2021 Admission Guide

2021

ADMISSION GUIDE 1

On the cover, Tatiana Lerebours, photographed while she was beginning her professional training and now dancing with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal.

TABLE OF CONTENTS OUR SCHOOL

1

PERFORMANCE

4

TEACHING BALLET ACCOMPANIMENT

ALL PHOTOS ARE TAKEN BY MICHAEL SLOBODIAN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE.

2

16 17

OUR SCHOOL

PHOTO CARL LESSARD

ARTISTIC PHILOSOPHY THE PERSONAL EVOLUTION OF OUR STUDENTS IS AT THE HEART OF OUR MISSION. We value ballet as an ever-evolving tradition. We believe it is important to nurture our students to develop their mind, spirit, and body in movement in order to respond to the demands of today’s dynamic and expressive dance creations.

As choreography becomes borderless, we also believe that dance artists must be trained to be versatile, creative, and motivated to push the boundaries of the past. Just as choreographers today draw on multiple disciplines to create dance, at L’École supérieure we optimize learning so that each student will be able to embark on a journey where their talent will best be served.

We strive to foster our students to emerge as complete artists who are engaged, invested, passionate, and stimulated. As they develop autonomy with a professional focus, our students become independent learners and the architects of their own bodies and their continuing evolution.

HISTORY AND MISSION The origins of L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec date back to the early 1950s. Ludmilla Chiriaeff, dancer, choreographer and dance teacher arrived in Montréal just as the very first French-language television network was launched.

While Madame Chiriaeff lost no time in applying her talent and energy to RadioCanada’s variety programs, she did not limit herself to the small screen. True to her pioneering spirit, she gave Québec society its first major classical dance company, establishing the Grands Ballets Canadiens, and L’École supérieure, its first national establishment dedicated to professional dance training. In 1966, at the request of the Québec Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Madame Chiriaeff incorporated L’École supérieure.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ANIK BISSONNETTE Principal dancer of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens for close to 17 years, Anik Bissonnette has devoted her energies, since 2010, to communicate her knowledge to a new generation of dancers worthy of the finest dance companies in Québec, Canada and the world.

TODAY, L’ÉCOLE SUPÉRIEURE’S PRIMARY MISSION REMAINS THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF CLASSICAL DANCERS FOR THE GRANDS BALLETS CANADIENS AND OTHER MAJOR DANCE COMPANIES AROUND THE WORLD.

In 1980, the parent institutions moved to the Maison de la danse du Québec, located on Plateau Mont-Royal, in a major hub of artistic training. L’École supérieure established the Bibliothèque de la danse Vincent-Warren, which has become Canada’s leading dance documentation centre.

When the Grands Ballets Canadiens moved to the Quartier des spectacles in 2017, L’École supérieure gets more space to develop its programs, which included the training of masters and piano accompanists, as well as recreational classes for children and adults.

1

OUR SCHOOL

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION Admission by audition only

Performance

Junior cycle

Intermediary cycle

Danse-Study

After School Classes Grade

3 to 6

Advanced cycle

Grade

7 to 9

Grade

10 to 11

DES

Based on an assesment of qualifications

Teaching

720 training hours, including practical internships

Based on an assesment of qualifications

Ballet Accompaniment

photos PETER MORNEAU

2

45 training hours and 15 hours of internships

PROGRAMS LEADING TO A CAREER IN DANCE

Post-Secondary Diploma in Classical Dance Performance

Superior cycle

DANCER

trained for Les Grands Ballets and other dance companies in Quebec, Canada and around the world

DEC

Danse-Study

1st-3rd year

AEC

DANCE TEACHER

Teacher Training Diploma

for Recreational and / or Professional Students

Diploma in Ballet Accompaniment

DES = Diplôme d’études secondaires Secondary School Diploma

BALLET ACCOMPANIST

DEC = Diplôme d’études collégiales Diploma of College Studies

AEC = Attestation d’études collégiales Attestation of College Studies

3

PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE L’École supérieure remains, more than half a century after its founding by Mrs. Ludmilla Chiriaeff, the only francophone institution in North America that offers a world-class training in ballet. The professional program in performance aims for the holistically development of students, incorporating morphological, psychological, artistic, technical and scholastic components. The artistic direction strives to combine the best elements of proven methods, while remaining on the lookout for the latest developments in the art of movement.

The professional program is subdivided into cycles that fairly reflect the evolution of the training program, that is to say, the requirements in term of time and commitment, from junior to superior level.

