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1. What types of classes do you offer?
2. What is modern dance?
3. How do I know which level is right for me?
4. Can I drop-in any time during the term?
Do I have to sign-up ahead of time?
5. Are the classes progressive?
What if I miss a class?
6. What should I wear to class?
7. How big is the class and what is the age range?
8. What if I find the level I have registered for is too easy/difficult?
9. Where are you located?
Is there parking at the School?
10. How do I get to the School by public transit (TTC)?
What types of classes do you offer?
We offer technique classes in modern dance; our General School Program is designed for recreational training and exercise for individuals over the age of 16. The classes range from beginner to advanced/pre-professional levels. (For classes for ages 3-16, check out our Young Dancers’ Program.)
Modern dance is a theatrical style of dancing that developed in the early 20th-century, and often involves the expression of intense emotions and contemporary and/or abstract ideas. It is typically performed barefoot and includes a variety of techniques such as those developed by Martha Graham (based on principles of contraction, release, and spiral) and José Limón (based on principles of weight, fall, and recovery).
Click on Repertoire to view video clips of modern dance techniques, featuring dancers from our Professional Training Program.
How do I know which level is right for me?
As a general guide, our class levels are designed as follows:
1. Fundamentals of Dance is for beginners and people who have never danced before;
2. Technique I is for those with some previous dance experience or who have taken Fundamentals of Dance;
3. Technique II is for dancers with previous modern experience or who have taken Technique I;
4. Open Technique is for upper intermediate and advanced level dancers, pre-professionals, and professional dancers; dancers enrolling in Open Technique must have taken Technique II or have advanced modern experience.
We encourage you to drop-in during the first three weeks of the session and try out a class or two in order to find the class that best suits your personal fitness level.
Can I drop-in any time during the term? Do I have to sign-up ahead of time?
For those who prefer not to register for the full session or purchase a class card, you are welcome to drop-in to any of our General School Program classes during the first three weeks of each session. After this time, dancers may continue to drop-in to the following specific classes*: Technique I, Technique II, or Open Technique. In this case, signing-up ahead of time is not required; however, if you find yourself dropping-in often, you may choose to save time and money by pre-purchasing a class card (available at any time as bundles of 6, 12, or 20 classes). See our Fees & Registration for more information.
*Our Fundamentals of Dance curriculum is specifically designed as a progressive, full session course in order to teach each student the basics of movement and dance. Since the classes are for beginners and build from week to week, class cards are not available and dropping in is not permitted after the first three weeks of each session.
Are the classes progressive? What if I miss a class?
All General School classes are progressive with the exception of Open Technique. As the curriculum builds week to week, attending each class will help you advance more quickly and consistently. Missing an occasional class will not deter your progress; however, if you choose to attend classes less than once a week, you may find the material more difficult to pick up; nonetheless, attending all classes is not mandatory.
We recommend close fitting, comfortable clothing for class, such as leotards, tights, unitards, sweat clothes, leggings, or yoga wear. All classes are in bare feet.
How big is the class and what is the age range?
The number of people in each class will vary depending on the time of year and number of drop-ins and registrations per term, per course. Class sizes tend to be larger during the start of each term, when there are more people dropping-in and trying out multiple classes in search of the “best fit” for themselves. After the first three weeks of each term, the average attendance ranges from 10-15 individuals per class. The maximum class size at any given time is 25.
General School classes are open to ages 16 and up. The average age of individuals will vary per term, depending on those who have registered. At any given time, we have dancers from their twenties and thirties, to fifties and sixties.
What if I find the level I have registered for is too easy/difficult?
If you find you have registered for a class that is too easy or difficult, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your particular situation and any possible options. To view a complete list of our policies, please click on Fees & Registration.
Where are you located? Is there parking at the School?
We are located in the heart of Toronto’s historic Cabbagetown, at 80 Winchester Street – just east of Parliament Street, between Carlton and Wellesley Streets. There is street parking available near the School.
Click on our location for more information.
How do I get to the School by public transit (TTC)?
We are accessible by subway on either line:
On the Yonge/University line, get off at either College or Queen's Park station. Take the 506 streetcar eastbound on Carlton Street. (You will need a transfer to board the streetcar.) Get off at Parliament Street; you will know when you get to Parliament because the street looks as if it ends and the streetcar must turn south. Walk one block north (in the opposite direction of the streetcar) to Winchester Street. Turn right and walk 1-2 minutes east. The School is situated at the corner of Winchester and Metcalfe.
On the Bloor line, get off at Castle Frank station and take the 65 Parliament bus. (This bus only travels south from the station.) There is a stop right at Winchester Street. Cross Parliament Street and walk 1-2 minutes east on Winchester Street. The School is situated at the corner of Winchester and Metcalfe.
Visit www.ttc.ca for schedule information.