WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL OF TORONTO DANCE THEATRE
Click to jump to:
- What we Offer
- Careers for our Graduates
- Student Life at the School
- The School's Neighbourhood & Facilities
- Living in Toronto
- Housing Information
- Money Matters
- How to Apply
- School Visits & Tours
- Student Testimonials
- Getting Here
- Send Us Your Questions!
For almost 40 years, we have been training and educating contemporary dance artists, inspiring them with the passion and physical power of the human body in motion. We have many things to offer you as a student in our Professional Training Program:
- a conservatory-style education with a focus on the practical -- you spend your day dancing
- challenging, strong technical training
- highly regarded teachers
- workshops with national and international guest teachers
- technique classes accompanied by some of Toronto's finest dance musicians
- many performance opportunities, including chances to create choreography
- a close relationship with Toronto Dance Theatre, and exposure to the vibrant Toronto dance community
- a performance series with admission to shows by top Canadian and international artists
- an on-site theatre that hosts performances by a variety of dance companies and independent artists
- a healthy learning environment
- an opportunity for transferable credits to York University's BFA program in dance
- a versatile education that prepares you to perform independently or with contemporary dance companies
| This is the place where you can train to be a performer, if you too are inspired by this passion. We hope to see you in September 2008! |
| -- Patricia Fraser, Artistic Director |
Click here for details on the Curriculum, PROGRAM & FACULTY.
As a graduate of the Professional Training Program you will be trained as a performer and prepared to pursue career opportunities in the field of contemporary dance.
Click here to see where our ALUMNI are now!
An impressive number of our alumni are now successful members of Canadian and international dance companies, while others have initiated their own dance collectives, festivals and schools. Some have continued with their studies for combined degrees, or have gone on to apply their knowledge of dance beyond the stage.
Click here to learn more about our JOINT PROGRAM WITH YORK UNIVERSITY.
In addition to performance, a career as a dancer may involve education or therapy. Although performing is the most obvious activity, many dancers combine dancing with teaching, choreography, or administrative work.
Potential career paths may lead you to a successful career as a:
- Performer
- Choreographer
- Artistic & Rehearsal Director
- Dance Instructor
- Health & Fitness Practitioner
- Dance Therapist
- Independent Studio Director
- Company/Festival Founder & Entrepreneur
- Theatre Professional
- Dance Researcher & Writer
- Arts Administrator
The Professional Training Program at The School of Toronto Dance Theatre is a full-time, three-year program with approximately 60 students. Students come to the School from every province in Canada, and, internationally, the School has welcomed students from Austria, Barbados, Bermuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, England, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad, and the United States.
Social Life: The Professional Training Program has an active and thriving social environment. When you come to the School, you become part of a close-knit community. You'll meet new friends from all parts of Canada and the world who share your interests in dance!
| "I really like that it's a small school. As opposed to a university, you know everybody here; you know the faculty, the people that work in the office, and all the [students in different] classes. I like that." |
| --Jasmine Ellis, Graduate 2007 |
| "It's great that we're a small school, because you get to know each other and you create relationships; some of the friends I've made here I'm going to keep for the rest of my life." |
| --Rénald Jean-Pierre, Graduate 2007 |
Student-Run Organizations: Over your course of study, you'll have plenty of opportunities to participate in the School's student council, coffeehouse productions, graduation committee, and other student-run social events. During your graduating year, you'll also have a chance to help organize and take part in a cultural excursion to an exciting city; past class trips have included such vibrant destinations as Montreal, Quebec City, and New York City.
The School's Dance Network: Each year, you and your classmates will attend a series of dance performances in the Toronto area by world-renowned companies. You will also have the chance to meet and learn from a wide selection of renowned choreographers and guest artists.
| "As well as the guest choreographers you get to work with, you make amazing connections. |
| --Rénald Jean-Pierre, Graduate 2007 |
The School's Neighbourhood & Facilities
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre is located in the heart of historic Cabbagetown, a neighbourhood located on the east side of downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Surrounded by "the largest continuous area of preserved Victorian housing in North America,"* the School itself is situated in a heritage-designated renovated church -- a building which is also home to Toronto Dance Theatre (TDT) and the Winchester Street Theatre. The building's facilities include four studios (including a 115-seat theatre), dressing rooms, showers, sauna, wardrobe, and the administrative offices for both the School and TDT. Some classes and rehearsals are held in the studios of Canadian Children's Dance Theatre/Danny Grossman Dance Company or the National Ballet School, both of which are within walking distance of the School.
