Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant Program

A full-time, two-year, postsecondary training program for advanced-level classical ballet dancers who are making the transition from student to professional dancer.

Details

Audition Deadline

June 1, 2025

Location

380 Graham Ave

Class Starts

September 4, 2025

Age Range

Postsecondary

Price starts at

About

Advanced Ballet Training

This program has many advantages, the most important being the close contact with the RWB Company. Aspirants regularly attend Company class and are frequently cast in the Company’s full-length classical ballet productions, both in Winnipeg and on tour. The program also provides dancers with specially designed classes in ballet and pointe technique, modern, and classical variations, as well as the opportunity work with new and established choreographers and to create new work of their own. Additional classes may be offered in the following subjects: drama, character dance, and modern dance partnering.

Aspirants are also supported in the preparation of audition photos, videos, applications, and other logistics, and are invited to take part in a variety of lectures on topics such as finances, stress, and anxiety management in collaboration with the Dancers’ Transition Resource Centre.

Alumni of the Program enrolled at the University of Winnipeg can have their studio and course work recognized by the Faculty of Theatre and Film with up to 18 credit hours towards their degree.

what are people saying

I felt AMJ really prepared me for professional life. I would recommend it to anyone interested in starting a dance career.

Oliver Bastin

The State Opera Ruse

Program Director

Since retiring from the RWB Company in 2013, Vanessa Léonard has applied her vast knowledge and expertise of the art form to her role as Company Ballet Master, instructor in the RWB Professional Division and now Director of the Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant Program.

During a shining career, Ms. Léonard has always believed in the importance of mentorship; soaking in wisdom, technique and advice from everyone who has crossed her path. Now as a teacher, she strives to impart that knowledge to the many artists and students she works with.

Learn More

Submit a Video Audition

Students who wish to pursue a career in dance or dance education but are unable to attend an in-person or virtual audition may submit a video application. The RWB School accepts video auditions through the world’s largest arts audition class network platform, Acceptd. Video applications will be accepted until JUNE 1, 2025. Submitting a video audition early gives you the best chance to ensure you won’t miss out.

Check out our Ballet Video Audition Tips before submitting your audition.

Submit Audition

Your Path to Full-Time Training

Our four-week Summer Session is a pivotal step in the audition process. It offers dancers the opportunity to experience our exceptional training firsthand and assess whether the RWB School is the right fit for them. At the same time, it allows our team to evaluate each dancer for acceptance into the full-time program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect for in-person auditions

Students are asked to arrive one hour before their audition start time. This gives enough time to register or check in and warm up. It can be stressful for students if they are late and feel rushed.
All students are asked to bring a photograph of themselves facing front, showing a tendu in second position, with arms in second position. A photo can be taken at the audition for an extra $10 CAD, to be paid at that time. Please do NOT send photos and/or payment for photos in the mail or by email.
Audition classes generally run for one hour and are conducted by members of the RWB School artistic faculty. Applicants audition as a group and will be assessed on talent, aptitude for classical dance, flexibility, coordination, musicality and artistry of motion, and a demonstrated passion for dance

What to expect for virtual auditions

Students are encouraged to make some time before their audition class to warm up and stretch; we suggest at least 30 minutes!
When it’s time to join the virtual audition class, students may click on the Zoom link that was forwarded to them at the time of registration.
Virtual audition classes will run for one hour and will be conducted by a member of the RWB School artistic faculty. Please note that a second member of the artistic faculty will be observing. Students audition as a group and will be assessed on talent, aptitude for classical dance, flexibility, coordination, musicality and artistry of motion, and a demonstrated passion for dance.

What to wear and bring

Students are asked to wear a leotard (bodysuit), tights and soft shoes for their audition class. Pointe shoes are not required.
Students who do not have soft ballet slippers and/or leotard and/or tights are still encouraged to attend the auditions and wear socks and tight-fitting clothes that will allow them to move. Please wear long hair in a tight bun if possible, or off the face.
Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle.

Is there a fee to audition?

Master classes and auditions both have a $50 fee.

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FAQs

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