2026 Admission guide

PROFESSIONAL FORMATION

Performance · Teaching · Musical Accompaniment

© SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

ADMISSION GUIDE 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS OUR SCHOOL ............................................................03 OUR PROGRAMS....................................................04 ..................................................................06 Performance Teaching ..............................................................................26 ........................................27 Musical Accompaniment

JUSTIN CÔTÉ © SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

OUR SCHOOL

HISTORY AND MISSION

The origins of the École supérieure de ballet du Québec date back to theearly 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 Radio-Canada’s variety programs, she did notlimit herself to the small screen. True to her pioneering spirit, she gaveQuébec society its first major Classical ballet company, establishing Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and the 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 the École supérieure.

In 1980, the two affiliated institutions moved to the Maison de la danse du Québec, located on Plateau Mont-Royal, in a major hub of artistic training.

The École supérieure established the Bibliothèque de la danse VincentWarren, which has become Canada’s leading dance documentation centre.

The École supérieure remains, more than half a century after its foundingby Mrs. Ludmilla Chiriaeff, the only francophone institution in NorthAmerica that offers a world-class training in ballet.

In 2025, ESBQ innovates with the creation of the Contemporary ballet Program for secondary-level students.

LUDMILLA CHIRIAEFF, FONDATRICE

Today, the École supérieure’s primary mission remains the professional training of dancers for the major dance companies around the world, including Les Grands Ballets, famous institution with which our school is affiliated.

© CARL LESSARD

ARTISTIC PHILOSOPHY The individual development of our students as artists is at the heart of our mission.

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 the 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.

ANIK BISSONNETTE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

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.

3 .................... OUR SCHOOL / ADMISSION GUIDE 2026

OUR PROGRAMS LEADING TO A CAREER IN DANCE PERFORMANCE (Interpretation) Admission by audition

© ANNE-SOPHIE HÉROUX

Junior cycle

Grade 5 to 6 Schooling at the parents’ discretion

Intermediary cycle Grade 7 to 9

Dance-Study

Advanced cycle

Grade 10 to 11 SSD = Secondary School Diploma

SSD

Superior cycle

1st-3rd year Dance-Study

DCS

Classical ballet Program (Elementary to College) Contemporary ballet Program (Secondary) DCS = Diploma of College Studies

TEACHING

Based on an assesment of qualifications

Training hours,

© PETER MORNEAU

including practical internships

MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT FOR BALLET Admission by audition

Flexible program, in person or online

including observation, theory and practice

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YOUR PASSION, DANSER PROFESSIONNELLEMENT YOUR CAREER PROFESSIONAL DANCER Post-Secondary Diploma in Classical Dance Performance

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

DANCE TEACHER for Recreational and / or Professional Teacher Training Diploma

PLAY THE PIANO TO ACCOMPANY A DANCE CLASS

5 .................... PROGRAMS / ADMISSION GUIDE 2026

PERFORMANCE A WORLD-CLASS WO R L D -C L A SS BTRAINING A L L ET T RA INING

TWO PATHS: CLASSICAL BALLET AND CONTEMPORARY BALLET The professional program in performance aims for the holistic development of each student — artistically, physically, psychologically, and technically. The artistic direction combines the richness of renowned pedagogical traditions with the most recent innovations in the art of movement, in order to offer rigorous training adapted to today’s artistic demands.

Two paths of excellence are offered: the Classical ballet Program and the Contemporary ballet Program.

ANA SOFIA NATERA MARQUEZ, TODAY WITH LES GRANDS BALLETS © SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

2 POSSIBLE CURRICULA

In both the Classical ballet Program and the Contemporary ballet Program, students may choose to follow the official curriculum or the dance-only curriculum.

OFFICIAL CURRICULUM (Dance and Academic Pathway)

DANCE-ONLY CURRICULUM From Intermediate cycle

• Professional ballet training offered in conjunction with renowned academic partners.

• Same professional training course exclusively in dance.

• Obtain a secondary school diploma (SSD) issued by the Government of Québec and an attestation of studies in Classical ballet from the École supérieure.

• Leads to a Graduate Diploma in Classical ballet issued by the École supérieure.

• Offers the possibility of taking correspondence courses.

• Obtain a diploma of college studies (DCS) in Classical ballet-interpretation (561.BA.) issued by the Government of Québec and a graduate diploma in Classical ballet from the École supérieure.

