Why should I include ballet in my child's dance program?
All dance forms have ballet technique at their base. Students with strong ballet technique will progress more rapidly in other dance forms. We strongly encourage students who study jazz, tap or musical theatre as their major discipline to include at least one ballet class as part of their program.
What is the importance of taking more than one class?
Students who wish to intensify their training in ballet, jazz, tap or musical theatre should take more than one class (where available) in their chose style. Students taking more than one class per week, including one of each of the different dance styles, will enjoy crossover benefits. The posture, strength and body awareness developed in ballet will enhance the development of the jazz technique. The musicality and body coordination developed in tap will reinforce the work in the jazz discipline and the flexibility developed in jazz will assist in ballet. All dance study will help musical theatre and musical theatre will enable the dancer to find a voice for movement.
How do I put my daugher's hair in a bun?
Classical bun-making workshops will be held free of charge periodically throughout the year to instruct parents and students on the proper method of styling the hair for all dance classes. If you are unsure or require a refresher course, don’t miss these opportunities. Notices will be posted. Sign up sheets are available at the School Office closer to the scheduled dates.
What is the Cecchetti syllabus?
The Cecchetti syllabus is an internationally recognized system of classical ballet training which includes graded examinations that are practiced extensively in professional training programs and non-professional programs around the world. Teachers entering students into exams in the Cecchetti syllabus must have attained completion of the examination students will receive a certificate and a detailed report outlining areas that need improvement and positive overall comments. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School prides itself in providing outstanding instruction in the training of both teachers and students in Cecchetti syllabus.
Can parents observe classes?
Twice a year parents, relatives and friends are invited to sit in and observe regular classes in session during our Parent Observation Weeks. The dates for these observations are November 13-19 and March 16-22.
Are there performance opportunities?
When the RWB Company performs the Nutcracker, students are chosen to dance in the productions. During the 2010-2011 season students from the RWB School, Recreational Division were chosen for this prestigious opportunity. Notice will be given when similar opportunities happen again. Audition information will be available at the School Office.
Steppin' Out
Steppin' Out is our annual spring recital for our adult students. This recital is an excellent opportunity for adult students to show off their talents to friends and family. These performances are held at the RWB in the Founders' Studio.
Annual Recital – Dance Spectrum
Our Dance Spectrum performances are out year-end opportunity for students age 7 years and up to step beyond the classroom onto the stage and perform for parents, relatives and friends. All Dance Spectrum performances are held at the Pantages Playhouse Theatre and/or the Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall.
The Manitoba Dance Festival & Festival Preview Performances
The Manitoba Dance Festival provides an opportunity for invited dancers and workshop students to learn about choreography, refine their technique and perform for objective adjudication and awards. Performances showcasing these pieces are called Festival Preview Performances and are held in late April.
Competitions & Conventions
There are many conventions and competitions offered across North America for the non-professional student. We strive to select competitions and conventions that will be the most beneficial to our students. As these events can be quite costly we do not participate in every event within Manitoba; however, the RWB School students are encouraged to attend these events independently.
Students may have the opportunity to perform at various RWB School events such as Ballet In the Park, Dance Downtown and certain roles in full length ballets with our professional company. Various other venues may arise during the year providing further performance opportunities.
What else do I need to know?
Attendance Certificates
All students who complete the RWB School Term with satisfactory attendance (missing no more than six classes) receive an attendance certificate. Special recognition is given for those students with perfect attendance or those who have made-up all the classes they have missed.
Achievement Awards
Every year, two students of the Recreational Division are chosen by the teaching staff to receive the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School’s Award of Achievement. This award is presented to students who have shown school spirit, a positive attitude in class, commitment and excellent achievement in all areas of dance. Students from Level 1 and up in any discipline may be chosen for this award. Students receive a certificate as well as a financial award towards the following year’s tuition. The Achievement Awards are presented at the Dance Spectrum performances.
Teaching Assistant Program
Students 14 years and older are invited to participate in the Teaching Assistant Program. This program gives youth the opportunity to explore teaching with one or more of our teaching staff. Teaching Assistants are eligible for the ‘Teaching Assistant Award of Achievement.” The recipient of this award is nominated by out teaching staff for their leadership skills, ability and attendance. Sign up at registration.
Professional Division Scholarship
Each year, Professional Division Summer Session Scholarships are awarded to choose Recreational Division students (or a student) selected by the artistic staff at the RWB School, Professional Division fall auditions.
Parent Involvement
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School values the support, energy and involvement of the RWB families. Parents are invited to volunteer their talents and time at various RWB School performances throughout the year and provide support at dance related events. The RWB School is always open to new ideas from its parent body and welcomes ideas and involvement from new parents at any time during the years. If you are interested in becoming an RWB School Volunteer, please feel free to contact the School Office at 957-3467.
