you register for Pointe and your child is not assessed as being ready for Pointe come Thanksgiving, your Pointe registration will be refunded.

 

For inquiries please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca.

Senior A

In the senior levels, dancers ages 14 – 18 apply their skills and artistry to explore increasingly challenging vocabulary and complex choreography. Senior program staff support each dancer as they take-on the challenges and reap the rewards of rigorous dance training in a vibrant, artistic environment.

New students looking to join our senior levels must contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca for support selecting the appropriate level.
 
Senior classes include Ballet, Pointe*, Ballet Repertoire*, Hip Hop, Contemporary.
 
* Please note, dancers must be enrolled in Ballet to register for Pointe and/or Ballet Repertoire

Multiclass discount: For every additional class you register for after the first, a $55 discount will be applied to your registration.
 

Class

Week Day

Time

Ballet* (both classes are required)    

Monday
Saturday       

6:45 - 8:15 pm       
1:30 - 3:00 pm

Pointe** 

Monday

8:15 - 9:00 pm

Repertoire

Saturday

3:15 - 4:00 pm

Contemporary

Thursday

7:15 -8:15 pm

Hip Hop

Friday

7:15 -8:15 pm

 

Register for Senior A classes

 

Class full? Register for the waitlist here

 

*  Please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca so we can help you find the appropriate level.
** Pointe classes will begin after Thanksgiving. New students will be assessed in September on their readiness to begin Pointe. If you register for Pointe and your child is not assessed as being ready for Pointe come Thanksgiving, your Pointe registration will be refunded.

 

For inquiries please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca.

Senior B

In the senior levels, dancers ages 14 – 18 apply their skills and artistry to explore increasingly challenging vocabulary and complex choreography. Senior program staff support each dancer as they take-on the challenges and reap the rewards of rigorous dance training in a vibrant, artistic environment.

New students looking to join our senior levels must contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca for support selecting the appropriate level.
 
Senior classes include Ballet, Pointe*, Ballet Repertoire*, Hip Hop, Contemporary.
 
* Please note, dancers must be enrolled in Ballet to register for Pointe and/or Ballet Repertoire

Multiclass discount: For every additional class you register for after the first, a $55 discount will be applied to your registration.
 
 

Class

Week Day

Time

Ballet* (both classes are required) Classes full*     

Monday

Saturday      

6:45 - 8:15 pm       
1:30 - 3:00 pm

Pointe**

Monday

8:15 - 9:00 pm

Repertoire

Saturday

3:15 - 4:00 pm

Contemporary

Thursday

7:15 -8:15 pm

Hip Hop

Friday

7:15 -8:15 pm

 

Register for Senior B classes 

Senior B Ballet is now full. Register for the waitlist here

 

* Please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca so we can help you find the appropriate level.
** Pointe classes will begin after Thanksgiving. New students will be assessed in September on their readiness to begin Pointe. If you register for Pointe and your child is not assessed as being ready for Pointe come Thanksgiving, your Pointe registration will be refunded.

 

For inquiries please contact youngdancers@nbs-enb.ca.

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.

Parent, YDP

The program has been absolutely wonderful in many regards, and in particular it has given her the confidence and training that she needs in order to progress not only in ballet, but in many aspects of daily life.

Parent, YDP

We have been thrilled to watch our son’s love and knowledge of dance grow - as well as his confidence. The teachers create an environment that is supportive and kind while at the same time inspiring the young dancers to keep learning and striving.

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

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

416-964-3780