CLASSICAL BALLET PROGRAM FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO COLLEGE

Combining physical strength and technical precision to reveal the artist’s expressive abilities, the Classical ballet training places particular emphasis on ballet as the foundation of a constantly evolving tradition.

This dance-study program is structured in four progressive cycles, reflecting the student’s increasing commitment and level of requirements:

From the Junior Cycle, boys take dynamic classes specially designed for them, focusing on vitality, endurance, and strength.

Their training emphasizes the power and precision required for jumps, lifts, and other movements characteristic of male ballet technique.

• Junior Cycle (Elementary, Grade 5 to 6) – after-school and Saturday classes • Intermediate Cycle (Secondary, Grade 7 to 9) • Advanced Cycle (Secondary, Grade 10 and 11) • Superior Cycle (College) – Diploma of College Studies in Classical ballet Performance

CONTEMPORARY BALLET PROGRAM SECONDARY SCHOOL ONLY

This dance-study program provides a solid foundation in contemporary dance and ballet, while encouraging students to explore other styles, such as commercial dance, hip-hop, flamenco, and improvisation.

Combining rigor, creativity, and innovation, the program develops a versatile, high-level technique and a strong artistic identity.

This program is structured in two cycles: • Intermediate Cycle (Secondary, Grade 7 to 9) • Advanced Cycle (Secondary, Grade 10 and 11)

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AUDITIONS CLASSICAL BALLET PROGRAM To audition, potential students must meet requirements with regards to age and school level (as of September 30, of the current year), health and aptitude for dance. Candidates from 10 to 20 years old and of all levels can audition for the professional Classical ballet Program.

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

JANUARY 25, 2026

Consisting of the École supérieure’s artistic director and teachers, the jury evaluates technique in classical ballet, in addition to coordination, flexibility, musicality, expressiveness, etc.

AUDITIONS

INSCRIPTION

REGISTRATION DEADLINE : JANUARY 21, 2026 • • •

Fill the form on www.esbq.ca Pay the $45 fee Add two photos in ballet attire

+

ou

ou

Face

Arms Against Body

Tendu in second

Grade 5 to 6 in 2025-2026 (ages 9-11)

1re arabesque in profile

All Candidates

Grade 7 to 9 in 2025-2026 (ages 11-14)

Grade 10 and older in 2025-2026 (ages 14 and up)

ON AUDITION DAY, WEAR THE APPROPRIATE OUTFIT Dance leotard with pink tights, demi-pointe and pointe shoes (if applicable) and hair bun

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

JUNIOR CYCLE AUDITIONS BEFORE A JURY

Junior auditions are for young people entering Grade 5 to 6 in 2025-2026. They take place on site only. No videos accepted.

hours INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED AND SUPERIOR CYCLES VIDEO SCREENING

+

AUDITIONS BEFORE A JURY

Candidates from outside Quebec and abroad can audition by video. However, it is always preferable to audition in person.

hours

Latecomers will not be admitted, and parents are not allowed to attend the audition.

Announcement of results : Results will be communicated by email following deliberation.

HOW TO PREPARE A VIDEO AUDITION ?

ALL CANDIDATES Video audition (hyperlink) 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.

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 choreography.

short

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 exercise) and one variation,

• 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.

© MICHAEL SLOBODIAN

a

9 .................... PERFORMANCE / ADMISSION GUIDE 2026

AUDITIONS

CONTEMPORARY BALLET PROGRAM

To participate in the auditions, candidates must meet the requirements regarding age and school level (as of September 30 of the school year), as well as health and dance aptitude.

Students aged 11 to 16 of all levels are eligible to audition for the Contemporary ballet Program.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: JANUARY 27, 2026 • • • •

Complete the online registration form at www.esbq.ca Pay the $45 fee Provide two photos: one headshot and one full-body dance photo Provide two pre-selection videos

HOW TO PREPARE A PRESENTATION VIDEO? Film in a way that shows the entire body, from head to toe.

Prepare two videos: • Reproduce the exercises shown in this ballet video.

• Film a short video (maximum 2 minutes) presenting a choreography or an improvisation in one or two dance styles of your choice (contemporary, flamenco, commercial, street dance, hip hop, etc.).

FEBRUARY 1ST 2026 AUDITIONS

AUDITION DAY Candidates will reproduce short dance sequences in various styles, allowing them to demonstrate their skills, expressiveness, and engagement. The goal of this audition is to evaluate versatility and learning potential.

