Our Divisions

The Recreational Division of the RWB School has been a pillar in the Winnipeg community since 1939, delivering exceptional instruction to dancers of all ages, levels and interests. 

Classes feature a wide range of styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre and more, all offered in an inclusive, supportive environment. The RWB School Dance Ensembles provide a unique opportunity for participating students to be involved in various performances throughout the year that feature children’s roles, collaboration with local arts organizations as well as dance competitions.

Our goal is to unlock the transformative potential in all our students, empowering them with the confidence and joy that dance inherently brings.

This division also features high-level programs:

For students who have shown ability and dedication in classical ballet, the Intensive Training Program provides a specialized and more intensive training environment. Students prepare for ballet examinations in the Cecchetti method of classical ballet. Regular ballet classes are supported with additional classes such as pointe, RWB School Dance Ensemble performance groups, conditioning, modern, character and jazz. Spring auditions are held annually.

Intensive Training Program students may have the opportunity to participate in performances and competitions throughout the season.

The RWB School Dance Ensembles provide a unique opportunity for participating students to be involved in various performance opportunities throughout the year. Upon a successful audition or invitation process, students will learn choreography created by RWB School artistic faculty, including award-winning choreographers. These new works will be performed in festivals and competitions. Students may also have exclusive opportunities to perform with other Winnipeg arts and culture organizations.

Dance Ensembles are offered in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre, as well as within the Intensive Training Program. RWB School Dance Ensemble alumni have gone onto careers on Broadway, Rainbow Stage and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and have continued their education with the RWB Professional Division, Arts Umbrella, Goh Ballet, Alberta Ballet, Boston Conservatory, and the School of Contemporary Dancers.

The Professional Division is aimed at artists who aspire to establish a professional career as ballet dancer or dance instructor, either with the RWB Company and School or at other professional dance companies and schools around the world.

For more than 50 years we have provided classical ballet training rooted in the Russian system, enriched by a full curriculum of complementary dance forms, health, wellness and life skills.

Beyond our core offerings in ballet, pointe, pas de deux, character dance, repertoire, contemporary, and modern dance, our curriculum includes supplementary classes in strength training, acting, nutrition, Pilates, music and art.
Our passionate and knowledgeable instructors provide a balanced education to all students. Additionally, the involvement of RWB Company dancers helps students improve their technique and gain direct insight into the demands of succeeding as a professional artist.

The Professional Division has three key programs:

The Ballet Academic Program is a full-time, seven-level program for young artists pursuing their dreams of dancing professionally.The RWB School collaborates with two highly regarded Winnipeg schools – St. John Brebeuf School and University of Winnipeg Collegiate – to provide our young artists with a robust educational environment beyond the dance studio. By engaging with a broader community, our students benefit from building friendships and idea-sharing with peers. These strategic partnerships help to maintain our status as one of the premier ballet schools globally.

The Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant Program is a full-time, two-year, post-secondary training program for advanced-level classical ballet dancers who are making the transition from student to professional dancer.

The Teacher Training Program is a full-time, three-year, post-secondary program that provides aspiring dance teachers with the skills and knowledge required for a career in dance education with experience in both recreational and professional environments. The Teacher Training Program has boasted an impressive 100% employment success rate for over three decades.

They also receive 18 credit hours of recognized courses and awards towards a B.A., B.Ed, and Kinesiology and Applied Health degree with the University of Winnipeg.

Academic Partnerships

The RWB School has forged strong partnerships with two highly regarded local private schools (St. John Brebeuf School and University of Winnipeg Collegiate), ensuring that our young artists are challenged and stimulated beyond time spent in our studios. These partnerships enable us to offer the best overall support to the student body and ensure that the RWB School continues to rank among the best ballet schools in the world. Allowing our students the opportunity to venture beyond our walls on a daily basis affords them the ability to share ideas and develop friendships with a diverse group of young people, further enriching their RWB experience.