The neighbourhood surrounding the School is an eclectic mix, both economically and socially, which helps create a community of interesting and distinctive character. The other important dance studios which are found in close proximity to the School, together with our home at 80 Winchester Street, contribute to a vibrant array of dance activity for people of all ages; ranging from training and rehearsal, to professional and recreational performance.
*Cabbagetown Preservation Association
The city of Toronto is one of Canada's leading cultural centres and offers an endless variety of artistic events. While living in Toronto, students can experience theatre productions, dance events, galleries, the symphony, opera, live music, and international cultural festivals.
Did you know? Toronto is the third largest live theatre centre
in the world (after London and New York).
Toronto also has many diverse communities in which students can reside, establish new friendships, and involve themselves socially. Overall, Toronto is a wonderful place for students to develop personally and artistically.
| "I like that we're exposed to a lot of the dance in Toronto. I find that, because Toronto is such a metropolitan city, a lot of international and national companies come into Toronto. |
| --Christina Giannelia, Current Student |
For more information on living and working in Toronto, visit:
www.toronto.com
City of Toronto - Official Website
City of Toronto - Arts, Culture & Heritage Services
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre does not have residence facilities. Rather, the majority of students in the Professional Training Program rent accommodation in nearby houses and apartments. The current housing situation in Toronto is such that most students find sharing accommodations more financially viable than renting their own apartment. An inexpensive one-bedroom apartment in Toronto costs approximately $900.00 monthly; in addition, students should expect local transit costs of approximately $100.00 monthly.
- the approximate cost of living in downtown Toronto:
Bachelor Apartments $800 per month and up
1 Bedroom Apartments $900 per month and up
2 Bedroom Apartments $1250 per month and up
3 Bedroom Apartments $1450 per month and up
Shared Accommodation $450 per month and up, per person
Houses $1350 per month and up, divided per person depending on the number of bedrooms
Finding Accommodation
The School provides an online housing board for its community members to post (for free) and search for roommate and accommodation listings.
This board also has information about a number of facilities that are available for either summer or temporary accommodation, though most are only appropriate for individuals while they look for another living situation. In addition, the School sometimes receives notices of available sublets and shared accommodations which are not posted online. For detailed listings, students should contact the School and/or visit our housing board at www.places4students.com
Click here to visit the School's HOUSING BOARD.
Tuition
Fees for the 2008/09 school year are:
- $4,000.00 (Canadian funds), plus
- $150.00 (Canadian funds) for non-optional performance series,
- a non-optional book fee (first-year students only) of $100.00 (Canadian funds), and
- a non-optional photo/video shoot fee (third-year students only) of $200.00 (Canadian funds).
Please note that tuition payments cover approximately 38% of the costs of studying in the Professional Training Program at The School of Toronto Dance Theatre. All other costs are funded by various government agencies; donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations; and performance revenue. All students, therefore, are subsidized by both the public and private sectors.
Financial Assistance
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre recognizes that financing your education can be a challenge. Select financial assistance programs are available to our Professional Training Program (PTP) students. In addition, the School offers a limited amount of awards, bursaries, and scholarships for PTP students.
External Funding
Students enrolled in the PTP may be eligible, if qualified, for assistance under one or more of the following components of the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP):
- the Canada Student Loans Program (CSL),
- the Ontario Student Loans Plan (OSL).
Canadian students should contact Alison Hughes, Student Services Co-ordinator the School at 416.967.6887 for more information.
Internal Funding
- A small number of bursaries are available to both Canadian and international students who have successfully completed one full year of the Professional Training Program.
- The recently launched Rene Highway Award, from a fund established by Native Earth Performing Arts, is available to be given every second year to an Aboriginal dancer who wishes to pursue dance as a serious career.
- The School gives a special award to honour the third-year student who has displayed exceptional leadership qualities and made a significant contribution to school life. "The School of Toronto Dance Theatre Board of Directors' Leadership Award" is given at the end of the school year; nominations for this prize are received from students and faculty.
- A limited number of opportunities exist for PTP students to obtain a small income through paid employment at the School. In prior years, positions have been available as receptionist for evening and weekend classes, in building maintenance, and as front-of-house staff at Winchester Street Theatre.
