Professional Program

Levels: Pre-Elementary to Senior
11-18 years

The Professional Dance Program is designed for the committed and talented dance student. Younger students are introduced to the rigor and physical demands of professional training. Higher levels are designed for advanced dancers who are seriously considering a professional dance career. This ballet-based program provides dancers with a broad movement vocabulary. All classes demand high levels of physical strength, technique and discipline. This intense and demanding program requires full commitment from the students and their families.

This program requires students to attend Magee Secondary's ½ day Sports and Arts program (SPARTS) to complete their high school courses. SPARTS offers students in grades 8-12 the opportunity to compete their academic requirements in preparation for secondary school graduation and post-secondary entrance, while allowing them to maintain their rigorous dance training schedule. Access to all elements of the Professional Dance Program is granted by successful audition.

Auditions

Dance auditions for the 2010-2011 program year will be held on March 21, 2010 at Arts Umbrella, Granville Island. Click here for an audition application form.

For a table of audition times, Click here.

DVD and Letter of Reference

Applicants who cannot attend the Vancouver audition in March (and have never attended Arts Umbrella Summer Dance Intensive) must submit a DVD and letter of reference with their application form. The letter must be from a current dance teacher supporting the student’s application and outlining the student’s work ethic, focus, strength and stamina, and ability to take direction and excel in an intense program.

DVD must demonstrate the following elements:

Close-up of face and figure Barre work (one side only) including pliés, tendus & dégagé, adagé with arabesque and attitude lines, grands battements  

Centre practice & pirouettes from 5th, 2nd or 4th position on the right and left sides, en dehors and en dedans  

Allegro including one warm-up jump to include sauté, glissade, assemblé, and travelling jumps including grand jeté en tournant and jeté en avant  

Pointe work (for girls) including echappé relevé in 2nd and 4th positions, retiré relevé, and diagonal of piqué turns  

Solo 1-2 minute solo variation in classical or contemporary  

Boys: all of the above (except pointe), as well as tour en l’air (single or double), and batterie

Registration for successful applicants opens June 21, 2010.
Eligible bursary applications (based on financial need) and supporting documentation due at time of registration.

Please note: dance program registration is currently not available online. For more information, contact the Registrar: registration@artsumbrella.com