admission guide2015 / 2016

Professional Training Program

Full-time, three-year, post-secondary program in contemporary dance

Dancer: Marco Placencio

For more than 45 years, we have been training and educating contemporary dance artists, inspiring them with the passion and physical power of the human body in motion. We have many things to offer you as a student in our Professional Training Program:

• a focus on artistic development, interpretation, and performance• a conservatory-style education with a concentration on studio work

– you spend your day dancing• a healthy and supportive learning environment• strong and challenging technical training, led by highly regarded

teachers• workshops with national and international guest teachers• technique classes accompanied by some of Toronto’s finest dance

musicians• many performance opportunities• an affiliation with York University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours

(B.F.A. Hons) program in dance• support to create your own choreography• a close relationship with Toronto Dance Theatre, and exposure to the

vibrant Toronto dance community• a performance series with admission to shows by top Canadian and

international artists• an on-site theatre that hosts performances by a variety of dance

companies and independent artists• a versatile education that prepares you to perform independently or

with contemporary dance companies

This is the place where you can train to be a performer, if you too are inspired by this passion. We hope to see you in September 2015!

to The School of Toronto Dance Theatre

Patricia Fraser

Artistic Director

Welcome

Dancer: Matthew Cuff

The School of Toronto Dance Theatre was originally formed as part of Toronto Dance Theatre (TDT); it incorporated separately in 1978. It has been under the direction of Patricia Fraser since 1993, and continues to maintain close ties with TDT.

Toronto Dance Theatre, under the artistic direction of Christopher House, is internationally recognized for its passionate, intelligent contemporary dance.

For more information about Toronto Dance Theatre, visit www.tdt.org

The School aims to provide a safe, positive, and welcoming learning environment. The School reserves the right to refuse admittance to any person who jeopardizes our ability to provide such an atmosphere.

The School of Toronto Dance Theatre’s Professional Training Program is approved as a vocational program under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

The School has a superb faculty, world renowned guest teachers, and an impressive roster of choreographers who work with students in all three years of the Professional Training Program. To read biographies, and see a full list of the artists you will work with at the School, please visit the Faculty section of our website, schooloftdt.org

About the School

Dancer: Justin Poleon

Our three year Professional Training Program (PTP) is a full-time, post-secondary program that provides education and training in contemporary dance.

The program provides a broad curriculum, a solid foundation of knowledge about contemporary dance, physical and intellectual instruction in the art form, extensive performing experience, and an environment for learning that prepares students for a professional career.

For more information, visit the Curriculum section of our website.

Curriculum

Dancers: Sebastian Hirtenstein, Vanessa Brazeau Of Animus and Anima, Choreographer: Louis Laberge-Côté

Dancers: Nicole Carr, Christian Giraldo, Mateo Galindo Torres, Ann Trépanier Studio Roadmovie, Choreographer: Marc Boivin

Technique

A cornerstone of our approach is strong technical training in a number of related and mutually supportive dance disciplines, which enable dancers to develop a high level of skill and versatility and to realize each individual’s physical potential.

Our focus on the imaginative and creative elements of each individual, as well as the quality and interpretation of their movement, contributes to the development of each dancer’s full expressiveness.

• dance technique, using sound anatomical practices in a variety of styles to encourage strength, stamina, flexibility, clarity, versatility, articulation, musicality, use of space, use of weight, dynamics, and phrasing

• special workshops/master classes, in selected dance, art, and health related disciplines, given by visiting artists and guest speakers

• body work, including cardio/conditioning for strength, power, and flexibility, movement clinics to address particular technical or performance concerns, and small group coaching sessions

• anatomy, to give the dancer an understanding of functional anatomy, strategies for injury prevention, and principles of muscle and exercise physiology

Graham technique grounds you and matures you. It has become a rite of passage for me; it has helped me in a transition from a childhood state of mind to an adult state.”

- Stuart Wright, graduate, Toronto, Ontario

Curriculum

Dancer: Jarrett Siddall

Dancers examine new and emerging areas of thought and practice in the exploration of creation and improvisation. Classes stimulate creative thinking through research, physical practice, observation, analysis, discussion, and documentation. Students begin to define their artistic point of view, defend their values, expand their critical thinking, and develop a rigorous creative practice.

