ADMISSION

GUIDE2014 / 2015Professional Training Program

CONTENTS3

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5

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Welcome

Curriculum

Technique

Creation and

Improvisation

Contextual and

Professional Studies

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9

10

Interpretation and

Performance

Performance

Opportunities

Joint Program with

York University

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12

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14

15

Careers

Student Life

Student Profi les

Admission

Tuition & Fees

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For 45 years, we have been training and educating contemporary dance artists, inspiring them withthepassionandphysicalpowerofthehumanbodyinmotion.Wehavemanythingstoofferyou as a student in our Professional Training Program:

• a focus on artistic development, interpretation, and performance

• a conservatory-style education with a concentration on studio work – you spend your day dancing

• a healthy and supportive learning environment

• strong and challenging technical training, led by highly regarded teachers

• workshops with national and international guest teachers

• technique classes accompanied by some of Toronto’s fi nest dance musicians

• many performance opportunities

• anaffiliationwithYorkUniversity’sBachelorofFineArtsHonours(B.F.A.Hons)programin dance

• support to create your own choreography

• a close relationship with Toronto Dance Theatre, and exposure to the vibrant Toronto dance community

• a performance series with admission to shows by top Canadian and international artists

• an on-site theatre that hosts performances by a variety of dance companies and independent artists

• a versatile education that prepares you to perform independently or withcontemporary dance companies

Thisistheplacewhereyoucantraintobeaperformer,ifyoutooareinspiredbythispassion.We hope to see you in September 2014!

Welcome to The School of Toronto Dance Theatre

The School of Toronto Dance Theatre was originally formed as part of Toronto DanceTheatre(TDT);itincorporatedseparatelyin1978.IthasbeenunderthedirectionofPatriciaFrasersince1993,andcontinuestomaintainclosetieswithTDT.

Toronto Dance Theatre, under the artistic direction of Christopher House, is internationallyrecognizedforitspassionate,intelligentcontemporarydance.FormoreinformationaboutTorontoDanceTheatre,visitwww.tdt.org

the School aims to provide a safe, positive, and welcoming learning environment. the School reserves the right to refuse admittance to any person who jeopardizes our ability to provide such an atmosphere.

the School of toronto Dance theatre’s Professional training Program is approved as a vocational program under the Private career colleges Act, 2005.

The School has a superb faculty, world renowned guest teachers, and an impressive roster of choreographers who work with students in all three years of the Professional TrainingProgram.Toreadbiographies, and see a full list of the artists you will work with at the School, please visit the Faculty section of ourwebsite,schooloftdt.org

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About the School

Patricia FraserArtistic Director

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CURRICULUMOurthreeyearProfessionalTrainingProgram(PTP)is a full-time, post-secondary program that provides educationandtrainingincontemporarydance.

The program provides a broad curriculum, a solid foundation of knowledge about contemporary dance, physical and intellectual instruction in the art form, extensive performing experience, and an environment for learning that prepares students for a professionalcareer.

For more information, visit the Curriculum section of ourwebsite.

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Technique

A cornerstone of our approach is strong technical training in a number of related and mutually supportive dance disciplines, which enable dancers to develop a high level of skill and versatilityandtorealizeeachindividual’sphysicalpotential.

Our focus on the imaginative and creative elements of each individual, as well as the quality and interpretation of their movement, contributes to the development of each dancer’s full expressiveness.

• dancetechnique, using sound anatomical practices in a variety of styles to encourage strength, stamina, flexibility, clarity, versatility, articulation, musicality, use of space, use of weight, dynamics, and phrasing

• specialworkshops/masterclasses, in selected dance, art, and health related disciplines, given by visiting artists and guest speakers

• bodywork, including cardio/conditioning for strength, power, and flexibility, movement clinics to address particular technical or performance concerns, and small group coaching sessions

• anatomy, to give the dancer an understanding of functional anatomy, strategies for injury prevention, and principles of muscle and exercise physiology

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Creation and ImprovisationDancers examine new and emerging areas of thought and practice in the exploration of creationandimprovisation.Classesstimulatecreative thinking through research, physical practice, observation, analysis, discussion, anddocumentation.Studentsbegintodefinetheir artistic point of view, defend their values, expand their critical thinking, and develop a rigorouscreativepractice.

