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 dance 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 Multidance Program for secondary-level students.
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.
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.
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.
LUDMILLA CHIRIAEFF, FONDATRICE
OUR PROGRAMS LEADING TO A CAREER IN DANCE
PERFORMANCE (Interpretation)
Admission by audition
TEACHING
Based on an assesment of qualifications
Training hours, including practical internships
MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT FOR BALLET
Admission by audition
Flexible program, in person or online including observation, theory and practice
Post-Secondary Diploma in Classical Dance Performance Teacher Training Diploma
YOUR PASSION, YOUR CAREER
DANSER PROFESSIONNELLEMENT
PROFESSIONAL DANCER
trained for Les Grands Ballets and other dance companies in Québec, Canada and around the world
DANCE TEACHER
for Recreational and / or Professional
PLAY THE PIANO TO ACCOMPANY A DANCE CLASS
TRAINING PERFORMANCE A
WO R L D - C L A S S
BA L L E T T R A I N I NG
TWO PATHS: CLASSICAL DANCE AND MULTIDANCE A WORLD-CLASS
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 Dance Program and the Multidance Program.
In both the classical dance program and the multidance program, students may choose to follow the official curriculum or the dance-only curriculum.
OFFICIAL CURRICULUM
(Dance and Academic Pathway)
• 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 the 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 the École supérieure.
2 POSSIBLE CURRICULA CLASSICAL DANCE PROGRAM
FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO COLLEGE
DANCE-ONLY CURRICULUM
From Intermediate cycle
• Same professional training course exclusively in dance.
• Offers the possibility of taking correspondence courses.
• Leads to a Graduate Diploma in classical dance issued by the École supérieure.
Combining physical strength and technical precision to reveal the artist’s expressive abilities, the classical dance 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:
• 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 Dance Performance
MULTIDANCE PROGRAM
SECONDARY SCHOOL ONLY
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.
This dance-study program explores a wide variety of styles, such as hip hop (street dance), contemporary dance, commercial dance, ballet and flamenco.
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)
AUDITIONS
CLASSICAL DANCE 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 Dance Program. However, the later a student enters the program, the stricter the technical requirements.
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.
INSCRIPTION
REGISTRATION DEADLINE : JANUARY 21, 2026
• Fill the form on www.esbq.ca
• Pay the $45 fee
• Add two photos in ballet attire
Face All Candidates
Tendu in second Grade 7 to 9 in 2025-2026 (ages 11-14) + ou ou
Arms Against Body Grade 5 to 6 in 2025-2026 (ages 9-11)
Dance leotard with pink tights, demi-pointe and pointe shoes (if applicable) and hair bun
JUNIOR CYCLE
AUDITIONS BEFORE A JURY
JANUARY
25, 2026
AUDITIONS
1re arabesque in profile Grade 10 and older in 2025-2026 (ages 14 and up)
White t-shirt, black shorts or tights and demi-pointe shoes
Junior auditions are for young people entering Grade 5 to 6 in 2025-2026. They take place on site only. No videos accepted.
INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED AND SUPERIOR CYCLES
VIDEO SCREENING AUDITIONS BEFORE A JURY
ON AUDITION DAY, WEAR THE APPROPRIATE OUTFIT hours hours
Candidates from outside Quebec and abroad can audition by video. However, it is always preferable to audition in person. +
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.
• 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.
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 exercise) and one variation,
AUDITIONS
MULTIDANCE 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 Multidance 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.).
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.
SUMMER INTENSIVE
CLASSICAL BALLET AND MULTIDANCE PROGRAMS
Candidates retained after the first audition are required to participate in the entire summer intensive program
JUNIOR CYCLE INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED AND SUPERIOR CYCLES FROM JUNE 29 TO JULY 31, 2026 FROM JUNE 29 TO JULY 10, 2026
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 DANCE PROGRAM COURSES
• Ballet ;
• Pointe Work ;
• Boys’ Technique ;
• Contemporary Dance ;
• Conditioning ;
• Classical, Neo-Classical and Contemporary Repertoire ;
• Other dance style
• Health Workshops.
MULTIDANCE 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).
© MICHAEL SLOBODIAN
COURSES AND TYPICAL DAYS
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 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.
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.
