Program Overview
The Professional Ballet Program at Canada's National Ballet School provides full-time ballet and academic training to students from Grade 6 to 12 as well as a Post-Secondary Program. Canada's National Ballet School is the only ballet school in North America to offer ballet training, academics and residence facilities all in one campus. There are approximately 150 students in the Professional Ballet Program (PBP), which combines a professional ballet curriculum with academic classes for Grades 6 through 12.
The ballet training represents the highest standard of professional ballet training (learn more about our Dance Education program), while academics follow Ontario's Ministry of Education curriculum, and students graduating the School receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Learn more about our Academic Education.
Students in the Professional Ballet Program come from across Canada and around the world, and approximately two-thirds of the students live on site at the School's residence. Learn more about our Residence facilities.
Canada's National Ballet School prides itself that talent is the sole criterion for entry at NBS. Upon acceptance into the Professional Ballet Program all students, regardless of financial means, are subsidized through fundraising efforts. Learn more about how to support NBS.
Dance Education
NBS' dance training pedagogy is unique to NBS and integrates elements from the best in progressive and acclaimed classical ballet training methods, contemporary dance and the latest advances in the science of movement. In addition to ballet, students at NBS take classes in contemporary repertoire and technique, improvisation, classical Indian dance, drama and expression, historical/character dance and anatomy as well as ballet classes focusing on variations, repertoire, pas de deux and more. The dance program is further enhanced through the use of internationally-renowned guest teachers. As well, students in the senior grades are encouraged to take advantage of the exchange programs NBS has in place with its network of 23 international partner schools.
Over the years, NBS has developed a specialized and comprehensive Conditioning Program to educate students regarding their bodies and the care required to sustain the rigours of a professional dance career. This conditioning program relies on cardio work and exercise sequences. The cardio classes take place in the School's swimming pool, and the conditioning sequences, based on the work of Irene Dowd, NBS' neuromuscular consultant, are integrated into daily ballet classes.
During the academic year, which runs from September to June each year, students in the Professional Ballet Program can expect to spend between 2 and 4 hours in the dance studio daily, depending on their age. During the annual Summer School program, that number increases to between 3 and 5, again depending on age.
Academic Education
Full-time academic education is provided on-site to students in the Professional Ballet Program. NBS' offers an academic education for students in Grades 6 through 12, and students graduate from Grade 12 with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The Ontario Ministry of Education inspects the School, and all courses of study follow Ministry guidelines. NBS' commitment to developing the whole person is reflected in its strong academic program. The curriculum includes:
- History of Ballet
- Art
- Music
- Photography
- English
- French/Français
- Mathematics
- Science
- History
- Geography
- Career Studies
All courses support the dance training program, while at the same time preparing students for life-long learning and post-secondary education after a career in dance.
School Year
The NBS school year extends from September to July, while the academic year for students in the Professional Ballet Program ends in June. Attendance at the July Summer School is mandatory, except for those senior students selected by the ballet faculty to participate in our Student Exchange Program.
Summer School also serves as Stage Two of the audition process, with approximately 150 auditioning students joining returning NBS students for dance classes during the four-week period. During Summer School, students participate in 3-4 dance classes daily, 6 days per week. Their time is augmented with the option for activities such as trips to a Blue Jays game, Canada's Wonderland and more. View a sample schedule.