• creative process, with a focus on cultivating the ability to take creative risks, and facilitating the journey through the choreographic process from conception through creation and rehearsal to performance

• improvisation, to allow the student to discover movement and sound that comes from their own impulses, to develop sensitivity, listening, tools for expression, and choreographic skills

• contact improvisation 1, to explore gravity and momentum in order to support and utilize body weight in motion;avaluabletoolfordancersapproaching partnering work

• contact improvisation 2 and 3, to explore multi-level movement, escalating opportunities for momentum through anchoring, flying, gravity, and breath

• source work, to explore impulses and images through structured improvisations

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Contextual and Professional StudiesA range of courses that provide a context to support the students’ artistic development, and increase their understandingoftheprofessionaldanceenvironment.

• dance history, to help students understand the legacy of the art form and the context for their training

• art theory and history, to explore ways of looking at art, and to understand a variety of artistic disciplines and their influence and inspiration for dance artists

• dance adventures, in which visiting and resident artists are invited to speak informally with the entire student body about their background, work, philosophy, and career

• pedagogy 2, to develop the unique skills required for teaching creative movement to young children

• pedagogy 3, to develop the skills needed to teach contemporary dance at beginner and elementary levels, including participation in practicum teaching sessions

• career paths, to provide students with confidence, the relevant writing and organizational skills, and an understanding of the profession

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Interpretation and PerformanceIn rehearsal and in performance, dancers are immersed intheactofcreation,re-creation,andinterpretation.Theyexperiencedifferentchoreographicprocesses,learn valuable performance and production skills, and are prepared to become the most versatile of instrumentsasprofessionaldancers.

• repertory, to work with professional choreographers, to enhance performance and interpretive skills, and to build to exciting and challenging performances during each semester

• bouff on, to explore physical theatre with elements of farce, satire, and parody; to provoke and stimulate the imagination, and to empower dancers with a sense of boldness in performance presence

• music, to develop skills in rhythm, vocal production, and listening

• elements of production, to give the dancer an overview of the fundamentals of the theatre, including working on actual productions in various capacities

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Students have opportunities to perform special commissions or remounts of work by acclaimed Canadian choreographers;worksbyChristopherHousefromtherepertoryofTorontoDanceTheatre;worksbytalentedemergingcontemporarycreators;andclassicdancesbysignificantinternationalchoreographers.

The School presents a series of performances in our home theatre, the Winchester Street Theatre, including winter and spring programs that involve the entire student body and a third year show for graduating students of a distinctive programofsolos,duets,andsmallensemblerepertory.

Students in their final year create and produce their own work in the Choreographic Workshop, which is the culminationoftheirCreativeProcesscourse.Studentsinallyears also create and produce their own work in informal student-runCoffeeHouseperformances.

Every two years the graduating class performs at the prestigiousCanadaDanceFestivalinOttawa.TheyalsoparticipateinprofessionalperformancesinToronto.Formore information, please visit the Performance & Events sectionatschooloftdt.org

PERFORMANCEOPPORTUNITIES

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JOINT PROGRAM WITH

YORK UNIVERSITYTheYork-SchoolofTorontoDanceTheatreConsecutiveHonoursB.F.A.programdrawsonthecomplementarystrengthsofbothinstitutionsandissimilartotheexistingHonoursB.F.A.JointPrograminDanceofferedwithCanada’sNationalBalletSchool.Theprogram is consistent with the Academic Plan of the York Faculty of Fine Arts and the University’s strategic priority regarding the developmentofprofessionallyrelatedprograms.

Students who successfully complete the three-year School of TDT program, recognized by the Professional Training Certificate, withminimumBstanding(6.0gpa)willbeeligibletoapplyforadmissiontotheYorkHonoursB.F.A.Danceprogram.Aftersuccessful completion of an interview/evaluation with the Department of Dance, students will be admitted to the third year levelstudiesintheHonsB.F.A.Danceprogram,withrecognitionforablocktransferofupto60creditsboundtothis120creditprogram.GiventhestudiotechniqueandperformanceorientationoftheSchoolofTDTprogram,studentsinthejointprogramwillconcentratetheirYorkstudiesindancehistory,theory,andothernon-studiocourses.PleasevisittheYorkDanceDepartment’s website for further information www.yorku.ca/finearts/dance

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2010 graduate and currentcompany member of TorontoDanceTheatre,MairiGreig.

2009 graduate and current company member ofTorontoDanceTheatre,PulgaMuchochoma.

CAREERSFOR OUR GRADUATES

As a graduate of the Professional Training Program you will be trained as a performer and prepared to pursue career opportunities in the fi eld of contemporarydance.