Monday to Friday
Classical Dance Program courses
• Ballet;
• Pointe work or preparation for pointe work;
• Technique for boys;
• Character dance (Year 7);
• Contemporary dance (from Year 8 onwards);
• Physical training;
• Classical, neo-classical and contemporary repertoire;
• Health workshops.
Multidance Program courses
• Ballet;
• Contemporary dance;
• Hip-hop;
• Flamenco;
• Choreography;
• Conditioning;
• Acro-yoga and flexibility;
• Health workshops..
Grade 7 : Saturday classes starting in January Grqde 9 : Saturday classes
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.
Monday to Friday
Classical Dance Program courses
• Ballet;
• Pointe work;
• Technique for boys;
• Contemporary dance;
• Physical training;
• Repertoire;
• Choreography workshop;
• Pas de deux;
• Health workshops.
Multidance Program courses
• Ballet;
• Contemporary dance;
• Hip-hop;
• Flamenco;
• Choreography;
• Conditioning;
• Acro-yoga and flexibility;
• Health workshops.
Saturday
08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 18:00 15:00 16:00
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.
SUPERIOR CYCLE
AVERAGE
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 dance. This prominent school is known especially for the high quality of its many arts-based technical training programs.
photo KHAYMAN
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
show Corps de ballet © MICHAEL SLOBODIAN
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
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
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – SUPERIOR CYCLE
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:
There are no specific procedures with partner institutions for students registered in the dance-only curriculum.
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.
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.
• 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
IMPORTANT – As an exception for the 2026–2027 academic year, only international students enrolling at CVM may pursue the ESBQ professional program at the Superior Cycle. The dance-only curriculum at the Superior Cycle is not available to international students.
For further information about the visa process, please contact the Registrar and Student Services Manager: registraire@esbq.ca.
INTERPRÉTATION
My profession DANCER
École supérieure de ballet du Québec is proud to be affiliated with Les Grands Ballets
Les
Our graduates dancing today for
Grands Ballets Canadiens
ANAÏS ROY Graduate 2023
BENJAMIN POIRIER Graduate 2024
ÉLIANE JACQUES Graduate 2024
TUESDAY RAIN LEDUC Graduate 2023
ANA SOFIA NATERA MARQUEZ Graduate 2025
CARRIGAN MACDONALD Graduate 2021
MAUDE FLEURY Graduate 2021
TATIANA LEREBOURS Graduate 2019
ÉTIENNE GAGNON-DELORME Graduate 2017
ALEXANDRA ECCLES Graduate 2021
ROSE TRAHAN Graduate 2018
BERNARD DUBOIS II Graduate 2016
FRANÇOIS GAGNÉ Graduate 2021
TOUPIN Graduate 2017
MAUDE SABOURIN Graduate 2006
CATHERINE
THE ÉCOLE SUPÉRIEURE LEADS TO THE WORLD’S GREATEST STAGES
COMPAGNIE MARIE CHOUINARD
Adrian Batt
RUBBERBAND
Éloïse Chénier
BALLETS JAZZ MONTRÉAL (BJM)
Millie Brinck-Dubuc
STAATSBALLETTS HANNOVER (Germany)
Antoine Charbonneau
©
STAATSBALLETT BERLIN
Cohen Aitchison-Dugas
BALLET OF DIFFERENCE (Germany)
Pier-Loup Lacour
BALLETT HAGEN (Germany)
Quentin Nabor
BALLET DE L’OPÉRA
NATIONAL DU RHIN (France) Pierre-Émile Lemieux-Venne
A springboard to a national and international career.
BUHNEN BERN (Switzerland) Saskya Pauzé-Bégin
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 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.
Training hours, including practical internships
«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.»
— Andrea Boardman, Graduate
CLASSES
IN FRENCH ONLY
• 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.
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
For further information, please contact Christine Williams, Associate Director - Teaching Program and Regional Partnerships, christine.williams@esbq.ca
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.
« 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
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.
Available in person or online, with a flexible schedule, this program is open to pianists from all over the world.
For further information, please contact Elaine Gaertner, Head of Pianists and Music Education at, elaine.gaertner@esbq.ca
Youri de Wilde
Manager - Registrar’s office and Student Services youri.dewilde@esbq.ca
Maison de la danse du Québec Ludmilla-Chiriaeff
Laurier exit Saint-Joseph 4816 Rivard Street Montreal Quebec H2J 2N6 T. 514 849-4929
