Ballet Intensive Program
Our Ballet Intensive Program caters to students aged 12-17 who aspire to engage in an intensive training regimen in classical ballet, advancing through levels each year.
Established in 1978, the Ballet Intensive Program at Ottawa Dance Centre School has witnessed its graduates successfully admitted to prominent professional training programs within Canadian dance companies and dance departments of universities, both domestically and internationally. Numerous alumni continue to pursue careers as professional dancers, educators, and choreographers, contributing to the dance scene in Canada and beyond.
Delivering a comprehensive dance education, the Ballet Intensive Program not only nurtures technical proficiency and creativity, but also instils essential life skills such as self-discipline, self-confidence, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The Ballet Intensive Program faculty at actively engages in continuous professional development, ensuring they stay current with international advancements in all facets of dance education and uphold a legacy of exceptional standards.
Ballet Intensive Program Structure
The Ballet Intensive Program is a scholarship-based curriculum, offering dedicated and promising students the opportunity to engage in weekly classes covering classical ballet, contemporary dance, and Progressing Ballet Technique. With augmentations from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet syllabus, faculty expertise, and a keen understanding of the evolving demands of the dance profession, the BIP is dedicated to delivering high-quality dance education at a significantly reduced cost. Admission to the BIP is exclusively through audition and acceptance. Strict physical criteria and a high level of technical proficiency are prerequisites. The program involves classes that may span up to five days per week.
Students will cover the requirements for the RAD Grade 5 syllabus and the vocational syllabus (Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 2 and Solo Seal), depending on level and ability. Entry for the vocational examinations will depend on Classical Ballet technique. We suggest that applicants and parents refer to the RAD website for detailed information regarding standards and curriculum. Physical requirements are stringent, as well as the technical level of accomplishment. Classes can be up to 5 days per week.
Students will be required to attend all of the listed classes for their level to facilitate progression, build strength and prevent injuries. If a student cannot attend a specific class listed for their level, please contact ODCS so that we can facilitate entry into an alternative session.
Workshop Weekends
We would like to offer the students on our Ballet Intensive Program the opportunity to experience training, choreography and expertise from a variety of teachers. On one Saturday per month, all students who are enrolled in the Ballet Intensive Program will enjoy a full day of dance training that differs from their regular schedule. Each month, a varied set of teachers from a number of dance styles will come to Ottawa Dance Centre School to provide a workshop in their field of expertise. At no extra cost, this will be a great opportunity for our students to broaden their knowledge within dance. The Workshop Weekends are compulsory for all Ballet Intensive Students to attend.
Summer Program
As the students on the Ballet Intensive Program will be enrolled in a training-focused course of study we wish to ensure that their hard work and dedication given throughout the academic year is not lost as a result of the long summer break. Therefore, it is expected that all students on the Ballet Intensive Program attend ODCS’ 2-week summer program in August of each year. Only under extenuating circumstances will students be excused.
Our summer program is designed to provide the students with first-hand experience of life in a ballet company. We aim to ensure that students leave our summer program with a refined understanding of ballet technique and a wealth of new choreography under their belt. The summer program ensures that the first two weeks of the next academic year are not spent catching-up on time lost throughout the summer.
As our summer program is open to both ODCS and non-ODCS students, it also is a unique opportunity for the students to connect with dancers from across the city.
Note: the fee for the summer program is separate from the tuition fees listed below.
Tuition & Schedule
Tuition is based on a flat fee per academic year at a scholarship rate appropriate to the level of study and number of classes per week. The core subjects listed as part of the BIP must be taken. Students may attend additional classes that are not listed in the BIP.
The following is a guideline ONLY. Some students may progress more rapidly with Summer School studies and high school performing arts dance programs. Others may be following a split-level course of study. Each student will be placed according to their individual abilities and examination requirements at the discretion of the Artistic Director and faculty.
Students whose attendance falls behind or whose commitment to the program is deemed insufficient may be referred to Recreational classes and the Scholarship fee rate therefore forfeited.
All of the classes listed below are compulsory to remain on the Ballet Intensive Program.
Information of fees and payment will be given during the Ballet Intensive registration process.
Level 1 Intensive
Grade 5
4.5 Hours Per Week
- Grade 5 Ballet x2
- Elementary Contemporary
- Progressing Ballet Technique
Level 2 Intensive
Intermediate Foundation
6.25 Hours Per Week
- Intermediate Foundation Ballet x3
- Progressing Ballet Technique
- Intermediate Foundation/Intermediate Contemporary
Level 3 Intensive
Intermediate
7 Hours Per Week
- Intermediate Ballet x3
- Intermediate Pointe
- Progressing Ballet Technique
- Intermediate Foundation/Intermediate Contemporary
Level 4 Intensive
Advanced 1
7.75 Hours Per Week
- Advanced 1 Ballet x3
- Intermediate and Advanced 1 Pointe Class
- Progressing Ballet Technique
- Student Strength & Cardio
- Advanced 1+2 Contemporary
Level 5 Intensive
Advanced 2
8.75 Hours Per Week
- Advanced 2 Ballet x3
- Intermediate-Advanced Ballet
- Advanced 2 Pointe
- Progressing Ballet Technique
- Student Strength & Cardio
- Advanced 1+2 Open Contemporary
Additional Classes
Students on the Ballet Intensive Program may register for additional classes that are listed on the schedule. These classes may include Student Strength and Cardio, Open Lyrical, Elementary/ Advanced Jazz, Intermediate-Advanced Ballet or Repertoire Workshop, depending on their level. The tuition for these classes are 50% of the General School price; students on the BIP are offered the opportunity to take these classes for the full year, for the price of 1 semester (see price listing for General School).
Winter 2024 Schedule
Click on the schedule to learn more about our class offerings!