Alberta Ballet School

Alberta Ballet School Location

About Alberta Ballet School

Alberta Ballet School is the official training arm of Alberta Ballet, located in downtown Calgary. The school provides professional ballet training for more than 100 students from Canada and other countries. Ashley McNeil serves as Director, and the school employs artistic faculty, academic teachers, a medical team, a sports psychologist, and residence staff.

The school offers programs for students in Grades 7-12, a Post-Graduate Program, and the Alberta Ballet Trainee Program. The Grade 7-12 Professional Program combines dance training with academics that follow the Alberta Education curriculum, leading to an Alberta High School Diploma. Training includes ballet, pointe, contemporary, conditioning, and repertoire. Students in Grades 7-9 train approximately 20 hours per week, while Grades 10-12 train approximately 22 hours per week. The Post-Graduate Program offers approximately 35 hours of weekly training for high school graduates. The Trainee Program is tuition-free and accepts up to 10 students annually who train 35+ hours per week.

The school operates a three-week Summer Intensive that includes ballet, pointe, and contemporary. Students perform in mainstage productions and graduates have joined companies including San Francisco Ballet, Alberta Ballet, Spanish National Ballet, and Japan National Ballet. The school reports a 100% diploma completion rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alberta Ballet School?

Alberta Ballet School is a comprehensive training institution for aspiring young dancers looking for a career in professional dance. It is the official training arm of Alberta Ballet and is described as one of Canada's premier ballet training institutions. The school is affiliated with Alberta Ballet Company and hosts more than 100 students from around the world.

Where is Alberta Ballet School located?

The school is located in downtown Calgary at 920 12 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2R 0J4. The facility spans 30,000 square feet with six large studios and six academic classrooms in the same building. The school also operates a year-round residence program at the Mount Royal University campus for non-local professional students.

What does Alberta Ballet School offer?

Alberta Ballet School offers professional ballet training programs including a Grades 7-12 Professional Program, Post-Graduate Program, Alberta Ballet Trainee Program, and a 3-week Summer Intensive. Training includes ballet, pointe, contemporary, conditioning, repertoire, body conditioning, and mindfulness programming. The school provides on-site academics following the Alberta Education curriculum, an on-site physiotherapy clinic, and mental health and wellness programming with a sports psychologist.

Who is Alberta Ballet School for?

The school welcomes aspiring young dancers looking for a career in professional dance, including national and international students. Application begins with an audition, which can be attended in-person at locations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand, or through virtual or video submissions. The school welcomes prospective students and families for visits, school tours, and open house events.

What ages, levels, or audiences does Alberta Ballet School cater for?

The school caters to students in Grades 7-12 through its Professional Program, high school graduates through its Post-Graduate Program, and advanced dancers through its Trainee Program. Training intensity varies by level, with Grades 7-9 receiving approximately 20 hours per week of dance training, Grades 10-12 receiving approximately 22 hours per week, and Post-Graduate and Trainee programs offering 35+ hours per week.

What opportunities does Alberta Ballet School offer?

Yes. The school offers professional training and performance opportunities, with students featured in mainstage productions including corps de ballet roles. The Alberta Ballet Trainee Program is a tuition-free opportunity to train with Alberta Ballet Company, accepting up to 10 students annually. Graduates secure professional dance jobs at notable companies, and trainees often receive contracts with Alberta Ballet or other professional companies worldwide.

What teaching methods or syllabus does Alberta Ballet School follow?

The school follows a cohesive, progressive curriculum that integrates rigorous technical training with student-centered development. The academic program is fully accredited and follows the Alberta Education curriculum, with students in Grades 7-12 earning an Alberta High School Diploma upon graduation. The school day is equally divided between academic and artistic training, with class sizes of approximately 15 students.

Does Alberta Ballet School offer performances, competitions, or events?

Yes. Students participate in mainstage productions, including corps de ballet roles. The school also mentions students participate in local and school events.

How can I contact Alberta Ballet School?

Phone: 403 245.2274 ext. 722. Admissions email: Admissions@AlbertaBallet.com. General inquiries email: CalgaryStudios@AlbertaBallet.com. Address: 920 12 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2R 0J4. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm MST.