PROFESSIONAL DANCE INTENSIVE
We are accepting video auditions for the 2025 PROFESSIONAL DANCE INTENSIVE and our 2025-2026 FULL-YEAR PROGRAMS.
The PROFESSIONAL DANCE INTENSIVE is for talented, serious, students ages 12 and up. Led by VAB’s internationally acclaimed faculty, classes are offered in a variety of styles, with an acute focus on advancing students’ technique while developing their artistry. Entry into the Professional Dance Intensive is by audition only. Homestay accommodations for out-of-town students are offered.
This summer program may be used as an audition period for acceptance into our Full-Year Professional Training (PTP) and Post-Secondary Bridge Programs (BP). Students enrolled in the PTP or BP for the 2025-2026 school year must attend the full four week summer program.
For additional program information, please contact admissions@vaballet.ca
MONDAY JULY 28 – FRIDAY AUGUST 15, 2025
FIRST DAY & PLACEMENT LEVELS
Students will be sent their first day schedule in the latter half of July but it will consist of a ballet placement class, venue tour, and orientation. Some senior levels may also have a contemporary class. Students participate in a placement class to determine a level based on many reasons (age, ability, and what is SAFEST for you). VAB faculty take careful consideration as to what level they feel is best for each student. After completing the first week, students may approach their ballet teacher to discuss levels.
SAMPLE DAY
NUTRITION & MEALS
Students pack a healthy lunch, snacks and water each day. Students are not supervised during the lunch hour and are free to eat their lunches at VAB or go out and purchase food nearby. VAB is near many amazing cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores:
- Fairway Market – 2635 Quadra Street
- Gigi’s Cafe – 1002 Hillside Avenue
- Caffe Fantastico – 965 Kings Road
- Part and Parcel – 2656 Quadra Street
- 5th St. Bar & Grill – 1028 Hillside Avenue
ACTIVITIES
Students have the opportunity to participate in activities outside of program hours. Activities may include a tour of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, a visit to the local dance stores, a trip to get ice cream, and more. We will announce the various options during your orientation.
SHOWCASE
Students participating in the Professional Dance Intensive will perform in a showcase on the final day of the three-week intensive. Class schedules may alter on this day. More information will be available closer to the date.
ACCOMMODATION
Visiting students may choose to travel to Victoria with family and find their own accommodations while participating in the intensive, and others may want to take part in our Homestay Program.
HOMESTAY PROGRAM
Homestay service is available through VAB and is a lovely way for students to become acquainted with Victoria while being in a family atmosphere. The support and understanding of a caring host family provides a great experience while at the Professional Dance Intensive. VAB takes care to offer students screened and experienced host families for the duration of their time in the program. VAB host families are chosen for their ability to provide a warm and supportive home environment, and for their willingness to treat each visiting student as a member of their family. Host family premises are inspected regularly, and host parents undergo criminal record checks. Each host family participates in an intensive orientation program which focuses on cultural understanding and how to help students adjust to a new environment. VAB staff assist all students and host families for the duration of the student’s stay, should any issues or emergencies arise. Most host families have been with VAB for many years. Host families provide three meals a day and healthy snacks and pick their students up from the airport at the start of the program and drop them off at the airport at the end of the program. Parents/guardians traveling to Canada may drop the student off at the host family house and meet the host parents.
SAFETY & SECURITY
The welfare and of each individual student is our greatest concern. Procedures and responsibilities for fire and emergency safety are clearly reviewed with students each year. Evacuation and lock-down drills, equipment testing, and first aid procedures are regularly checked and documented. All staff keep a cell phone on their person for emergencies while in the studio. It is commonplace in Victoria for students to use public transportation to move around the city and to and from their summer accommodation and the studios. Bus tickets and passes are available at several pharmacies and corner shops and can be purchased when they arrive in Victoria.
Open Division