Mastery of all styles is not required.

Outfit To perform comfortably different dance styles, please bring: • Athletic clothing that is loose and comfortable, including pants and flexible athletic shoes; • Socks or dance slippers.

Latecomers will not be admitted, and parents are not allowed to attend the audition.

Schedule The audition lasts about two hours.

The convocation and schedule will be sent one week before the audition.

Jury Composed of the Artistic Director and professors of the École supérieure, the jury evaluates technique across different dance styles, as well as coordination, flexibility, musicality, and expressiveness.

Announcement of results : Results will be communicated by email following deliberation.

© MICHAEL SLOBODIAN

SUMMER INTENSIVE

CLASSICAL BALLET AND CONTEMPORARY BALLET PROGRAMS Candidates retained after the first audition are required to participate in the entire summer intensive program.

FROM JUNE 29 TO JULY 10, 2026

FROM JUNE 29 TO JULY 31, 2026

JUNIOR CYCLE

INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED AND SUPERIOR CYCLES

Summer Intensive enables students to experience the daily training at the École supérieure. The schedule, according to the cycle, includes ballet, pointe, character or contemporary dance classes.

Different repertoires are explored such as classical or neoclassical, as well as health workshop. This period is mandatory to all students entering the Junior, Intermediate, Advanced or Superior cycles in 2026-2027.

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

CLASSICAL BALLET PROGRAM COURSES • Ballet ; • Pointe Work ; • Boys’ Technique ; • Contemporary Dance ; • Conditioning ; • Classical, Neo-Classical and Contemporary Repertoire ; • Other dance style • Health Workshops.

CONTEMPORARY BALLET PROGRAM COURSES • Ballet; • Contemporary Dance; • Hip-Hop Drills; • Flamenco; • Choreographic Versatility; • Conditioning; • Acro‑yoga & Flexibility; • Health Workshops.

Participation in the health workshops is mandatory as well as the dance classes, as these learnings are an integral part of the school curriculum and are required to obtain the secondary school diploma (SSD). © SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

CLASSICAL BALLET PROGRAM

COURSES AND TYPICAL DAYS JUNIOR CYCLE GRADE 5 TO 6

The Junior Cycle is the introduction to the professional program in Classical ballet performance. Classes take place after school, starting at 4:30 p.m., as well as on Saturdays.

Courses include among others: • Ballet • Creation • Character dances • Physical training Evaluated each year, students must meet the objectives and requirements to be promoted to a higher level. Otherwise, the child can continue to practice dance in the recreational program.

Level

Age

Hours / weeks

5

10 years old

11h30

6

11 years old

11h30

© ESBQ © SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

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CLASSICAL BALLET AND CONTEMPORARY BALLET PROGRAMS

COURSES AND TYPICAL DAYS INTERMEDIATE CYCLE GRADE 7 TO 9

As of the Intermediate Cycle, the student enters the dance-study program which allows students to combine learning dance and academic studies.

Classical ballet Program courses

Contemporary ballet Program courses

• Ballet;

• Ballet;

• Pointe work or preparation for pointe work;

• Contemporary dance;

• Technique for boys;

• Hip-hop;

• Character dance (Year 7);

• Flamenco;

• Contemporary dance (from Year 8 onwards);

• Choreography;

• Physical training;

• Conditioning;

• Classical, neo-classical and contemporary repertoire;

• Acro-yoga and flexibility; • Health workshops..

• Health workshops.

Monday to Friday 08:00

09:00

10:00

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

ESBQ Dance classes

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

Academic classes

Grade 7 : Saturday classes starting in January Grqde 9 : Saturday classes

Traveling and lunch

ADVANCED CYCLE GRADE 10 AND 11

In the Advanced Cycle, the student’s schedule allows them to concentrate exclusively on academic studies on Mondays and devote themselves entirely to dancing on Saturdays.

Classical ballet Program courses

Contemporary ballet Program courses

• Ballet;

• Ballet;

• Pointe work;

• Contemporary dance;

• Technique for boys;

• Hip-hop;

• Contemporary dance;

• Flamenco;

• Physical training;

• Choreography;

• Repertoire;

• Conditioning;

• Choreography workshop;

• Acro-yoga and flexibility;

• Pas de deux;

• Health workshops.

• Health workshops.

