Artistic Director: Bleiddyn Bellis, Fellow and Examiner CC-CICB, Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM

The half day Professional Training Program (PTP) is designed for students aged 12+ wanting to train in an intensive and professional environment. Students attend academic school in the morning and dance training classes in the afternoon. Acceptance into the PTP is by audition only.

PTP students are nurtured in an atmosphere dedicated to excellence with personalized programs and coaching to ensure training is well rounded and meets the demands of a professional dancer.

The program runs for 11 months each year beginning the season with a mandatory Summer Intensive session designed to accelerate progress, build technical strength, and develop artistry. Throughout the year students are also exposed to many performance opportunities including group and solo work in local and international competitions and festivals. The season is capped off with the annual VAB Celebration of Dance in June.

BRIDGE PROGRAM (Post-Secondary)

The Bridge Program is a three-year diploma program designed for students who are not yet established in the professional field of dance but have graduated from their high school academic and dance training programs. The Bridge Program holds Designation status with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) as well as EQA status (Education Quality Assurance), both under the umbrella of the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education. Acceptance into the Bridge Program is by audition only.

In the first year, dancers train approximately 30 hours per week and up to 40 hours per week in the second and third year. A year begins in August and ends in June.

Bridge Program students are encouraged to explore different aspects of professional dance life through the extensive program curriculum. Classical ballet is the primary discipline of technical training along with a very strong focus on contemporary dance. Besides classes in ballet, pointe, classical repertoire, pas de deux, and contemporary, students will also benefit from training in a professional environment, explore varied methods of the choreographic process, observe guest artist’s projects, as well as, receive classes in academic modules containing anatomy, ballet history and various personal development subjects such as career exploration.

Individual advising and collaboration with knowledgeable and experienced VAB faculty and guest choreographers connect students to avenues in the dance industry. As a graduate, you will be fully prepared for the next step on your career path.