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 Winter 2024 Intake is now open! View classes and register below.

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	Register
Ballet (option 1)	Saturday	9:00 - 9:45 am	Register
Ballet (option 2)	Sunday	9:15 - 10:00 am	Register

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

Learn More View Less

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. Please note only full year registrations are eligible for the multiclass discount.

Class	Week Day	Time	Register
Ballet (option 1)	Saturday	9:45 - 10:45 am	Class full
Ballet (option 2)	Sunday	9:00 - 10:00 am	Class full
Foundation B&C Jazz	Sunday	10:15 - 11:00 am	Register
Hip Hop	Monday	6:15 - 7:00 pm	Register

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

Learn More View Less

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. Please note only full year registrations are eligible for the multiclass discount.

Class	Week Day	Time	Register
Ballet (both classes are required)	Friday Sunday	6:15 - 7:15 pm 9:00 - 10:00 am	Register
Foundation B&C Jazz	Sunday	10:15 - 11:00 am	Register
Hip Hop	Monday	6:15 - 7:00 pm	Register

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

Learn More View Less

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. Please note only full year registrations are eligible for the multiclass discount.

Class	Week Day	Time	Register
Ballet (both classes are required)	Friday Sunday	6:30 - 7:45 pm 11:15 - 12:30 am	Register
Jazz	Sunday	12:45 - 1:45 pm	Register
Hip Hop	Monday	6:15 - 7:00 pm	Register

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

Learn More View Less

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. Please note only full year registrations are eligible for the multiclass discount.

Class	Week Day	Time	Register
Ballet	Sunday	2:30 - 3:30 pm	Register
Foundation B&C Jazz (option 1: ages 6-7)	Sunday	10:15 - 11:00 am	Register
Foundation D Jazz (option 2: ages 8-9)	Sunday	12:45 - 1:45 pm	Register
Hip Hop (ages 5-8)	Monday	6:15 - 7:00 pm	Register

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

Learn More View Less

Intensive Ballet Introductory Class (Age 8-10)

The Intensive Ballet Introductory class offers dancers aged 8-10 who may be interested in joining Intensive Ballet the opportunity to preview the training curriculum.

This class is designed to supplement their current training with a strong focus on the development of foundational ballet technique.

Please note that the multi-class discount cannot be applied to special workshop courses. This course runs from January 14 to May 12, 2024.

Class	Day	Time	Register
Intensive Ballet Introductory Class	Sunday	9:00 - 10:15 AM	Register

Learn More View Less

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. Please note only full year registrations are eligible for the multiclass discount.

Class	Week Day	Time	Register
Ballet (both classes are required) 1-2 years ballet training is required*	Wednesday Sunday	6:45 - 8:00 pm 1:00 - 2:15 pm	Class full
Hip Hop	Monday	7:00 - 8:00 pm	Register
Contemporary	Thursday	6:15 - 7:15 pm	Register
Junior A&B Jazz	Sunday	2:30 - 3:30 pm	Register

* 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.

Learn More View Less

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. Please note only full year registrations are eligible for the multiclass discount.

Class	Week Day	Time	Register
Ballet (both classes are required) 1-2 years ballet training recommended*	Wednesday Sunday	6:45 - 8:15 pm 12:45 - 2:15 pm	Class full
Pointe** (for students age 11)	Wednesday	8:15 – 9:00 pm	Class full
Hip Hop	Monday	7:00 - 8:00 pm	Register
Contemporary	Thursday	6:15 - 7:15 pm	Register
Junior A&B Jazz	Sunday	2:30 - 3:30 pm	Register

* 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.

Learn More View Less

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. Please note only full year registrations are eligible for the multiclass discount.

Class	Week Day	Time	Register
Ballet (both classes are required) 1-2 years ballet training is required*	Friday Sunday	6:45 - 8:15 pm 12:45 - 2:15 pm	Class full
Pointe**	Friday	8:15 - 9:00 pm	Class full
Hip Hop	Monday	7:00 - 8:00 pm	Register
Contemporary	Thursday	6:15 - 7:15 pm	Register
Jazz	Sunday	2:30 - 3:30 pm	Register

* 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.

Learn More View Less

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. Please note only full year registrations are eligible for the multiclass discount.

Class	Week Day	Time	Register
Ballet* (both classes are required)	Monday Saturday	6:45 - 8:15 pm 1:30 - 3:00 pm	Register
Pointe**	Monday	8:15 - 9:00 pm	Class full
Repertoire	Saturday	3:15 - 4:00 pm	Register
Contemporary	Thursday	7:15 -8:15 pm	Register
Hip Hop	Friday	7:15 -8:15 pm	Register

* 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.

Learn More View Less

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. Please note only full year registrations are eligible for the multiclass discount.

Class	Week Day	Time	Register
Ballet* (both classes are required)	Monday Saturday	6:45 - 8:15 pm 1:30 - 3:00 pm	Class full
Pointe**	Monday	8:15 - 9:00 pm	Class full
Repertoire	Saturday	3:15 - 4:00 pm	Register
Contemporary	Thursday	7:15 -8:15 pm	Register
Hip Hop	Friday	7:15 -8:15 pm	Register

* 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.

Learn More View Less

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