Monday to Friday 08:00

09:00

10:00

11:00

12:00

13:00

ESBQ Dance classes

09:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

17:00

18:00

Academic classes Traveling and lunch

Saturday 08:00

14:00

10:00

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

ESBQ Dance classes

SCHOOL PARTNER Located in Outremont, the Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNM) is a private French-language high school for girls, dedicated to providing a high-level education to develop the full potential of the young people who will shape tomorrow’s world. The school also welcomes boys in its Dance-Studies and Music-Studies profiles. Offering personalized, caring and rigorous guidance, the school encourages reflection, experimentation and innovation to help its students become well-balanced, thoughtful individuals open to the world. The partnership between the PSNM and the École supérieure is unique in Quebec. The teaching methods take into account the realities of student’s life, and offer a timetable adapted to their needs.

PERFORMANCE / ADMISSION GUIDE 2026..................... 14

PARCOURS BALLET CLASSIQUE

SUPERIOR CYCLE 1ST-3RD YEAR OF COLLEGE

AVERAGE OF 30 HOURS OF DANCE TRAINING PER WEEK. 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

17:00

18:00

ESBQ Dance classes

Theoretical or general classes

Saturday 08:00

09:00

10:00

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

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

Session 2

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

Ballet Class Pointes and Variations Partnering Choreography Workshop

Session 3

General Classes at Cégep***

Ballet Class Pointes and Variations Partnering Choreography Workshop Performance (interpretation) Complementary Technique*

Session 4

Theory Classes***

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

Session 5

Dance Classes

Ballet Class Variations Partnering Choreography Workshop Repertory

Career Management

Optional Course English or French, Second-Language

Session 6

Ballet Class Variations Choreography Workshop Creation Performance (interpretation)

Artistic Appreciation

Optional Course English or French, Second-Language

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

* Limon, Gaga, floor work. ** In French only . ***Students in the official program only. The CVM can offer a gateway to another institution for general education in English.

15 .................... PERFORMANCE / ADMISSION GUIDE 2026

photo KHAYMAN

Ethics and Politics (Philosophy 3) Contemporary Literature and Culture

photo KHAYMAN

Session 1

ESBQ Dance classes

ON STAGE The performance 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.

show Corps de ballet © SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

INTERPRÉTATION / GUIDE D’ADMISSION 2022 ..................... 16 show Corps de ballet © MICHAEL SLOBODIAN

CORPS DE BALLET

The annual performance of the École supérieure de ballet du Québec.

© MAXIME CÔTÉ

show Corps de ballet © SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

© MAXIME CÔTÉ

THE NUTCRACKER Every year, more than a hundred students from the École supérieure dance in The Nutcracker with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens at Place des Arts in Montreal.

THE NUTCRACKER © SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

SOLO

Each graduate has the exceptional opportunity to collaborate with a renowned choreographer to create a tailormade solo that reflects their talent and artistic identity.

SOLO © MAXIME CÔTÉ

ARTISTIC COLLABORATIONS

Occasionally, students have the opportunity to dance professionally thanks to unique collaborations with major artistic institutions such as Danse Danse, the Festival des arts de SaintSauveur, and the Maison symphonique de Montréal.

COLOSSUS, CHOREOGRAPHED BY STEPHANIE LAKE, PRESENTED BY DANSE DANSE – 2023 © MAXIME CÔTÉ

DAPHNIS AND CHLOE, CHOREOGRAPHED BY ANDREW SKEELS, PRESENTED AT THE MAISON SYMPHONIQUE DE MONTRÉAL – 2023 © DOMINICK GRAVEL

SERVICES ENCOURAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS To ensure that every young talent has the chance to pursue a career in dance, regardless of their financial situation, the Foundation of the École supérieure offers annual scholarships to students. Thanks to the Anik Bissonnette - Fund for Excellence, our high-level training is more easily accessible to young people from families with modest incomes or from remote regions.

Steps to apply for a bursary - A link to the bursary application form will be sent to you with the registration information.

- This form must be completed by the person financially responsible for the student at the time of registration.

- All applications are then studied confidentially by the Foundation’s scholarship committee.

- The allocated amount is variable and can cover up to the full cost of dance fees, but excludes related expenses such as registration, services, or school transportation.

- Students who receive a bursary may be asked to contribute to activities organized by the École supérieure and its foundation.

Information : fondation@esbq.ca

HEALTH The École supérieure attaches the utmost importance to the well-being and physical and mental health of the high-level athletes it trains. A true leader in the field, our approach to training and prevention is based on scientific research and listening to students’ needs.

