Technique and Performance

Students will explore dance technique and movement vocabulary from a variety of dance forms, with contemporary dance being a main focus of the program. Contemporary dance technique classes consist of exercises designed to increase flexibility and strength that draw on elements which stem from ballet: posture and alignment, balance, the use of feet, jumps, how one uses their arms and hands; elements which stem from modern dance: the use of breath, spirals, opposition, use of gravity, change of levels; plus some basic acrobatics. Technique classes are taught alongside live accompaniment (live music). Guest teachers are brought in for the students to gain experience (in studio and in performance) with hip hop, jazz, and other cultural styles of dance. 

A variety of performance opportunities provide students with experience in front of an audience. Dance students perform in class, during school assemblies and public performances such as our annual Dance Night. Guest choreographers are hired to deliver novel choreography, exposing students to a variety of ideas and dance genres, however, it is student-generated choreography which is most frequently presented to various audiences. 

Culture, History, Terminology

Students will learn to use the critical analysis process to reflect on and evaluate their own and others’ dance works and activities. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how societies present and past use or have used dance, and of how creating and viewing dance can benefit individuals and communities. Ultimately, students understand how and why people dance. Dance terminology and vocabulary is also taught.

The Creative Process, Choreography

Students build their choreographic abilities through the creative process in varied composition exercises, and through the creation of individual, small and large group works. Through guided improvisation, students are encouraged to think and move in creative and unique ways to help inform their choreographic self. Students learn to combine the elements of dance in original sequences and to develop rich ideas and themes through structured tasks with increasing freedom throughout the grades. Complemented with open discussion and ongoing performance feedback, students begin to develop an aesthetic consciousness and the ability to express themselves accurately while effectively projecting their ideas to an audience. 

Composition is a main focus of the program and taught in all grades. In grade 12 the program includes the specialized class, "Company". The Company course allows students to explore choreography in great depth while creating their own dance piece and retaining a larger sense of artistic vision over choreography, costuming, lighting, music and makeup. Students learn how to create a professional dance production, including stage and lighting design, marketing and promotion and backstage and front-of-house organization. “Company” offers increased opportunities for the students to perform, building on their technical abilities and sense of presentation. 

Students from Grades 8 - 11 are welcome to apply for the Dance Program!  Applications are due between November 10 - December 1, 2025. Please follow the application instructions on the Apply!  page to complete your Arts Canterbury application. Below, you will find information specific to Dance applicants.

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Students currently in Grade 8, 9, 10 or 11: 

ARTS OPEN HOUSE for Drama, Dance and Music (Strings, Winds/Percussion and Vocals) 

When: November 4, 2025 

Where: Canterbury High School Auditorium 

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM

(Note: You can visit 2 program specific information sessions during this open house. For example: Drama and Dance -or- Vocals and Drama.)

Dance Audition Dates

When: Save all of these dates - January 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 2026  Group Audition Class and Individual Interview 

Where: Canterbury High School 

Time: Morning or afternoon 

*Please see your Audition Confirmation Letter  for your exact date and time.* 

(If you applied to Arts Canterbury, but did not receive an Audition Confirmation Letter, please contact arts.canterbury@ocdsb.ca.)

MORE ABOUT DANCE AUDITIONS

Availability: Please plan to be available for any and all of the dates indicated for your art form. These dates can not be altered for appointments or vacations so please plan accordingly. Inclement weather is accounted for and you will be notified the night before or morning of in this case. 

Final Exams: Students who are currently in Grade 9, 10 or 11 should email arts.canterbury@ocdsb.ca as soon as possible if they realize that there will be a conflict between the audition date/time given in their Audition Confirmation Letter and a school exam. In this case we will move the audition time during the dates provided below. We will also try to schedule auditions for the afternoons - after exams.

Long-distance: Students temporarily living out of the province or country, or temporarily living more than 4 hours away from Ottawa should contact the Arts Coordinator (arts.canterbury@ocdsb.ca) In some cases a video submission may be allowed.

There are male, female and gender neutral change rooms available for applicants or students can come dressed for the audition. Please wear form fitting clothes and be prepared to dance in bare feet and in indoor sneakers. Seating will be available for parents/guardians who wish to wait in the hallway during the audition class.

The audition consists of:

1 - Participating in a technique class - We want students to experience dancing in our facility while learning a variety of exercises. Applicants will be asked to execute exercises that are either done on the spot or designed to move across the space. Applicants may receive feedback from the teacher and be asked to implement the feedback to the best of their ability. Students will be asked to dance in bare feet for this part of the audition. 

2 - Creative movement - The dance audition will include improvisation to music supplied by the teachers. We are looking for applicants with a high level of engagement, strong collaboration skills and openness to feedback. Students will be asked to dance in bare feet for this part of the audition.

3 - Learning a short choreography - Students will take part in a workshop where they will learn and perform a short, high energy jazz-funk/hip hop choreography in smaller groups. We are looking for applicants who can learn choreography in real time and in synchronization with the group. Students will be asked to wear clean sneakers for this part of the audition.

4 - A one-to-one interview - Students will be asked about their passion and commitment to dance, and other significant endeavours. Students will also be given information about the program and encouraged to ask questions. 

About mindset:

Please be ready to show your passion for dance, openness to trying new things, willingness to receive feedback and commitment to implementing that feedback to the best of your ability. We are looking for applicants who are engaged in their current school community and will be engaged in the school community at Canterbury. We are also looking for the ability to work in collaboration with other dancers in a positive and supportive manner.

There will be 2-3 audition panelists taking notes during the audition  and interview.