POST-SECONDARY LEVEL PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS

For both the certificate and diploma programs, L'École de danse de Québec's main objective is to produce dancers capable of meeting current professional standards in all capacities: technically, physically and artistically. Daily core training in modern and contemporary dance techniques, supported by ongoing training in ballet, combine to produce technically proficient dancers. Other priorities of the program are developing improvisational, expressive and creative skills and acquiring a good working knowledge of the profession and its demands.

In modern dance classes, Graham-based and Limón-based techniques are an integral part of the program throughout the three years. In addition, contemporary dance classes allow students to explore emerging techniques and styles while regular master classes and residencies with guest teachers ensure exposure to a number of styles and techniques.

A complementary tool of this contemporary dance program is the ballet component which encourages the development of technical and physical skills, without embracing any particular classical aesthetic.

Moreover, in order to fully prepare students for a professional career in the field of modern and contemporary dance, L'École de danse de Québec offers a number of complementary courses. In 1^st and 2^nd year, Exploring Movement and Sound and Interpretation & Creation contain components in improvisation, composition, interpretation, music and rhythm, as well as choreographic and repertory workshops. These all encourage the development of individual creativity and each studnt's personal artistic style. In 1^st year, Body Conditioning allows students to establish and maintain a proper level of physical fitness, while Anatomy Applied to Dance ensures a solid comprehension of functional anatomy and addresses injury prevention and rehabilitation. The 2^nd year History of Dance course connects students with the profession's development, while courses in Personal and Professional Development guarantee a good working knowledge of the professional dance community and introduce basic career management skills. The Final Year Production Project provides 3^rd year students with an opportunity to confront the realities of professional dance as they plan, produce and perform their first concert series as emerging professionals.

Successful completion of the diploma or certificate program requires ambition, high personal standards and perseverance. In order to meet professional training standards, the school year extends over a forty-week period, instead of the thirty weeks typical of most Cégep programs. The school year begins with Summer Intensive in August and finishes mid-June.

Preparatory Program

L'École de danse de Québec's Preparatory Program was established in order to respond to the needs of talented candidates who do not meet the technical requirements for admission to the school's diploma or certificate programs.

Students admitted to the Preparatory Program follow the same training calendar as those of the diploma and certificate programs. Daily training in modern or contemporary dance techniques, and in ballet and complementary techniques such as Pilates, accounts for 15 hours per week. Students also have access to three courses usually reserved for first year students of the diploma and certificate programs. These courses in Body Conditioning, Anatomy Applied to Dance and Personal and Professional Development bring the weekly course load to a little over 20 hours per week.

Admission to the diploma or certificate program is not guaranteed upon completion of the Preparatory Program, as it depends on the student's capacity to reach entrance requirements. Most students are able to attain the necessary level of performance after one year but, for some, two years may be required. Students of the Preparatory Program who wish to audition for the diploma or certificate program must attend the full day workshop which constitutes the second half of the audition process.