Choose Your Dance Journey
The Recreational Division of the RWB School has been a pillar in the Winnipeg community since 1939, delivering exceptional instruction to dancers of all ages, levels and interests.
Classes feature a wide range of styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre and more, all offered in an inclusive, supportive environment. The RWB School Dance Ensembles provide a unique opportunity for participating students to be involved in various performances throughout the year that feature children’s roles, collaboration with local arts organizations as well as dance competitions.
Our goal is to unlock the transformative potential in all our students, empowering them with the confidence and joy that dance inherently brings.
This division also features high-level programs:
For students who have shown ability and dedication in classical ballet, the Intensive Training Program provides a specialized and more intensive training environment. Students take ballet classes and supporting disciplines, and may have the opportunity to participate in performances and competitions throughout the season.
The RWB School Dance Ensembles provide a unique opportunity for participating students to be involved in various performance opportunities throughout the year. Upon a successful audition or invitation process, students will learn choreography to be performed in festivals and competitions.
The Professional Division is aimed at artists who aspire to establish a professional career as ballet dancer or dance instructor, either with the RWB Company and School or at other professional dance companies and schools around the world.
For more than 50 years we have provided classical ballet training rooted in the Russian system, enriched by a full curriculum of complementary dance forms, health, wellness and life skills.
Beyond our core offerings in ballet, pointe, pas de deux, character dance, repertoire, contemporary, and modern dance, our curriculum includes supplementary classes in strength training, acting, nutrition, Pilates, music and art.
Our passionate and knowledgeable instructors provide a balanced education to all students. Additionally, the involvement of RWB Company dancers helps students improve their technique and gain direct insight into the demands of succeeding as a professional artist.
The Professional Division has three key programs:
The Ballet Academic Program is a full-time, seven-level program for young artists pursuing their dreams of dancing professionally. Students engage in intensive dance training as well as academics supported by partner schools to develop well-rounded artists on and off the stage.
The Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant Program is a full-time, two-year, post-secondary training program for advanced-level classical ballet dancers who are making the transition from student to professional dancer.
The Teacher Training Program is a full-time, three-year, post-secondary program that provides aspiring dance teachers with the skills and knowledge required for a career in dance education with experience in both recreational and professional environments.
Academic Partnerships
The RWB School has forged strong partnerships with two highly regarded local private schools (St. John Brebeuf School and University of Winnipeg CollegiateOpens in new window), ensuring that our young artists are challenged and stimulated beyond time spent in our studios. These partnerships enable us to offer the best overall support to the student body and ensure that the RWB School continues to rank among the best ballet schools in the world. Allowing our students the opportunity to venture beyond our walls on a daily basis affords them the ability to share ideas and develop friendships with a diverse group of young people, further enriching their RWB experience.
Guest Artists & Choreographers
Our school has had the privilege of welcoming a number of guest artists and choreographers, each contributing their individual talents to our community and providing valuable opportunities for students to gain additional artistic perspectives.
In the past we’ve worked with Cameron Fraser-Monroe, Meredith Rainey, Lesley Telford, Portia Adams, Phillippe-Alexandre Jacques, Connor Coughlin and more!
Touring & Performance Opportunities
Performance opportunities are an important aspect of RWB School education, essential for students to gain firsthand experience with the challenges of professional dance, touring and public performance. We build on this experience by bringing in guest teachers and choreographers who collaborate directly with our students, helping to develop and stage compelling performances.
The close proximity of the RWB Company means students may perform and tour with the Company for larger productions.