Additional Awards & Resources
- PTP students in their first year of study may be eligible to apply for the Millennium Excellence Award, offered by the Canadian Millennium Scholarship Foundation. For details and complete application information, students should visit www.excellenceaward.ca
- In any given year, the School may be invited to nominate one or more PTP students for prestigious scholarships awarded by private charities and agencies.
- Several provincial and international awards and resources are available to PTP students; please contact the School to receive more information on financial aid specific to a province or international country of residence.
- For more financial aid and scholarship searches, visit:
CanLearn
FastWeb
Scholarships Canada
Student Awards
Individuals interested in applying to the Professional Training Program will need to:
- carefully review the qualification criteria and application instructions (link below);
- complete and submit an application form with all supporting documents and fees; and,
- attend an audition (video auditions may be arranged).
Click on the AUDITIONS link for complete application information, procedures, and forms.
Visiting the School is a great way to find out more about your future program!
We encourage and welcome all prospective students and their families to come visit The School of Toronto Dance Theatre. During your visit, we may arrange for you to tour the School's facilities, observe a Professional Training Program class, and speak one-on-one with current students and faculty.
To set a date/time for a school visit and tour, please contact us at 416.967.6887 or e-mail info@SchoolofTDT.org.
You may also be interested in attending a Professional Training Program mainstage performance, held each year during the months of December, April, and May. Click on our EVENTS link for more information on upcoming performances and productions.
Student Testimonials
What students have to say about their experience at The School of Toronto Dance Theatre:
| "I love the School. For me, it's one of the best training programs in the country because it has some of the highest calibre teachers and technique-wise, it's the strongest because it pushes its students. I think that all the aspects it offers--the different performing opportunities, the connections you make, and some of the finest choreographers and teachers from Canada and around the world--are fantastic. You're so prepared when you exit the School. It fosters that sense of love for dance because the people who work in the building are so passionate about it. It's the perfect environment if you want to go after your dreams." |
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| --Erika-Leigh Stirton, Graduate 2006 | |
| "I love it here! I feel that I've improved technically, artistically more than I ever have before. I really enjoy the faculty; they're amazing. They're very intelligent and they know exactly when to say things at the right time--they push you. My classmates, we all get along so well! It's kind of strange, because we wonder, how did they put us together? It's such a nice atmosphere and community. It's really great." |
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| --Sarah McQueston during first year of study, originally from Newmarket, Ontario | |
| "I'm learning so much! It's fun, but it's really challenging at the same time. I really love all the teachers; I learn so much from them. I feel like I'm definitely changing and growing more; I can already feel myself getting better." |
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| --Rhonda Baker during first year of study, originally from Sackville, Nova Scotia | |
| "After being here for a couple of months, I really love the School a lot. It's so much more than I expected and such a great environment to be in. It's pushing me in a way that I didn't think I could be pushed in my training." |
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| --Christine Birch during first year of study, originally from Oakville, Ontario | |
| "I love my classmates. They're so supportive and so talented and inspiring. The classes are hard but equally supportive and lots of fun. I always have fun in every class. It's a really friendly and positive atmosphere. There's never a day that I don't want to come to School." |
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| --Krista Posyniak during second year of study, originally from Edmonton, Alberta | |
| "I feel I have grown tremendously in technique since September. I consider myself a 'dancer' now, and I only have the teachers to thank for that. I come to class with self motivation, but it's the teachers that push me." |
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| --Peter Hessel during first-year of study, originally from London, Ontario | |
| "The School is an excellent place for training. Being here, you meet different kinds of teachers; they actually care about your progress and they look at you and really know what you need to work on." |
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| --Irit Amachai during first year of study, originally from Emek Hefer, Israel | |
| "I feel like I've been completely stripped of all my bad habits and infused with new clean, simple, useful, timeless tools that will take me everywhere." |
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| --Kristina Udegbunam during third year of study, originally from Mississauga, Ontario | |
| "I've had my eyes opened to the possibilities within the modern dance world. For me now, it seems as though my opportunities are almost endless for what I can do after this program." |
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| --Christina Giannelia during second year of study, originally from Toronto, Ontario | |
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 ample street parking available near the School, and 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.
Thinking of applying to the Professional Training Program? Need more information? Please send us your questions or comments. We look forward to hearing from you!