Admission Guide by École supérieure de ballet du Québec

Professional division 2024

ADMISSION GUIDE

Table of contents OUR SCHOOL

PERFORMANCE

TEACHING

BALLET ACCOMPANIMENT

TUESDAY RAIN LEDUC, TODAY DANCER WITH LES GRANDS BALLETS © SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

OUR SCHOOL

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

LUDMILLA CHIRIAEFF, FONDATRICE

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

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.

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.

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OUR PROGRAMS LEADING TO A CAREER IN DANCE PERFORMANCE (Interpretation) © ANNE-SOPHIE HÉROUX

Admission by audition only Junior cycle

Grade 5 to 6

Intermediary cycle Grade 7 to 9

Dance-Study

Advanced cycle

Superior cycle

Grade 10 to 11 SSD = Secondary School Diploma

1st-3rd year Dance-Study

SSD

DCS

DCS = Diploma of College Studies

TEACHING

Based on an assesment of qualifications 720 training hours,

including practical internships ACS = Attestation of College Studies

BALLET ACCOMPANIMENT © PETER MORNEAU

Admission by audition

Flexible program, in person or online

including observation, theory and practice

OUR SCHOOL / ADMISSION GUIDE 2024

ACS

YOUR PASSION, 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 ..................... OUR SCHOOL / ADMISSION GUIDE 2024

PERFORMANCE A WORLD-CLASS BALLET TRAINING

JUSTIN CÔTÉ © SASHA ONYSHCHENKO

The professional program in performance aims for the holistic 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.

In the Junior cycle, classes are held after school and on Saturdays. From the Intermediate Cycle, students embark on a dance-studies course and have the possibility to choose between the official curriculum or the dance-only curriculum.

2 POSSIBLE CURRICULA OFFICIAL CURRICULUM (Dance and Academic Pathway)

DANCE-ONLY CURRICULUM From Intermediate cycle

• Professional ballet training offered in conjunction with renowned academic partners. • Obtain a secondary school diploma (SSD) issued by the Government of Québec and an attestation of studies in classical dance from L’École supérieure. • Obtain a diploma of college studies (DCS) in classical dance-interpretation (561.BA.) issued by the Government of Québec and a graduate diploma in classical dance from L’École supérieure.

• Same professional training course exclusively in dance. • Offers the possibility of taking correspondence courses. • Leads to a Graduate Diploma in classical dance issued by L’École supérieure.

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 highperformance 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. 16).

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AUDITIONS 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 division. 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 technique in classical ballet, in addition to coordination, flexibility, musicality, expressiveness, etc.

INSCRIPTION

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 22 Fill the form on www.esbq.ca Fees of $45 Add two photos in ballet attire

Face

Arms Against Body

Tendu in second

Grade 5 to 6 in 2024-2025 (ages 9-11)

1re arabesque in profile

All Candidates

Grade 7 to 9 in 2024-2025 (ages 11-14)

Grade 10 and older in 2024-2025 (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 2024-2025. 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 are not admitted, and parents may not attend the audition.

JANUARY 28, 2024 AUDITIONS

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, depending on the level.

• 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

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SUMMER INTENSIVE Candidates retained after the first audition 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. 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 2024-2025.

SUMMER INTENSIVE COURSES: • Ballet ; • Pointe Work ; • Boys’ Technique ; • Contemporary Dance ; • Conditioning ; • Classical, Neo-Classical and Contemporary Repertoire ; • 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).

FROM JULY 1 TO AUGUST 2 2024 INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED AND SUPERIOR CYCLES

FROM JULY 1 TO JULY 12 2024 © MICHAEL SLOBODIAN

JUNIOR CYCLE

JUNIOR CYCLE GRADE 5 TO 6

The Junior Cycle is the introduction to the professional program in classical dance performance. Classes take place after school, starting at 4:30 p.m., as well as on Saturdays. Courses include amon 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 division.

Level

Age

Hours / weeks

10 years old

11h30

11 years old

11h30

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COURSES AND TYPICAL DAYS INTERMEDIATE CYCLE GRADE 7 TO 9

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

Classes: • Ballet;

TYPICAL DAY

• Pointe Work;

Dance classes

• Boys’ Technique;

Academic classes

Transportation and lunch

• Character Dance (Grade 7);

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

• Contemporary Dance (From Grade 8); • Conditioning; • 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 them to concentrate exclusively on academic studies on Mondays and devote themselves entirely to dancing on Saturdays.

TYPICAL DAY Dance classes

Classes:

Academic classes

Transportation and lunch

• Ballet;

Monday to Friday 08:00

09:00

10:00

• Pointe Work; 11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

• Boys’ Technique; • Contemporary Dance ; • Conditioning;

Saturday 08:00

09:00

10:00

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

• Repertoire; • Choreographic Workshop; • Partnering.

SCHOOL PARTNER The Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNM), a private institution, is one of the top 5 high schools in Québec. Its partnership with L’École supérieure is unique, as there is no other partnership of this kind in Québec. From its historic architecture to modern spaces, from the heritage section to areas dedicated to technology, from concert halls to classrooms, the PSNM offers a stimulating learning environment.

PERFORMANCE / ADMISSION GUIDE 2024..................... 12

SUPERIOR CYCLE

1ST-3RD YEAR AVERAGE OF 30 HOURS OF DANCE TRAINING PER WEEK.