Graduates of The School of Toronto Dance Theatre are noted for their artistic and performance qualities, their technical profi ciency, their versatility, and their strength.Theyhaveachievedsuccessasperformersincompaniesandasindependentartists.Graduatesare also working as artistic and rehearsal directors, choreographers, teachers, and dance-related practitioners.

In addition to Toronto Dance Theatre, which has drawn a majority of its current members from the School’s Professional Training Program, the School has sent an impressive number of graduates to major Canadianandinternationalcompanies.Otheralumnihave initiated their own dance collectives, festivals, and schools, or continued with their studies for combineddegrees.

Please visit the Alumnisectionatschooloftdt.org

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Living in TorontoThe city of Toronto is one of Canada’s leading cultural centresandoffersavarietyofartisticevents.Whilelivingin Toronto, students can attend theatre productions, dance events, galleries, and international cultural festivals.Torontoalsohasmanydiversecommunitiesinwhich students can reside, establish new friendships, andinvolvethemselvessocially.

Toronto is a wonderful place for students to develop personallyandartistically.Formoreinformationaboutthecity,pleasevisittoronto.ca.

For more information about public transit maps and fares,pleasevisitttc.ca.

HousingThe School is able to provide information and guidance that mayassiststudentsintheirsearchforhousing.

Most students find sharing accommodations more financially viablethanrentingtheirownapartment.TheSchooloccasionally receives notices of available sublets and shared accommodations.

Please contact the Artistic Coordinator – Professional Programs at416-967-6887,ext.22toreceivedetailedlistings.

FacilitiesThe School of Toronto Dance Theatre is located in the heart of historic Cabbagetown, a neighbourhood located on the east side of downtownToronto.

Surrounded by “the largest continuous area of preserved Victorian housing in North America,” the School itself is situated in a heritage-designated renovated church – a building which isalsohometoTorontoDanceTheatre(TDT)andtheWinchesterStreetTheatre.

The building’s facilities include four studios (one ofwhichisa115-seattheatre),dressingrooms,showers, sauna, wardrobe, and the administrative officesforboththeSchoolandTDT.Someclassesand rehearsals are held in the studios of Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (formerly Canadian Children’sDanceTheatre),whichiswithinclosewalkingdistanceoftheSchool.

STUDENT LIFE

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STUDENT PROFILES

To learn more about these and other students of The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, visit the Student Profiles section of our website,schooloftdt.org

STUDENT LIFE

Jessica Hall

Toronto-born Jessica Hall began her dance training at an early age, and discovered her passion for modern danceatEtobicokeSchooloftheArts.ShecompletedacertificateinMediaStudiesfromHumberCollege,but her overwhelming love of dance led her to the School, changing her career path to something she felt“wouldbefullofmeaning,integrity,joy,andmostimportantly,purpose.”Jessicawashonouredtoperform the iconic Danny Grossman/Judy Jarvis work, Bella, in AccelerAtion 2013, and says: “At the end ofthreeyearsInolongerwonderifIamadancer,IknowIam.AsIlooktowardthefutureIknowthatIwillbeabletodowhatIlovebecauseofmytraining.Thiscityisfullofpassionate,talentedartists,andIlookforwardtobecominganimportantpartofthedancecommunity.”

Marie Lambin-Gagnon

Born in Montreal, Marie graduated from The Ballet Divertimento School before joining The School of TorontoDanceTheatre.Mariesaysthefacultyhere“helpedmebuildbodystrength,technicalskills,andtoolstobereadyfortheprofessionalworld.Theymademerealizehowcontemporarydanceisintensephysicallyandemotionally….TheteacherspushedandencouragedmetogofurtherandnotbesatisfiedwithwhatIthoughtweremylimits.”InJanuary2013,MariehadtheopportunitytoperforminthetributetoRachelBrowneattheFleckDanceTheatre,toasold-outhouse,dancinginBrowne’sKJ4.Morerecently,she was featured in the launch of Desrosiers Dance Projects in a new solo created for her by Robert Desrosiers.Upongraduation,MariehopestoworkinbothTorontoandMontrealwithasmanyartistsasshecan.

Mateo Galindo Torres

Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Mateo studied classical ballet in Colombia and Cuba before expanding histrainingattheSchool.“Whilehavinghightechnicalandphysicaldemands,theSchoolalsoencouragesthestudentstoquestionandinvestigatenewpossibilitiesforperforming.”Forthis,Mateocreditsthediverserangeoffacultyandchoreographers.“Personally,myartisticviewshavebeenbroadenedimmenselyaswellasmyunderstandingofart.”MateowontheKathrynAshLeadershipAwardinhisfinalyearattheSchool.Upongraduation,MateowasthrilledtobeinvitedtoworkwithPeggyBakerDanceProjects.Hehopestokeepgrowingasanartistbyembracingnewchallengesandgivingallofhimselftotheartform,whichhebelievestobe“oneofthemostimportanttoolsforsocietalgrowth.”

