History

The School of Toronto Dance Theatre was established in 1968 by the founders of Toronto Dance Theatre: Patricia Beatty, David Earle, and Peter Randazzo.

In early days, a simple schedule of classes was posted and all classes were taught by company directors or members. Senior dancers at the School, especially scholarship students, were expected to undertake responsibilities such as cleaning, scheduling classes, arranging accompanists, helping the company in wardrobe, distributing posters for company performances, and stuffing envelopes with donation appeals. During this period, Toronto Dance Theatre - and the School, which was part of the company - had no permanent home and were housed in a series of rented studios. In January 1978, the School incorporated separately from the company.  In 1979 the Professional Training Program was established by David Earle, and together the company and School moved into the studios and offices of their current home at 80 Winchester Street.   The School maintains its affiliation with Toronto Dance Theatre, currently under the artistic direction of Christopher House.

Under the artistic direction of Patricia Fraser since 1993, the School is devoted to providing a broad spectrum of movement classes for the serious dance artist and for the community. It comprises four divisions: the full-time, three-year Professional Training Program (PTP), providing training to students intent on a career in contemporary dance; the Summer School, an intensive month-long program for serious students and young professionals; the program of Contemporary Dance Classes for the recreational dancer; and the Young Dancers' Program, for youth from ages 3 to 17.

The School has served as the foundation and inspiration for generations of dancers.  We continue to draw from inspirational aspects of our legacy while looking to new directions in dance to develop artistic vision.