In the Junior Cycle, classes are given after school and on Saturdays. From the Intermediate Cycle, the student embarks on a dance-studies course and has the possibility to choose the official curriculum or the dance-only curriculum.

THE OFFICIAL CURRICULUM

THE DANCE-ONLY CURRICULUM

• Combines professional ballet training with an academic education dispensed by renowned establishments

• Same dance classes as the official curriculum

• Leads to an attestation of studies in classical dance and a high-school diploma • Leads to a diploma in superior studies in classical dance and a diploma of college studies in classical dance-interpretation (561.BA)

BOYS L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec believes that it is important to provide young men with solid technique, allowing them to develop the strength and precision needed to perform movements specific to them (jumps, lifts, etc.). For this reason, from the elementary level, boys take dynamic classes designed for high-performance athletes. In these classes, which are open exclusively to boys, students receive in-depth training in the specifically masculine aspects of classical technique, with a focus on vitality, endurance and action Possibility of a full bursary (see p. 14).

4

• Offers the possibility of taking correspondence courses • Leads to a diploma of superior studies in classical dance

AUDITIONS To audition, potential students must meet requirements with regards to age (as of September 30, 2021), health and aptitude for dance. Candidates of all ages and levels may audition.

However, the later a student enters the program, the stricter the technical requirements.

Consisting of L’École supérieure’s artistic director and teachers, the jury evaluates aspects such as coordination, flexibility, musicality and expression.

24 JAN

DEADLINE REGISTRATION

1 2

FILL THE FORM ON www.esbq.ca ADD TWO PHOTOS IN BALLET ATTIRE

+ 3 4

OR

Face

Arms Against Body

Tendu à la seconde

1re arabesque in profile

ALL CANDIDATES

GRADE 2 TO 6 CANDIDATS

GRADE 7 TO 9 CANDIDATES

GRADE 10 AND OLDER CANDIDATES

FEES OF $40 ON AUDITION DAY, WEAR THE APPROPRIATE OUTFIT

Dance leotard with pink tights, demi-pointe and pointe shoes (if applicable) and hair bun

5

OR

White t-shirt, black shorts or tights and demi-pointe shoes

AUDITIONS JUNIOR CYCLE IN FRONT OF A JURY

2

hours

INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED, AND SUPERIOR CYCLES: BY VIDEO

20

minutes

Latecomers will not be admitted and parents cannot attend the audition.

5

PERFORMANCE

HOW TO PREPARE A VIDEO AUDITION ALL CANDIDATES Video audition (hyperlink or DVD) must be filmed with the camera at the body height and must include the following: • Facing front: Simply stand, facing the camera, arms relaxed along the body.

• Profile position: As above, but stand sideways to the camera.

• Pointing feet: Sitting on the ground, profile to the camera, extend the legs in front of the body and point both feet.

• Flexing feet: Sitting on the ground, profile to the camera, extend the legs in front of the body and flex feet. The heels can lift off the ground.

• External rotation (turnout): Lying on the ground, on the back, put the legs in a demi plié position (the frog).

Try not to arch the back. Repeat the same position while lying on the stomach.

• Back flexibility: Lying on the stomach, place both hands underneath the shoulders and push up with the arms only. The hips must stay on the ground.

• Flexibility: Sitting on the ground, profile to the camera, with legs extended in front, lean forward and if possible, touch the feet while keeping the legs straight.

6

CANDIDATES 11 TO 12 YEARS OF AGE • Exercises at the barre: pliés, tendus, grands battements, etc.

• Musicality and coordination: skip in a circle or in diagonal on a musical accompaniment.

• Artistry: perform a short choreography.

CANDIDATES 13 YEARS OF AGE AND UP Perform a short ballet class with these elements: • Barre (one side only) • Centre: tendus, adage, pirouettes and jumps (small, medium and big allegro) • Girls add one pointe exercise in the centre (preferably a pirouette exercice) and one variation, depending on the level.

SUMMER INTENSIVE Candidates retained after the first auditions are required to participate in the entire summer intensive program.

An open class and short presentations to parents are held on the last day of the summer intensive program.

JUNIOR CYCLE Two intensive weeks to start training!

A day-care service is offered at no additional cost before and after classes.

INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED AND SUPERIOR CYCLES For three weeks, candidates will experience the daily training they would receive at L’École supérieure, taking classes in: • Ballet; • Pointes or Preparation of Pointes Work; • Boys’ Technique; • Contemporary Dance;

28

TO

12

TO

JUNE

JULY

9

JULY

30 JULY

• Workshop with Renowned Choreographers (From Grade 8) • Classical, Neo-Classical and Contemporary Repertoire.

• Physical Training;

TO BE CONF IRMED ONLY OFFERED FROM JULY 12 TO 30

HOUSING

L’École supérieure offers the possibility of room and board to candidates from outside Montreal.

• 7 days per week.

• Supervision at all times.

• Morning and evening meals provided on the accommodation premises; box lunch provided for the noontime meal.

• Transportation by public transit with supervisors.

• Recreational activities provided on weekends. Additional charges apply. Students can also opt to return home on weekends.

• Arrival on the Sunday prior to the first day; departure the last Friday after the final class.

7

PERFORMANCE

NOVICE CYCLE GRADE 2 Registration opens in Spring 2021 Limited spots

The new Novice Cycle is a stepping stone to the Professional Division’s Performance Program.

A true introduction to the vocabulary of classical dance and its expression, the Novice Cycle allows students to discover dance creation as well. Since the group is smaller than that of a recreational class, the supervision of each student is reinforced. At the end of each of the two sessions, an evaluation will attest the level of learning achieved. A show takes place at the end of the school year in our studios. A student wishing to join the Junior Cycle must do the audition.

2

hours of classes per week, from September to June

JUNIOR CYCLE GRADE 3 TO 6 The Junior Cycle is the introduction to the professional program in classical dance performance, for children ages 8 to 11. It emphasizes excellence, a glimpse of self- transcendence and pleasure in movement.

Classes take place after school, starting at 4:30 pm, and Saturdays.

Evaluated each year, students must meet set objectives and comply with established requirements to be promoted to the next level or to continue on to the Intermediate Cycle. Otherwise, they can opt to continue to dance in the recreational division.

LEVELS AND CLASSES Level

Age

Weekly hours*

3

8 years old

4 hours

4

9 years old

6 1/2 hours

5

10 years old 10 1/2 hours

6

11 years old

*Subject to change.

Classes: • Ballet; • Creation; • Physical Training; • Boys Technique; • Repertoire; • World Dances.

8

11 1/2 hours

INTERMEDIATE CYCLE GRADE 7 TO 9 As of the Intermediate Cycle, the student embarks on a dance-studies path.

• Ballet;

TYPICAL DAY

• Pointes or Preparation of Pointes Work;

Dance classes

Classes

Transportation and lunch

• Boys’ Technique; • Character Dance (Grade 7);

Monday to Friday 08:00

09:00

10:00

Classes:

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

• Contemporary Dance (From Grade 8); • Physical Training; • Classical, Neo-Classical and Contemporary Repertoire.

Grade 8: classes on Saturday starting in January Grade 9: classes on Saturday from 10:45 to 13:00

ADVANCED CYCLE GRADE 10 AND 11 In the Advanced Cycle, the student’s schedule allows him to concentrate exclusively on his studies on Mondays and devote himself entirely to dancing on Saturdays.

TYPICAL DAY 09:00

10:00

• Ballet; • Pointes; • Boys’ Technique;

Monday to Friday 08:00

Classes:

• Contemporary Dance ; 11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

• Physical Training; • Repertoire;

Saturday 08:00

09:00

• Choreographic Workshop; 10:00

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

• Partnering.

SCHOOL PARTNER The Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie, a denominational boarding school, offers a stimulating learning environment at the foot of Mount Royal.

L’École supérieure provides transportation for students between the Maison de la danse du Québec Ludmilla-Chiriaeff and the Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie at lunchtime.

9

PERFORMANCE

SUPERIOR CYCLE Average of 30 hours of dance training per week.

TYPICAL DAY Monday to Friday 08:00

09:00

10:00

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

Theoretical or general classes

Saturday 09:00

Session 2

10:00

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

Dance Classes

Theory Classes**

General Classes at Cégep***

Introduction to Ballet in a Professional Setting Pointes and Variations: Updating Performance in Rehearsal Introduction to Partnering Complementary Training Methods*

Introduction to the Career Nutrition and Psychology

Art History Writing and Literature Physical Activity and Health

Functional Anatomy

Philosophy and Rationality Literature and Imagination Physical Education 1 Physical Activity and Efficiency

History of Dance

The Human Being (philosophy 2) Quebec Literature Physical Education 2 Physical Activity and Autonomy