Our curriculum includes a variety of workshops: physical preparation, movement mechanics and foot care; mental preparation and performance; self-esteem, body image perception; nutrition and prevention of eating disorders; cooking classes, and more. Individual meetings with a member of the health team can also address more specific concerns or needs as required.

Thanks to the weekly physiotherapy service and strategic partnerships, the Health & Wellness Manager is able to guide students and their parents towards health specialists with expertise in the assessment, treatment and support of young dance athletes.

The individualized approach developed by the École supérieure responds to the uniqueness of each young person and encourages autonomy and the development of full artistic potential in a healthy and stimulating environment.

ACCOMMODATION SOLUTIONS The École supérieure does not offer accommodation services for its students, but it does offer a network of host families in Montreal for students of the Intermediate, Advanced and Superior cycles and for students participating in the intensive summer session.

Information : hebergement@esbq.ca

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 contains the largest specialized dance collection in Canada and one of the most oustanding in the world, with over 42,000 documents. The free subscription to the Bibliothèque de la danse Vincent-Warren is part of the Professional Program student privileges.

REGISTRATIONS AND FEES OFFICIAL CURRICULUM Once admission to the official curriculum is confirmed, the student must complete their registration at the École supérieure as well as with the following partner institutions: • Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNM), for students wishing to complete their secondary studies with this partner institution.

•

Cégep du Vieux Montréal (CVM), for students wishing to pursue their college-level (post-secondary) studies with this partner.

In both cases, students must contact the partner institution concerned to obtain details about additional fees.

PSNM : https://www.psnm.qc.ca/droits-scolarite CVM :

https://www.cvm.qc.ca/etudes-au-collegial/#frais-relies-aux-etudes

CYCLES

STUDENTS

ESBQ Fees

Junior

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – SUPERIOR CYCLE

$4,050

Intermediate and Advance

From Canada and abroad

$5,770

Superior

From Canada and abroad

$7,160

Upon receiving their letter of acceptance, international students enrolling in the college-level program at Cégep du Vieux Montréal (CVM) must begin the process of obtaining a study permit. They must secure the following documents:

DANCE-ONLY CURRICULUM There are no specific procedures with partner institutions for students registered in the dance-only curriculum.

CYCLES Intermediate and Advanced Superior

STUDENTS

ESBQ Fees

From Canada

$8,185

From abroad

$11,465

From Canada

$9,130

From abroad

$13,040

SUMMER INTENSIVE The Summer Intensive Session, starting on June 29, 2026, marks the beginning of the 2026–2027 academic year. It is mandatory for all students admitted to the professional program.

• A Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies: https://www.quebec.ca/ education/etudier-quebec/ demande-selection-temporaire • A study permit http://www.cic. gc.ca • Accident insurance coverage For further information about the visa process, please contact the Registrar and Student Services Manager: registraire@esbq.ca.

For students in the Intermediate, Advanced, and Superior cycles, the Summer Intensive fees are included in the annual tuition fees. If a student withdraws before September 11, 2026, after attending the Summer Intensive, they must pay the Summer Intensive fees according to their admission cycle.

CYCLES

STUDENTS

Junior Intermediate, Advanced and Superior

From Canada From abroad

DURATION

ESBQ Fees

2 weeks

$1,010

5 weeks

$2,500 $3,800

21 ..................... PERFORMANCE / ADMISSION GUIDE 2026

My profession

DANCER INTERPRÉTATION

École supérieure de ballet du Québec is proud to be affiliated with Les Grands Ballets

Our graduates dancing today for

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens

ANA SOFIA NATERA MARQUEZ Graduate 2025

ÉLIANE JACQUES Graduate 2024

BENJAMIN POIRIER Graduate 2024

ANAÏS ROY Graduate 2023

TUESDAY RAIN LEDUC Graduate 2023

CARRIGAN MACDONALD Graduate 2021

MAUDE FLEURY Graduate 2021

ALEXANDRA ECCLES Graduate 2021

FRANÇOIS GAGNÉ Graduate 2021

TATIANA LEREBOURS Graduate 2019

ROSE TRAHAN Graduate 2018

CATHERINE TOUPIN Graduate 2017

ÉTIENNE GAGNON-DELORME Graduate 2017

BERNARD DUBOIS II Graduate 2016

MAUDE SABOURIN Graduate 2006 © SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

