Since 1966, the École supérieure de ballet du Québec has been the only French-language institution in North America offering international calibre dance training. Dancer, choreographer and dance teacher, Ludmilla Chiriaeff, founded the school nine years after the creation of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens – which she founded as well.

She died in 1996 after being honoured with the title of Companion of the Order of Canada, Grand Officer of the National Order of Quebec, the Nijinsky International Prize, the Governor General's Performing Arts Award and the Denise-Pelletier prize, delivered by the Quebec government. Chiriaeff has left behind a rich artistic heritage and a reputation for excellence in the professional training of dancers.

To help future dancers discover its various programs, the school opens its doors to everyone eager to explore their passion. This way, they can discover the magic of movements and children may be introduced to music and develop their talent through an intensive program, recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Education and Higher Education. This year’s event will be held January 18, 2020 in the House of Dance of Quebec, home of the school since 1980.

In addition to offering the only graduate diploma in classical ballet performance, the École supérieure de ballet du Québec offers quality instruction to young dancers from the elementary level. The junior cycle, for students aged 8 to 11, takes place after school. The cycles for high school and college students are offered in a dance-study program. Indeed, dancers have the chance to share half of their time to dance at the Maison de la danse du Québec and the other to study at the renowned Pensionnat Saint-Nom-de-Marie or Cégep du Vieux-Montreal, recognized for its teaching of the arts. Auditions are scheduled in January to assess future students.

With an interest in the individual growth of students as artists, the school has trained many classical ballet dancers for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and for the world's leading companies. In order for each student to receive training commensurate with his or her talent, a range of diverse practices are taught. Particular importance is given to ballet. It teaches vigorous footwork, the graceful carriage of arms and head and multiple complex and demanding figures to ensure the physical strength and technique of the dancers.

According to Lili Marin, Assistant Director of Communications and Public Relations, there is no end to dance. “Even the students who leave dance keep the rigor acquired during their learning.”

For those who remain, there are many opportunities, thanks to the establishment of a professional network woven by the management team in place. The school trains dancer-performers, choreographers, future dance masters and pianists who flourish professionally across the globe. During their studies, students of the school frequently perform in many Montreal productions. The public was able to catch a glimpse of their talents during prestigious performances at Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, in the musicals of Juste pour Rire, like Mary Poppins, on television, and on other stages with renowned artists, as well. The popular classic, Nutcracker, also saw its share of young talents from the École supérieure de ballet du Québec. The school's end-of-year shows are beautifully crafted and particularly popular.

The École supérieure also houses the Vincent Warren Dance Library, presenting Canada's largest dance collection. This unique, newly furnished space, is open to the public. Bright and friendly, the library is ideal for consulting the 27,000 different books, but also for displaying engravings, working in groups and for children. For more information on the school, its foundation or its activities, visit esbq.ca.