The RWB School Aspirant Program is a unique, intensive training program designed specifically for advanced level emerging classical ballet dancers. It features curriculum for dancers who have completed their professional training and are making the transition from student to professional artist.

The Aspirant Program’s focus is two-fold: preparing the dancer for upcoming auditions and providing them with performance opportunities. In addition to dancing with the world-renowned Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company, Aspirants participate in a wide variety of local productions and enjoy the rich experience of working with both new and established choreographers. As well as having the occasion to work in First Steps, the School’s highly successful choreographic workshop, Aspirants may gain experience performing in various media productions, such as videos and films. These opportunities help Aspirant students develop a deeper understanding of the choreographic process and provide a challenging and varies performance experience.

The Aspirant Program focuses on intense, regular interaction with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company. Students benefit from attending Company classes on a regular basis and may be cast in its full-length classical ballet productions. Close contact with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company provides students with several advantages including the opportunity to work with guest teachers and choreographers.

When not involved with the Company, Aspirants spend their mornings taking specially designed classes in ballet technique, variation class, pas de deux, modern and Spanish. In the afternoon, they learn new repertoire and repertoire drawn from the upcoming RWB Company season.

Bursaries towards tuition and other training expenses as well as the possibility of a monthly stipend  for the duration of the school term may be available. No additional application process is required for consideration. All decisions regarding Aspirant bursaries are made jointly by the School Director, Aspirant Program Director and RWB Artistic Director.

This is a post-secondary program – auditioning applicants must have completed their high school education by the start of that year’s Summer Session.