The Ballet Creole Professional Training Program is a 2-year post-secondary practical program. The program is for committed, aspiring dancers who wish to focus on gaining technical strength and artistic maturity. Our program provides focused technical training infused with diverse cultural aesthetics , designed to assist all students in preparing for successful dance careers.

The Program:
Ballet Creole believes there are three essential elements in a dance-training program: Technical, Exploration, and Application.

Technical
Various movement techniques and practices engage the students in the essential task of alignment and conditioning and are designed to promote endurance, suppleness, awareness, economy, and precision in moving. These exercises are also intended to reduce injuries; including excessive tension, awkward gestures, a casual carriage, and inexpressive mobility. Studies in anatomy further the student's self-awareness and provide practical knowledge for safe and effective use of the body.

Exploration
This involve studies in space, time, energy, gesture, and emotion, in which students explore their inner nature and relationship to the world and other people in terms of movement. Through improvisations and guided experimentation in a variety of movement practices students will explore the interrelationship of mind, spirit, and body.

Application
The first part of the program emphasizes Technical exercises and explorations, while the remainder is dedicated more towards applications.

Course Descriptions:

The Dunham Technique is a cornerstone for training at the Ballet Creole School.

Dunham Technique

The Dunham technique was developed by internationally renowned dancer/choreographer Katherine Dunham as a result of her anthropological studies in Africa and the Caribbean. The technique draws from Classical Ballet as well as traditional African/Caribbean movement, forging a cultural link between Africa and North America.

This codified movement vocabulary focuses on the isolation of individual body parts, in preparation for execution of a polymovement structure that is reminiscent of African dance and music. Dancers are trained to control all body parts, becoming excellent dance masters; training that prepares them for a career in the professional world of dance.

Training in the Dunham technique includes the following components:

•   Form and Function
•   Socialization through the Arts
•   Exploration of Traditional Rhythms

Modern Dance
These classes employ modern dance techniques, body-mind centering, and contact improvisation. This unique and challenging blend will enhance flexibility and strength while encouraging and accommodating all dance abilities. The Dunham, Horton, Limon and Graham Techniques will be explored.

Cultural Dance
These classes include contemporary African-Caribbean dance, contemporary Brazilian dance, and Afro-Cuban dance. Special workshops are provided periodically in Jazz and Indian dance, and periodic master classes are offered with international teachers who specialize in a particular form.

Fee Schedule:

•   $3,100 payable in 2 installments
•   Same for both Canadian and International Students

Requirements:

•   1 year intensive dance training
•   Grade 12 / High School Diploma

Program Date:

•   September 19, 2007 - May 5, 2008

Sample Daily Program Schedule:

Level : I

Level : II

Additional workshops may be offered  in:
- Indian Classical Dance
- Jazz
- Capoeira

Scholarship Opportunities:

Click here for information regarding The Ballet Creole Scholarship Program

How to Apply

The Following items are required to apply the program:

- Completed Application form
- Headshot or Photo
- Resume

Return the above items to The Ballet Creole School of Performing Arts via:

- Fax :      416.960.2607
- Email :    info@balletcreole.org
- Post :    375 Dovercourt Road, 2nd floor, Toronto, Ontario M6J 3E5

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For further details, please contact the Ballet Creole office at 416.960.0350

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