Ballet Class 1 Pointes and Variations 1 Partnering 1 Choreography Workshop 1

Session 4

Ballet Class 3 Variations 1 Partnering Choreography Workshop 3 Rhythmic and Musical Approach Repertory 1 Introduction to Creation

Session 5

Ballet Class 2 Pointes and Variations 2 Partnering 2 Choreography Workshop 2 Interpretation 1 Complementary Technique*

Ballet Class 4 Variations 2 Partnering 4 Choreography Workshop 4 Repertory 2

Career Management

Optional Course English or French, Second-Language

Session 6

3 rd year

2nd year

Session 3

1st year

Session 1

08:00

Dance classes

Ballet Class 5 Variations 3 Choreography Workshop 5 Creation Interpretation 2

Artistic Appreciation

Optional Course English or French, Second-Language

SCHOOL PARTNER Partner with L’École supérieure since 1979, the Cégep du Vieux Montréal is the only educational establishment in Quebec that issues a college diploma in classical dance. This prominent school is known especially for the high quality of its many arts-based technical training programs.

Ethics and Politics (Philosophy 3) Contemporary Literature and Culture

* Limon, Gaga, floor work. ** In French only . *** Students in the official program only. Literature and philosophy courses may be offered in English at another college.

10

Excerpt of Serenade from George Balanchine, performed during La Soirée des étoiles at salle Wilfrid-Pelletier

photo LES GRANDS BALLETS SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

ON STAGE THE INTERPRETATION PROGRAM PROVIDES A VARIED RANGE OF EXPERIENCES IN DIFFERENT PROFESSIONAL CONTEXTS

BY ALLOWING STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN MAJOR PRODUCTIONS ALONG WITH RECOGNIZED ARTISTS AND ORGANIZATIONS, IN THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS VENUES OF THE CITY.

photo VANESSA FORTIN

Original works by students, Chorégrahes de demain, at the Wilder Building

11

INTERPRÉTATION L’École supérieure leads to the world greatest companies

Tatiana Lerebours 2019 Graduate

Étienne Gagnon-Delorme 2017 Graduate

Maude Sabourin 2006 Graduate

12

Catherine Toupin 2017 Graduate

photo LES GRANDS BALLETS, SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

LES GRANDS BALLETS

Janie Richard The big winner of the second season of the TV show Révolution on TVA network, is also spokesperson for our auditions.

photo SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

2007 Graduate

VIRGINIA NATIONAL

BALLET

BALLET ZÜRICH

TINY PRETTY THINGS

BALLET DE L’OPÉRA

NATIONAL

DU RHIN

Sarah-Maude Laliberté is part of the distribution of a new ballet drama series produced by Netflix.

Quinn Fieldstone 2018 Graduate

Cohen Aitchison-Dugas

Pierre-Émile Lemieux-Venne

2016 Graduate

2016 Graduate

photo CARLOS QUEZADA

2017 Graduate

photo NIS & FOR

13

PERFORMANCE

SERVICES GRANT Parents of students wishing to benefit from a grant must contact the Fondation de L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec for an application form, which is to be completed and returned to the School before the end of the summer intensive. The Fondation will render its decision during the month of August. Students benefitting from a grant may be called to contribute in activities organized by L’École supérieure and its foundation.

HOUSING OPTIONS The Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie offers boarding 5 days a week from Sunday night to Friday morning.

L’École supérieure gives the greatest attention to the prevention of injuries and eating disorders. For this reason, it provides a health service that seeks to better manage injuries or unease that might occur within the framework of intensive training such as the professional division’s performance program. The department head guides and works with students and their parents, in partnership with professionals renowned for their expertise in the evaluation and treatment of dancers.

photo LILI MARIN

HEALTH

BIBLIOTHÈQUE DE LA DANSE VINCENT-WARREN

photos RAYSIDE LABOSSIÈRE

Located on the first floor of the Maison de la danse du Québec Ludmilla-Chiriaeff, the library carries more than a collection, specializing in dance in Canada and around the world, with more than 30,000 documents. The free subscription to the Bibliothèque de la danse Vincent-Warren is part of the privileges of the student in the professional division.

bibliodanse.ca 14

REGISTRATION AND FEES When students are admitted, they must complete their registration with both L’École supérieure and the academic partner corresponding to their level, if they choose the official curriculum. The fees displayed do not take into account the material and fees associated with certain activities that take place during the year. Additional fees may also be requested by our school partners. Please contact them for more details.

