Summer Dance Intensive
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend?
The National Ballet of Canada’s Summer Dance Intensive is not considered a pre-professional training program, but a high level recreational program taught by professionals from the National Ballet and others. We therefore do not have auditions but emphasize that participants have the following requirements:
Junior Summer Dance Intensive: A minimum of three years ballet experience.
Summer Dance Intensive: An intermediate level of ballet or higher.
Where is the Summer Dance Intensive held?
The Summer Dance Intensive takes place at The Walter Carsen Centre for The National Ballet of Canada, 470 Queens Quay West in Toronto. The facility is just west of the downtown core at Queens Quay West and Spadina Avenue.
Is there parking at The Walter Carsen Centre?
There is no designated parking for The Walter Carsen Centre where the Summer Dance Intensive is held. There are public parking lots within walking distance of the centre.
How do I get there by TTC?
From Union Station, take the #509 or #510 streetcar to Spadina Avenue. From Spadina Station, take the #510 streetcar to Queens Quay West.
Is there a hotel close by?
There are several hotels in downtown Toronto that are all about 10 to 20 minutes away by taxi or public transportation. Any travel website that lists a hotel as "downtown" will be fairly close. Dancers who have auditioned with us in the past have recommended The Bond Place Hotel and The Strathcona Hotel as they are less expensive than some of the large chain hotels. The closest major hotels are the Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt Regency Toronto and a Super 8. Some hotels may not allow youths under 18 to book a hotel room without an adult. Please be sure to confirm with the hotel about their policies.
What should I wear for the classes?
Please find below a list of appropriate dancewear for the classes:
- Ballet: pink tights, any coloured body suit and ballet slippers
- Pointe: pointe shoes or soft ballet slippers
- Pre-Pointe Conditioning: pink convertible tights, body suit without ballet slippers
- Jazz/Contemporary: bodysuit and tights OR shorts, bare feet OR foot undies OR jazz shoes
- Hip Hop: bodysuit OR tank top OR t-shirt with sweatpants OR lulu lemon pants OR shorts (no tights), sneakers OR jazz sneakers
- Please wear your hair tied back for all classes
- Do not wear or bring jewellery
Are there change rooms available?
Change rooms and lockers are available. Please bring your own lock should you wish to lock your belongings. Bags and food items will not be permitted in the studio and must be stored in the change rooms. The National Ballet is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.