Professional Ballet-Academic Program (Grades 6–12)
Full-time academic education and professional dance training on the Toronto campus, with residence options. NBS says it is an Ontario Ministry-inspected school and graduates receive an OSSD.
At a glance
- Grades
- Nursery – 12
- Gender
- Programs for all ages and abilities
- Boarding
- Yes
- Enrolment
- 50
- Founded
- 1998
- Board
- Independent
- Principal
- Betti ADAMS
- Program type
- Site based only
- Associations
- No Association Membership
Tuition & admissions
- Tuition
- $11,830 /year
Academics & learning
- Curriculum
- The full-time program combines Ontario curriculum academics with daily professional dance training for Grades 6–12. Academic studies run September–June in a non-semestered structure and include core subjects, ESL support, special education and careers/guidance. Dance training includes classical ballet variations, repertoire and pas de deux, contemporary technique/repertoire, improvisation, drama/expression, historical/character dance and anatomy. Students may train 2–4 hours daily in studio in addition to academics.
Course descriptions
Academic program
Junior-Intermediate (Grades 6–8) and Senior (Grades 9–12) study a full-year, non-semestered Ontario curriculum. Academic support includes ESL, special education and guidance/career planning.
Dance training
Training combines ballet technique, variations, repertoire and pas de deux with contemporary repertoire/technique, improvisation, drama/expression, historical/character dance and anatomy.
Young Dancers and Summer Intensive
Separate part-time classes and summer training opportunities are available for young dancers; these are not the full-time Grade 6–12 academic program.
School images
Learning programs
Specializations
Professional ballet training · Contemporary dance · Dance teacher training · Continuing professional development for dance educators · Accessible and inclusive community dance
Languages
English
Student life
Arts
Professional ballet training, contemporary dance, improvisation, drama and expression; annual Spring Showcase and participation in The Nutcracker with the National Ballet of Canada.
Facilities
State-of-the-art, expansive campus in downtown Toronto. · Academic instruction, dance training and residence care on one campus. · Student residence steps from Summer Intensive training facilities. · Facilities supporting professional, recreational and community dance programs and the creation of dance resources.
Clubs & extracurricular activities
- Student Council and yearbook: NBS lists Student Council and yearbook committee among student life opportunities.
- School events and activities: NBS describes art fashion show, performances, assemblies, fundraisers, dances, picnics and student planning committees. The website does not publish a dated club calendar.
About the school
Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) offers professional ballet training, academic education, teacher training, and recreational and community dance programs. Its full-time Professional Ballet-Academic Program serves students in grades 6–12 from Canada and around the world.
Location & school highlights
Location
- An expansive campus in downtown Toronto
- with dance training
- academic instruction and residence care on one campus.
What makes the school distinct
- One of the only schools in North America offering Olympic-calibre dance training, academic instruction and residence care on one campus.
- A dance pedagogy unique to NBS combines progressive classical ballet training, contemporary dance and advances in the science of movement.
- Training emphasizes physical and emotional wellbeing, with equity, diversity and inclusion embedded in the school’s culture.
- World-renowned guest teachers enhance instruction in ballet and other dance forms.
Notable alumni
NBS names alumni performing with professional companies including Dutch National Ballet, English National Ballet, The Royal Ballet, New York City Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, Houston Ballet and Stuttgart Ballet. These are professional dance career examples, not university placements.
School activity
2026-11-03
Enrolment history
12 · 50
Contact
- Phone
- 416-964-3780
- nchabrol@nbs-enb.ca