BALLETS JAZZ MONTRÉAL (BJM) Millie Brinck-Dubuc

RUBBERBAND Éloïse Chénier

© MICHAEL SLOBODIAN

© SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

COMPAGNIE MARIE CHOUINARD Adrian Batt

© VANESSA FORTIN

© MICHAEL SLOBODIAN

THE ÉCOLE SUPÉRIEURE LEADS TO THE WORLD’S GREATEST STAGES

STAATSBALLETTS HANNOVER (Germany) Antoine Charbonneau

PERFORMANCE / ADMISSION GUIDE..................... 24

BALLET DE L’OPÉRA NATIONAL DU RHIN (France) Pierre-Émile Lemieux-Venne

A springboard to a national and international career.

© SEBASTIEN LEHNER

© GALEN HIGGINS

BALLET OF DIFFERENCE (Germany) Pier-Loup Lacour

BUHNEN BERN (Switzerland) Saskya Pauzé-Bégin

© CHARLOTTE CAVALEIRO

BALLETT HAGEN (Germany) Quentin Nabor

© GREGORY BATARDON

© ANNE-SOPHIE HÉROUX

© CARLOS QUEZADA

STAATSBALLETT BERLIN Cohen Aitchison-Dugas

FREELANCE ARTIST IN EUROPE Ève-Marie Dalcourt - Danced with NEDERLANDS DANS THEATER 2 - Rehearsal Assistant for Alexander Ekman with OPÉRA DE PARIS and STAATSBALLET BERLIN, among others.

TEACHING LEARN TO PASS ON YOUR PASSION With more than half a century’s tradition, the École supérieure is an establishment committed to transmitting the necessary know-how to teach Classical ballet, both for recreational and / or professional students. In line with the reality of the working world, this program is also offered on a parttime basis.

CLASSES IN FRENCH ONLY

Training hours, including practical internships

© MARIE-JOËLLE DIONNE

• Initiation to the career; • Principles of anatomy applied to the teaching of dance; • Principles of dance psychopedagogy of dance; • Music and dance teaching; • Development of dance learning activities for dance; • Teaching strategies; • Evaluation in dance; • Introduction to the work environment I & II; • Interpretation of a program; • Practical teaching workshop; • Production of a show.

«Teaching allows me to share the extensive performing experience I acquired over the years as principal dancer with Les 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.»

PREREQUISITES • A Dance Performance (561.

BA) DCS in Classical ballet or equivalent or • Professional experience as a dancer or • Previous experience in dance teaching; • Have sufficient knowledge of written and spoken French.

APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE • Résumé; • Letter of intent; • Letter of support from an employer

— Andrea Boardman, Graduate For further information, please contact Christine Williams, Associate Director - Teaching Program and Regional Partnerships, christine.williams@esbq.ca

TEACHING / GUIDE D’ADMISSION 2026..................... 26

ACCOMPANYING A BALLET CLASS A SPECIALIZED TRAINING FOR PIANISTS Accompanying a ballet class is an art form that requires a great deal of training and experience. This expertise is accessible through our ballet accompanist course that includes observation, theory and practice.

CLASSES • Introduction to ballet vocabulary; • Definition of the musical structure of exercises; • Strategies for communicating with dance instructors; • Organization of personal repertoire.

PREREQUISITES • Proficiency in classical or jazz piano or • A college or university diploma or • Previous experience in ballet accompaniment.

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

© PAULA YOUWAKIM / AGENCY MICKAËL SPINNHIRNY

Available in person or online, with a flexible schedule, this program is open to pianists from all over the world.

« The musical accompaniment formation explains ballet vocabulary and the music we can use to support movement. In fact, it’s not just a matter of accompanying ballet exercises. Our music must create a synergy with the dance steps so that this encounter becomes one thing and a unique art form. » - Elaine Gaertner, Head of Pianists and Music Education

For further information, please contact Elaine Gaertner, Head of Pianists and Music Education at, elaine.gaertner@esbq.ca

27 ..................... ACCOMPANIMENT / GUIDE D’ADMISSION 2026

TAKE THE LEAP

WITH THE ÉCOLE SUPÉRIEURE!

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Maison de la danse du Québec Ludmilla-Chiriaeff Laurier exit Saint-Joseph 4816 Rivard Street Montreal Quebec H2J 2N6 T. 514 849-4929

esbq.ca

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© SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

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