Auditions for the Ballet Academic Program, Aspirant Program and Teacher Training Program are held during the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School’s International Audition Tour. Students participating in the 2011/12 audition tour are auditioning to gain acceptance into the 2012 Summer Session, which serves as the second stage of the two-part audition process. The Summer Session for all programs takes place at the RWB School in Winnipeg in July 2012.

Students entering academic grade 6 in September 2012 are eligible to audition for the Ballet Academic Program. No previous training is required for young students and no special preparation is required for the audition class. Applicants for the Aspirant and Teacher Training Programs must have completed their high school education or equivalent by the start of Summer Session. Previous dance training is required for Teacher Training Program applicants. Walk-ins are welcome, however all candidates are encouraged to preregister for audition classes.

Teacher Training Program applicants unable to audition during the International Audition Tour may still have an opportunity to attend Summer Session. Contact the RWB School Office for more information on the possibility of attending Summer Session without an advance audition.

Summer Session serves as the second phase of the audition process for acceptance into the RWB School Professional Division programs commencing the following September. It introduces students to the discipline and high standards required of a professional dancer. Throughout Summer Session, RWB School artistic faculty evaluate students on their talent and aptitude for classical dance. Elements such as musicality, coordination and artistry are considered. Residence accommodation is available during Summer Session for out-of-town students.

To ensure students are relaxed and able to work effectively, all audition classes are closed to observation.

At the audition, all students must provide a recent photograph of themselves in a leotard, tights and ballet slippers. The photograph should show a tendu in 2nd position, en face (facing front). Arms should also be in 2nd position.

There will be a question and answer period at each audition location, giving parents, teachers and students the opportunity to ask questions about the RWB School.

Auditions by Mail
Students who are unable to make it to one of our tour locations may audition by submitting a standard DVD. Please note that other formats are not compatible and may result in the audition application not being processed. The 5 - 10 minute video should demonstrate barre and centre work. Senior students (those 16 years and older) may include pointe work and/or a variation. As well, students auditioning by mail must include:

• a recent photo of themselves facing front showing a tendu in 2nd position; arms in 2nd position

• a letter of recommendation from their dance teacher

• a completed Audition Application and payment of the Audition By Mail fee