Joshua Sailo

Joshua left his home in Mizoram, India, to study at the University of British Columbia, where he stumbled upon dance and began receiving lessons from friends in the basement of his residency hall, and taking classesatHarbourDanceCentre.Fullofpotential,hequicklyfoundhimselfattheSchool.“Theteachershave been very articulate in teaching me new dance vocabulary every day, and patient as my body adjusts to the movements that we do in class,… and my fellow students have been very supportive and encouragingasIgrowandtrain.”Joshuahasalsoenjoyedchoreographinginthestudent-runCoffeeHouseseries.“IthasbeenathrillingexperienceasIlearntousemovementtoprojectmythoughtsandideas.”Asafirstyearstudent,heislookingforwardtohoninghisskillsfurthernextyear.

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Application InformationIn order to be eligible for the Professional Training Program, applicants must:

• beahighschoolgraduate(orequivalent),orhavemature student status

• have a minimum of one year of serious dance training

• be at least 17 years of age

How to ApplyIndividuals interested in applying to the Professional Training Program will need to:

• carefully review the qualification criteria and application instructions

• complete and submit an application form with all supporting documents and fee of $85

• attendanaudition(videoauditionsmaybearranged).

Application forms can be received by contacting the School, or can also be downloaded from the How to Apply section of our website,schooloftdt.org.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Artistic Coordinator – Professional Programs at 416-967-6887ext.22.

ADMISSION

AUDITION DATESto begin the program in September 2014

• February 9, 2014Application deadline January 24, 2014

• July 19, 2014Application deadline July 11, 2014

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International studentsInternational students accepted into The School of Toronto Dance Theatre will need to obtain the appropriate documents from Citizenship andImmigrationCanada.

Allstudentswillneedtoobtainastudypermit.Insomecases,dependingonthehomecountry,studentswillalsoneedtoapplyforastudenttemporaryresidentvisa.StudentsmustapplyforthesedocumentsfromoutsideCanada.Besuretoallowtimeforprocessingbythevisaoffice.FulldetailsareavailableattheCitizenshipandImmigrationCanada’swebsite,cic.gc.ca.

Please visit the International Studentssectiononourwebsite(schooloftdt.org)forfurtherinformation,orcontacttheSchooloffice.

TUITION & FEESTuitionFees for the 2014/15 school year are:

• $5,200.00,plus

• $255.00fornon-optionalperformanceseries,$100.00foranon-optionalbookfee(firstyearstudentsonly)

• $30.00fornon-optionalbookfee(secondyearstudentsonly),and$250.00foranon-optionalphotoshootfee(thirdyearstudentsonly)

All fees are in cDn$.

Financial assistanceThe School of Toronto Dance Theatre recognizes that financingyoureducationcanbeachallenge.Selectscholarships and bursaries are available to our second and thirdyearProfessionalTraining(PTP)students.

Financialassistancemaybeavailableforthosewhoqualify.

Please contact the Student Services Coordinator at 416-967-6887ext.10formoreinformationandvisitthewebsitefordetailsofbursariesandawardsatschooloftdt.org

Contact usFor application forms and program details, please visit our website, or contact:

The School of Toronto Dance Theatre80 Winchester StreetToronto, OntarioCanadaM4X 1B2416-967-6887info@schooloftdt.org

Charitable Registration 10796 2771 RR 0001

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facebook.com/schooloftdt

@SchoolofTDT

Artistic Staff

Patricia Fraser, Artistic Director

Susan Macpherson, Artistic Associate

Patricia Miner, Artistic Associate

Andrea Roberts, Artistic coordinator - Professional Programs

Christopher House,

Artistic Advisor to Professional training Program Artistic Director of toronto Dance theatre

Rosemary James, training and Performance Associate

Administrative Staff

Gail Packwood, Managing Director

Louise Plunkett, Student Services coordinator

Katharine Shaw, communications and outreach coordinator

Photography by:

Andréa de KeijzerCylla von TiedemannJae Yang

Design: Jae Yang

Pour obtenir des renseignements en français, veuillez nous visiter au schooloftdt.org/pfp