• Creative Process, with a focus on cultivating the ability to take creative risks, and facilitating the journey through the choreographic process from conception through creation and rehearsal to performance

• Improvisation, to allow the student to discover movement and sound that comes from their own impulses, to develop sensitivity, listening, tools for expression, and choreographic skills

• Contact Improvisation 1, to explore gravity and momentum in order to support and utilize body weight in motion; a valuable tool for dancers approaching partnering work

• Contact Improvisation 2 and 3, to explore multi-level movement, escalating opportunities for momentum through anchoring, flying, gravity, and breath

• Source Work, to explore impulses and images through structured improvisations

“When I came in to the program, improvisation scared me quite a bit; now I find it almost therapeutic. It enhances and broadens my vocabulary. I was scared of the vulnerability of improvising; the PTP has given me the confidence to show my vulnerability.”

- Colby McGovern, graduate, Grande Prairie, Alberta

Creation &Improvisation

Dancer: Emily Hobbes Sonic Anthem, Choreographer: Nova Bhattacharya

A range of courses that provide a context to support the students’ artistic development, and increase their understanding of the professional dance environment.

• Dance History, to help students understand the legacy of the art form and the context for their training

• Art Theory and History, to explore ways of looking at art, and to understand a variety of artistic disciplines and their influence and inspiration for dance artists

• Dance Adventures, in which visiting and resident artists are invited to speak informally with the entire student body about their background, work, philosophy, and career

• Pedagogy 2, to develop the unique skills required for teaching creative movement to young children

• Pedagogy 3, to develop the skills needed to teach contemporary dance at beginner and elementary levels, including participation in practicum teaching sessions

• Career Paths, to provide students with confidence, the relevant writing and organizational skills, and an understanding of the profession

Contextual & Professional Studies

Dancer: Damian Norman

• Repertory, to work with professional choreographers, to enhance performance and interpretive skills, and to build to exciting and challenging performances during each semester

• Bouffon, to explore physical theatre with elements of farce, satire, and parody; to provoke and stimulate the imagination, and to empower dancers with a sense of boldness in performance presence

• Music, to develop skills in rhythm, vocal production, and listening

• Elements of Production, to give the dancer an overview of the fundamentals of the theatre, including working on actual productions in various capacities

In rehearsal and in performance, dancers are immersed in the act of creation, re-creation, and interpretation. They experience different choreographic processes, learn valuable performance and production skills, and are prepared to become the most versatile of instruments as professional dancers.

16 Dancers of The 60 Dancer Project, Choreographer: Tedd Robinson

Dancers: Mateo Galindo Torres, Ann Trépanier Barnyard, Choreographer: Christopher House

Interpretation &Performance

Students have opportunities to perform special commissions or remounts of work by acclaimed Canadian choreographers; works by Christopher House from the repertory of Toronto Dance Theatre; works by talented emerging contemporary creators; and classic dances by significant international choreographers.

The School presents a series of performances in our home theatre, the Winchester Street Theatre, including winter and spring programs that involve the entire student body and a third year show for graduating students in a distinctive program of solos, duets, and small ensemble repertory.

“The School has given me the opportunity to work with artists who are icons of dance. Every year we have the chance to work with five or six different choreographers, and to experience a huge range of ways of moving. Our bodies have been enriched.”

- Natalia Lisina, graduate, Kazan, Russia

Performance Opportunities

Every two years the graduating class performs at the prestigious Canada Dance Festival in Ottawa. They also participate in professional performances in Toronto. For more information, please visit the Performance & Events section at schooloftdt.org.

Third year students present their own choreographic work as a culmination of the Creative Process course, designed to guide them through the choreographic process, from conception through creation and rehearsal, and finally to performance. More informal student-run Coffee House performances regularly present original student choreography.

Endangered Species, Choreographer: Danny Grossman

The York University-School of Toronto Dance Theatre Professional Training Program is a program offered jointly with York University’s Dance Department. It is an Honours B.F.A. program that draws on the complementary strengths of both institutions, and is similar to the existing Honours B.F.A. Joint Program in Dance offered with Canada’s National Ballet School. The program is consistent with the Academic Plan of the York Faculty of Fine Arts and the University’s strategic priority regarding the development of professionally related programs.

