COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

COMPANY B, JUNIOR B and MINI B are audition-based competitive performance groups under the artistic direction of Carley Bailey and Taylor Gnam. The Canadian School of Ballet’s goal is to provide exceptional pre-professional performances that will enrich our local dance community as well as allowing our dancers to compete in various dance competitions. These groups provide committed dance students with an opportunity to achieve a higher level of education in the performing arts through additional training, expanded performance opportunities and dance competitions. Company B and Junior B will compete in 1-4 competitions per dance season in the Okanagan and may include travel within and out of the province. Mini B will compete in a minimum of 2 dance competitions. These can consist of local and away competitions depending on the year and the discretion of the instructor. Mini B is our intro program to our performance company however requires the same amount of commitment as the older groups.

COMPANY B, JUNIOR B and MINI B have enjoyed outstanding success in festivals and competitions, which include top scoring awards as well as choreography awards. Since its inception, Company B has performed at the Tommie Awards; Earth, Wind & Fire – Nature Trust Fundraiser; the Okanagan Arts Awards, Opening Ceremonies of the Children’s International Winter Games, Skate Canada, COHA’s Swinging with the Stars and Disneyland’s Dance the Magic Parade. These companies work with teachers/choreographers to learn multiple group dances throughout the year. Choreographers include but are not limited to: Carley Bailey, Taylor Gnam, Kait Strauss, Mackenzie Denis, Jen Harden, Matt Shields, Paige Parkhill, Jesse Robb and Kristen Helfrich.

THE COMPANIES

Mini B: Dancers in R.A.D. Ballet Grade 3-5. Dancers can audition when they have finished R.A.D. Grade 2 ballet (exam not required) and going into Grade 3 ballet. Typically ages 9+

Required Classes:

2 ballet classes
1 jazz class
Mini B choreography class
Mini B conditioning class
1 tap class (if the dancer already taps)
1 contemporary class (Grade 4 ballet and above)
Hip Hop is optional

Junior B: Dancers can audition when they have finished R.A.D. Grade 5 Ballet (Exam not required) and are going into Intermediate Foundation in the fall. Typically ages 12+.

Required Classes:

3 ballet classes
1 jazz class
1 contemporary class
Junior B choreography class
Junior B conditioning class
1 tap class (if the dancer already taps)
Hip Hop is optional

Company B: Dancers who are R.A.D. Advanced 1 and up. Dancers have the opportunity to move up to Company B if they have been in Junior B for 1/2 years, however, it is at the discretion of the instructors to determine if a dancer is ready for Company B.

Required Classes:

3 ballet classes
1 jazz class
1 contemporary class
Company B choreography class
Company B conditioning class
1 tap class (if the dancer already taps)
Hip Hop is optional

EXPECTATIONS AND RULES

Please be sure to read and fully understand these terms before auditioning and committing to our competitive program.

ATTENDANCE: This is a major component to the success of our program. Attendance at all rehearsals is of the utmost importance.

CLASSES: Classes will likely be on Thursday evenings for ALL performance companies from September – June. These classes are used for learning and practicing group choreography. In January, rehearsals will also be added on Sunday for Company B and Junior B for the remainder of the year. All performance companies should expect to have extra rehearsals added throughout the year and we do our best to give as much notice as possible.

All performance companies will perform their dances in our annual year-end performance of SHOWCASE in June, and select numbers will be featured in our year-end recital of KALEIDOSCOPE.