JOURNÉE TYPE Monday to Friday 09:00

10:00

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

Dance classes Saturday 11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

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*

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 Pointes and Variations Partnering Choreography Workshop

Ballet Class Variations Partnering Choreography Workshop Repertory

Career Management

Optional Course English or French, Second-Language

Ballet Class Variations Choreography Workshop Creation Performance (interpretation)

Artistic Appreciation

Optional Course English or French, Second-Language

Theoretical or general classes

18:00

SCHOOL PARTNER Partner with L’École supérieure since 1979, the Cégep du Vieux Montréal is the only educational establishment in Québec 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. General education may be offered in English at another college.

13 ..................... PERFORMANCE / ADMISSION GUIDE 2024

photo KHAYMAN

10:00

Session 6

Session 1

09:00

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.

All photos are from the show Corps de ballet © MAXIME CÔTÉ

INTERPRÉTATION / GUIDE D’ADMISSION 2022 ..................... 14

SERVICES SCHOLARSHIPS To ensure that every talented young person has the opportunity to pursue a career in dance, regardless of their financial situation, the Foundation of L’École supérieure offers annual student support scholarships. Thanks to the Anik Bissonnette - Fund for Excellence, access to our high-level training is more readily available to young people from families with modest incomes or from remote areas. Steps to apply for a bursary - A link to the 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 award committee. - The amount allocated varies and can reach up to the total dance fees. - The student who receives a support grant may be asked to contribute to activities organized by L’École supérieure and its foundation.

HEALTH

At l’École supérieure, students’ health and well-being are priorities throughout their training. For several years now, our institution has been innovating by including in the curriculum activities designed to improve the physical and psychological health of young people. Drawing on the most recent advances in dance science, students have access to a wide range of workshops on physical preparation, psychology and self-esteem, mental preparation and nutrition, as well as cooking classes that teach them how to eat well, all with a view to optimizing the development of their full potential. Thanks to a weekly physiotherapy service and privileged partnerships, the Health Department Manager is able to guide students and their parents towards health professionals recognized for their expertise in the assessment, treatment and support of young dance athletes.

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

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 38,000 documents. The free subscription to the Bibliothèque de la danse Vincent-Warren is part of the Professional Division student privileges.

bibliodanse.ca bibliodanse.ca

PERFORMANCE / ADMISSION GUIDE 2024.................... 16

REGISTRATIONS 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.

OFFICIAL CURRICULUM CYCLES

Dance fees

Junior 5 and 6

$ 3,850

Intermediate and Advance

$ 5,680

Housing at PSNM (optional) : $ 7,675 *

Superior

$ 6,505

Registration fees are also required for academic courses at our partner institutions. Registration fees vary for students from Quebec, Canada and abroad. Payment of these fees must be made to the partner establishments.

PSNM : https://www.psnm.qc.ca/fr/admission/conditions-financieres Cegep : https://www.cvm.qc.ca/etudes-au-collegial/#frais-relies-aux-etudes

Intermediate and Advanced Superior

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

• a Québec Acceptance Certificate for studies https://www.quebec.ca/en/ education/study-quebec/temporaryselection-studies • 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.

DANCE ONLY CURRICULUM CYCLES

FOREIGN STUDENTS

Dance fees Canadian

$ 7,455

Foreign

$ 10,490

Canadian

$ 8,330

Foreign

$ 11,955

SUMMER INTENSIVE CYCLES

Duration

Dance fees

Junior

2 weeks

$ 950

Intermediate, Advanced and Superior

Canadian Foreign

5 weeks

$ 2,500 $ 3,800

The Summer Intensive is mandatory for anyone admitted for the 2024-2025 school year and is therefore part of the full school year tuition. In the event of departure after the intensive course or before September 15, 2024, the Summer Intensive fees indicated in this chart will be retained.

* Financial assistance may be available from the Ministry of Education for accommodation and travel.

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My profession

DANSER INTERPRÉTATION

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

Raphaël Bouchard

Finissant 2005

Myriam Simon

Finissan

Jean-Sébastien Couture Bernard Dubois II

Finissante 2021

Maude Sabourin

Finissante 2006

Finissant 2002

Tatiana Lerebours

Finissante 2019

Finissant 2016

Alexandra Eccles

Some of our Graduates Hire Les Grands Balle

m n

ante 1994

Maude Fleury

Finissante 2021

Carrigan MacDonald

Finissante 2021

red by

ets canadiens !

Étienne Gagnon-Delorme Finissant 2017

Catherine Toupin

Finissante 2017

François N. Gagné

Finissant 2021

L’ÉCOLE SUPÉRIEURE LEADS TO THE GREATEST DANCE COMPANIES...

LES GRANDS BALLETS Anaïs Roy

COMPAGNIE MARIE CHOUINARD Adrian Batt

CAS PUBLIC Élodie Scholtes-Labrecque

RUBBERBAND Zao Dinel

PERFORMANCE / ADMISSION GUIDE 2024..................... 20

STAATSBALLETT BERLIN Cohen Aitchison-Dugas

BALLETT ZÜRICH compagnie Junior Quentin Nabor

BALLET OF DIFFERENCE (Cologne) Pier-Loup Lacour

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

A springboard to an international career.

BUHNEN BERN Saskya Pauzé-Bégin

IN THE WORLD!

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 HALF A CENTURY’S TRADITION With 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 parttime basis.

CLASSES IN FRENCH ONLY

Training hours, including practical internships

• 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 Dance 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 / ADMISSION GUIDE 2024..................... 22

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.

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.

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

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

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TAKE THE LEAP WITH THE ÉCOLE SUPÉRIEURE!

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

esbq.ca

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