Students who successfully complete the three-year School of TDT program, recognized by the Professional Training Certificate, with minimum B standing (6.0 gpa) will be eligible to apply for admission to the York B.F.A. (Hons) Dance program. After successful application to York University, students admitted will have up to 60 credits from their training at the School applied towards their 120 B.F.A. (Hons) degree. Given the studio technique and performance orientation of the School of TDT program, students in the joint program will concentrate their B.F.A (Hons) studies on theory and other non-studio courses.

A York dance audition is not required for graduates of The School of Toronto Dance Theatre Professional Training Program.

Please contact the Chair of York’s Dance Department at danchair@yorku.ca for further information.

Please visit the York Dance Department at dance.finearts.yorku.ca

Joint Program with York University

Dancers: Michelle Zimmerman, Claudine Dubé, Damian Norman Red Cloth_Loud Music, Choreographer: Tedd Robinson

As a graduate of the Professional Training Program you will be trained as a performer and prepared to pursue career opportunities in the field of contemporary dance.

Graduates of The School of Toronto Dance Theatre are noted for their artistic and performance qualities, their technical proficiency, their versatility, and their strength. They have achieved success as performers in companies and as independent artists. Graduates are also working as artistic and rehearsal directors, choreographers, teachers, and dance-related practitioners.

In addition to Toronto Dance Theatre, which has drawn a majority of its current members from the School’s Professional Training Program, the School has sent an impressive number of graduates to major Canadian and international companies. Other alumni have initiated their own dance collectives, festivals, and schools. Some have continued with their studies for combined degrees, or have gone on to apply their knowledge of dance beyond the stage.

Careers for Graduates

“This program completely prepares you for the professional world and beyond. It will ignite a passion for learning that you can carry with you throughout your career.”

- Megumi Kokuba, graduate and current

TDT company member, Okinawa-shi, Japan Dancer: Megumi Kokuba

Students come to the School from every province in Canada, including FirstNations, and, internationally, the School has welcomed students from Australia,Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, England, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, New Zealand, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad, and the United States. As a student at the School you will become part of a close-knit community and meet new friends from Canada and around the world who share your passion for dance.

Student-Run Organizations You’ll have many opportunities to participate in the School’s student government, Coffee House productions, graduation committee, and other student-run social events. During your graduating year, you’ll also help to organize student trips; past class trips have included such destinations as Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, and New York City

Facilities The School of Toronto Dance Theatre is located in the heart of historic Cabbagetown, a neighbourhood located on the east side of downtown Toronto.

The building’s facilities include four studios (one of which is a 115-seat theatre), dressing rooms, showers, sauna, wardrobe, and the administrative offices for both the School and TDT.

Living in Toronto The city of Toronto is one of Canada’s leading cultural centres and offers a variety of artistic events. While living in Toronto, students can attend theatre productions, dance events, galleries, and international cultural festivals. Toronto also has many diverse communities in which students can reside, establish new friendships, and involve themselves socially.

Housing Most students find sharing accommodations more financially viable than renting their own apartment. The School occasionally receives notices of available sublets and shared accommodations.

Please contact the Artistic Coordinator – Professional Programs at

416-967-6887 ext. 22. or email andrea@schooloftdt.org

Student Life

Natalia Lisina – Kazan, Russia

While at the School, Natalia enjoyed exploring new techniques, and says, “I like using improvisation in creation, where movement is born naturally, spontaneously, in the present moment, as a conversation with oneself, a partner, the audience, space, and time.” Now a graduate, Natalia values the faculty and choreographers she worked with. “I went to the School to study dance and I feel that I found a professional family.”

Marco Placencio – São Paulo, Brazil

Marco credits the amazing opportunity to work with such a range of choreographers as the biggest contributor to his artistic growth. “Some days I stop and think about all the choreographers I’ve worked with and I can’t believe it. Getting feedback from all of them has shaped me as a dancer.” The most difficult part of attending the School was being away from his family, but he says: “It’s just a matter of focusing on the dancing and how happy it makes me.” He says that his classmates became his family. “We were very supportive of each other. They really pushed me to do my best.”

Melissa Watt – Edmonton, Alberta

While a second year student, Melissa was awarded the prestigious Hnatyshyn Foundation Developing Artists Grant in Contemporary Dance, a major honour for her as well as for the School. “Before my training here, I would often come off stage not understanding the experience I had just encountered, but now I am able to be present in the world that my peers and I create together onstage. I feel that my understanding of the art form has deepened and matured, opening my mind and soul to the bigger picture of dance.”

