Aspirant Program
Helping emerging dancers make the leap into a professional career
Ballet Victoria’s Aspirant Program is a two-year post-secondary program
Fee: $3,000-$6,000/year
Program Information
The Aspirant program is a two-year post-secondary program that has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.
The program challenges emerging artists and prepares them for the professional world. Dancers will develop their artistic and technical skills in ballet, pointe work, pas de deux, repertoire and all facets related to the profession. Students will study classical and contemporary variations as well as Ballet Victoria’s current repertoire and participate in company rehearsals as required. They will also have the opportunity to be cast in all of BV’s mainstage productions both in Victoria and on tour across North America.
Aspirants will take daily company classes led by BV’s Artistic Director Paul Destrooper. Additionally, students will work one on one with Artistic Director of the Ballet Victoria Conservatory, Andrea Bayne. Andrea was Ballet Victoria’s Prima Ballerina for over a decade and is currently BV’s Artist in Residence.
- 42+ weeks (August to May)
- Students will spend 2 seasons with BVC (84 weeks)
- For specific term dates please contact the Ballet Victoria Conservatory Office
| Year 1 | Year 2 | |
| Term 1 | August – November | August – November |
| Term 2 | November – March | November – March |
| Term 3 | March – July | March – June (end of program) |
| Winter Break | Dependant on Year | Dependant on Year |
| Summer Break | July – August |
The cost of the program is $3000 per year and $6000 per year for international students. There is a $100 student assessment fee per year. The Ballet Victoria Conservatory is a not for profit organization and the tuition reflects our commitment to making high quality training accessible to all.
Tuition includes: all classes as outlined, all course materials i.e. required course readings and any additional BVC courses taken while in the program.
Course Outlines
Courses take place Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm with additional BVC evening classes.
Students will attend daily company ballet class alongside BV’s dancers. This class is taught by BV’s Artistic Director and will prepare the dancers for the rehearsal day ahead and further develop technique.
This course focuses on refining individual students’ ballet technique. Students will be taught and coached variations from the classical and contemporary repertoire, with a focus on technique, style and artistry.
2nd year students will have guest instructors introduce and discuss strategies to help safely maintain and enhance their physical potential (physiotherapists, nutritionists, mindfulness coaches, or other related experts).
This course focuses on the history of dance from the emergence of classical ballet in the 15th-century to today’s understanding of ballet and contemporary dance. Students will study landmark classical and contemporary ballets, influential choreographers and music composers. By the end of the course the dancers will have a broad understanding of dance history and its evolution internationally.
This course allows students to work alongside Ballet Victoria’s professional ballet dancers. They will learn the current season’s repertoire and continue to work on technique through the learned choreography. Students will have the opportunity to perform with the company both in Victoria and on tour.