To pursue passion, integrity and knowledge through the beauty of dance

Kirkwood Academy’s Pre-Professional Program’s goal is to grow an already inherent love of dance into one that is technically proficient, passionate and knowledgable. Our students are given the tools to expand their abilities through daily classical instruction, personalized support by qualified instructors and opportunities to share their love of dance to audiences locally and abroad.

AUDITIONS

Auditions for the 2025-26 will take place on April 27. The audition fee is $40 payable in cash on the day of audition.

All dancers should wear proper audition attire (black bodysuit, pink tights, hair in ballet bun). No skirts needed.
Intermediate/Advanced candidates also require pointe shoes.

  • Juniors must have a 4×6 photo standing in 2nd position a terre OR tendu in 2nd
  • Intermediate/Advanced must have a 4×6 photo of them placed in 1st arabesque en lair
  • Each dancer auditioning must complete the online form (please no family forms)
Kirkwood Academy

 

KAPP

 

KAPP

KAPP is our audition-based, training stream designed for dancers ready to commit to an advanced level of technical and artistic development. With focused training in Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Contemporary, and Jazz, as well as mentorship and performance opportunities, KAPP supports dancers working toward exams, festivals, and post-secondary pathways in dance. Dancers in KAPP typically do not participate in other extracurricular activities outside of strength training, due to the commitment level required.

KAPP is designed for the dedicated dancer looking to enhance their knowledge, technique and artistry in dance. Expanding on the knowledge learned in Conservatory and Open Division, KAPP delivers a more comprehensive, refined and sophisticated syllabi. Students are encouraged to challenge both their bodies and minds by exploring classroom relationships, mature choreography and classical theory.

KAPP students are placed according to physical ability/strength, potential and dedication to the pursuit of excellence.

Intermediate students should have the following:

  • basic knowledge in the fundamentals of classical ballet
  • overall moderate flexibility
  • a desire to challenge themselves
  • good relationship skills
  • maturity mentally and physically

Advanced students should have the following:

  • intermediate/advanced knowledge in classical ballet
  • overall flexibility and strength
  • a desire to pursue a professional career in dance
  • strong relationship/leadership skills
  • strong pointe work
  • strong sense of artistry
  • strong sense of responsibility

Benefits of KAPP are:

  • a strong, individualized relationship between the teachers and each student
  • building poised and respectful classroom etiquette
  • expanded cognitive awareness
  • broadened classical ballet vocabulary
  • heightened muscle memory and body strength
  • preparing students for a professional career
  • elaborating on performance etiquette and preparation
  • more hours en pointe
  • more experience with professional teachers in the industry

Curriculum:

  • classical class construction and basic choreography
  • self correction and peer correction
  • intermediate/advanced classical vocabulary
  • intermediate/advanced modern and jazz choreography*
  • navigating the director/dancer relationship
  • how to take a successful audition
  • stress management
  • intermediate/advanced conditioning

*May include time in KAPP or after-school depending on the season

Talented & driven students can:

  • receive an exceptional level of pre-professional dance training
  • complete their academics in combination with SD68, Island ConnectED, NIDES and other options
  • be involved in peer teaching and mentoring
  • receive personalized written feedback for dance

2025-26:

  • opportunity to pair KAPP with academics at NCS or neighbourhood SD 68 schools, updated K-12 ConnectED with academics at Mount Benson school or NIDES out of SD 71
  • younger dancers can now start their intensive training (Conservatory) at an earlier age
  • NEW for 2025-26, reduced hours options for dancers in grades 11 & 12.