To learn more about these and other students of The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, visit the Student Profiles section of our website, schooloftdt.org.

Noelle Young – Chilliwack, British Columbia

A highlight of Noelle’s early training was traveling to Frankfurt, Germany on Team Canada for the World Dance Championships in 2012. In pursuing professional training, Noelle wanted “to focus on contemporary dance, for the movement and the art of it.” After doing the School’s summer intensive, she said, “I knew it was the right place for me. The student-teacher relationship is very positive; they truly only have your best interests in mind. I feel we’re being trained to be professionals.”

Student Profiles

Application Information

In order to be eligible for the Professional Training Program, applicants must:

• be a high school graduate (or equivalent), or have mature student status

• have a minimum of one year of serious dance training

• be at least 17 years of age

How to Apply

Individuals interested in applying to the Professional Training Program will need to:

• carefully review the qualification criteria and application instructions

• complete and submit an application form with all supporting documents and the fee of $95

• attend an audition (video auditions may be arranged)

Application forms can be received by contacting the School, or can also be downloaded from the How to Apply section of our website, schooloftdt.org.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Artistic Coordinator – Professional Programs at

416-967-6887 ext. 22. or email andrea@schooloftdt.org

AUDITION DATESto begin the program in September 2015

• February 1, 2015 Application deadline January 16, 2015

• July 18, 2015 Application deadline July 10, 2015

Admission

Dancer: Robyn Breen

International Students International students accepted into The School of Toronto Dance Theatre will need to obtain the appropriate documents from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

All students will need to obtain a study permit. In some cases, depending on the home country, students will also need to apply for a student temporary resident visa. Be sure to allow time for processing by the visa office. Full details are available at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website, cic.gc.ca.

International students are required to obtain medical insurance before classes begin. You could opt only to obtain emergency health insurance, but the School recommends obtaining extended health coverage. Proof of health care coverage must be provided to the Artistic Coordinator – Professional Programs on registration day. International students must also provide the School with photocopies of their passport and immigration documentation for their student files on orientation day.

Please visit the International Students section on our website (schooloftdt.org) for further information, or contact the School office. The School is officially approved by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities through the International Student Program (TCU).

Fees for the 2015/16 school year are:

• $5,300.00, plus

• $275.00 for non-optional performance series

• $125.00 for a non-optional book fee (first year students only)

• $40.00 for non-optional book fee (second year students only), and

• $250.00 for a non-optional photo shoot fee (third year students only)

All fees are in CDN$.

Financial assistance

The School of Toronto Dance Theatre recognizes that financing your education can be a challenge. Select scholarships and bursaries are available to our second and third year Professional Training students.

Students enrolled in the Professional Training Program may be eligible, if qualified, for assistance under one or more of the following components of the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP):

• the Canada Student Loans Program (CSL)

• the Ontario Student Loans Plan (OSL)

Please contact the Student Services Coordinator at 416-967-6887 ext. 21 for more information and visit the website for details of bursaries and awards at schooloftdt.org.

Tuition and Fees

Contact usFor application forms and program details, please visit our website, or contact:

The School of Toronto Dance Theatre80 Winchester StreetToronto, OntarioCanadaM4X 1B2416-967-6887info@schooloftdt.orgCharitable Registration 10796 2771 RR 0001

schooloftdt.org

facebook.com/schooloftdt @SchoolofTDT

Artistic Staff

Patricia Fraser, Artistic Director

Susan Macpherson, Artistic Associate

Patricia Miner, Artistic Associate

Andrea Roberts, Artistic Coordinator - Professional Programs

Christopher House,

Artistic Advisor to Professional Training Program Artistic Director of Toronto Dance Theatre

Rosemary James, Training and Performance Associate

Administrative Staff

Gail Packwood, Managing Director

Louise Plunkett, Student Services Coordinator

Katharine Shaw, Communications and Outreach Coordinator

Photography: Andréa de Keijzer, Cylla von Tiedemann, Jae Yang, Ömer Yükseker, Michelle Zimmerman

Design: Jae Yang

Pour obtenir des renseignements en français, veuillez nous visiter au schooloftdt.org/pfp

Dancers: Justin Blanchard, Shakeil Rollock, Andrew SwanIn Life, Choreographer: Jennifer Dallas