The Dance Company Program

What is the Dance Company Program?

The Dance Company program is for older dancers who are interested in training at a more intense level than the Classic Program provides. Placement in the Dance Company is invitational and based on technical ability, work ethic, commitment to their art and respect for their teachers and peers. The program is considered not just an advanced training program, but a leadership program too.  Dancers and parents are given a contract outlining the program expectations. By promoting excellence, leadership and personal responsibility, this unique program develops skills applicable to the studio and beyond.

What is required of Dance Company members?

Company Contract - Dancers and parents are given a contract outlining program expectations. 

Enrollment - Dancers must take Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical and Technique classes. Other disciplines are welcomed and encouraged.

Company Camp - Held for 4 days at the end of the summer, the camp allows our team to physically prepare for the new dance season. We cover all disciplines, as well as fitness, stretch and strength classes. Team building is also a focus.

Dance Conventions - These full weekends are taught by star choreographers from the dance industry. They are inspiring, energetic and challenging weekends. Workshops - These events are shorter sessions taught by industry professionals at locations around the GTA.  Company dancers are required to attend 2 days of conventions/workshops per season.

Competition - We attend 2 competitions each season. Our focus with competition is for the dancers to gain additional performance opportunities, receive feedback from professionals other than their teachers and see what work other studios are doing. Our focus is not on “winning” but rather on personal achievements and team work.

What is Pre-Company?

Pre-Company is a segue from the Classic Program to the Dance Company Program. While Pre-Company dancers are not given a formal contract to sign, the dancer, their family and our staff have ongoing dialogue about the Dance Company expectations. Pre-Company dancers are guided in developing their skills with the intention of continuing towards full Dance Company participation.  Dancers at this level are required to take Ballet, Jazz and Lyrical.  Other disciplines are welcome and encouraged.  All Dance Company and Pre Company groups are by invitation only.

Company Teams

We have multiple Dance Company teams, as well as Pre-Company teams. These groups are of a similar age and technical level.  Each team is named in honour of a famous dancer and team names are "retired" upon a group's graduation.

How Can I Get Into the Company Program?

For dancers who are interested in the Dance Company, they need to speak to their teachers and let them know of their goals. This first step is key as we consider the program to be not just a dance training program, but a leadership program, and communication is crucial.  Our staff will then have an ongoing dialogue with the dancer to let them know areas for improvement.

Dancers are continually assessed in their classes, rehearsals and performances by our complete staff team. Invitations are extended based on the expectations of the Dance Company Contract: technique, attendance, knowledge of work/choreography, work ethic and leadership skills.

For those interested in the Dance Company, we highly recommend that they take ballet, jazz, lyrical (when old enough to) and Classic Technique as those classes best help develop technique. Additional dance opportunities such as summer programs, conventions and workshops are also beneficial.

I'm New to IR Dance - How Can I Be Considered for the Company Program?

Dancers who are new to the studio can have an assessment with one or more of the Management team. We can then recommend if they will fit into an existing Dance Company or Pre-Company team or which Classic Program will be a better fit, as well as what to work on going forward if they later want to be a part of the Dance Company.