SUMMER INTENSIVE CYCLE

Dance fees $950

Upon receipt of their acceptance letter, foreign students can start the process to obtain a student’s permit.

Canadian

$1,800

Foreign students must obtain the following documents:

Foreign

$2,800

• a Québec Acceptance Certificate for studies http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca

Junior Intermediate, advanced and superior

FOREIGN STUDENTS

NOVICE AND JUNIOR CYCLES CYCLE

Dance fees

Novice

$1,025

Junior 3

$1,620

Junior 4

$2,320

Junior 5

$3,150

Junior 6

$3,400

• a study permit http://www.cic.gc.ca • insurance in the event of accident.

For additional information on the process for obtaining a visa, please contact the Manager - Registrar’s Office and Student Services.

OFFICIAL CURRICULUM - INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED AND SUPERIOR CYCLES CYCLE

Dance fees

Intermediate and advanced

Superior

$4,810

$5,675

School Partner *

Total

From Québec

$3,791

$8,601

Out of Québec

**$4,800

$9,610

From Québec

$189

$5,864

Canadian Out of Québec

$1,810

$7,485

Foreign

$8,438

$14,113

* Tuition fees are to be paid directly to the academic partner. ** Fees are subject to change.

DANCE CURRICULUM - INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED AND SUPERIOR CYCLES CYCLE IIntermediate and advanced Superior

Dance fees Canadian

$6,580

Foreign

$7,900

Canadian

$7,400

Foreign

$9,100

ACCOMODATIONS AT THE PENSIONNAT DU SAINT-NOM-DE-MARIE* OPTIONNAL CYCLE Intermediate and advanced

Accomodation ** $6,650

* Only open to students in the Official curriculum. ** Fees are subject to change.

15

TEACHING

TEACHING With a more than half a century’s tradition, L’École supérieure is an establishment committed to transmitting the necessary know-how to teach classical dance, both for recreational and / or professional students. In line with the reality of the working world, this program is also offered on a part-time basis.

720

Training hours, including practical internships

CLASSES: IN FRENCH ONLY • Initiation à la carrière; • Principes d’anatomie appliqués à l’enseignement de la danse; • Principes de psychopédagogie de la danse; • Musique et enseignement de la danse; • Élaboration d’activités d’apprentissage de la danse;

photo VANESSA FORTIN

• Stratégies d’enseignement appliquées à l’enseignement de la danse;

«Teaching allows me to share the extensive performing experience I acquired over the years as principal dancer with the Grands Ballets Canadiens, then with La La La Human Steps. However, in order to properly guide my students in their development, I felt that I needed more knowledge in areas such as anatomy, music and psychology. Today, I am better equipped to plan courses and develop exercises suited to the challenges my students face.»

• Évaluation en danse; • Initiation en milieu de travail I et II; • Interprétation d’un programme; • Atelier pratique d’enseignement; • Production d’un spectacle.

APPLICANTS MUST HOLD: • a Dance Performance (561.BA) DEC in Classical Dance or equivalentt or • professional experience as a dancer or • previous experience in dance teaching; • have sufficient knowledge of written and spoken French.

THE APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE: • Résumé; • Letter of intent;

— Andrea Boardman, Graduate

16

• Letter of support from an employer or a dance teacher.

BALLET ACCOMPANIMENT

BALLET ACCOMPANIMENT Accompanying a ballet class is an art form, one that requires a great deal of training and experience. This expertise is accessible through our ballet accompanist course that includes observation, theory and practice.

45 + 15

Hours of Apprenticeship

photo: PAULA YOUWAKIM / AGENCE MICKAËL SPINNHIRNY

Hours of Classes

APPLICANTS MUST HOLD: • proficiency in classical or jazz piano or • a college or university diploma or

CLASSES: • Introduction to ballet vocabulary; • Definition of the musical structure of exercises;

• previous experience in ballet accompaniment.

• Strategies for communicating with ballet instructors;

Selected candidates will be invited for a short audition and an interview.

• Organization of personal repertoire.

17

LEARN MORE Youri de Wilde Manager - Registrar’s office and Student Services youri.dewilde@esbq.ca

Maison de la danse du Québec Ludmilla-Chiriaeff Laurier Saint-Joseph exit 4816, rue Rivard Montréal (Québec) H2J 2N6 T. 514 849-4929 esbq.ca

18

4816, rue Rivard Montréal H2J 2N6