Intensive programs (I.P. classes)

For those students wanting to train more extensively, we also have a more intensive program. Students who express such an interest and who have the ability to pursue more intensive dance training are invited to audition for one of our intensive programs. These are the classes that are typically marked “by audition only” on the schedule. Annual open auditions will be held at the end of each dance season in June. (Visit the school calendar for audition dates and times). Students that are already involved in the I.P. program are also required to re-audition. The audition process allows teachers to reassess the progress and motivation of I.P. students every year, while providing an opportunity for other students to enter the I.P. program.  Because all dance forms are based fundamentally on ballet technique, students who pursue the complete intensive program must take I.P. ballet classes. Ballet will also help these students to progress more rapidly in other dance forms, while encouraging fluidity of movement and strengthening the dancer’s overall abilities and presentation.

We presently have four intensive programs: Junior I.P., Elementary I.P., Intermediate I.P. and Advanced I.P. Auditions are open to anyone interested in entering the program. Students can audition for the following intensive program classes: Ballet & Jazz (two classes per week for both), Tap, Lyrical and Hip Hop.

I.P. students may also take part in extra choreographic work in formations such as: solos, duos, trios or other groups. Students interested in this type of work will be asked to make this known to the school through a form letter that will be distributed to all I.P. students. The teaching faculty can also invite individual students to do the same. Choreography and rehearsal fees are paid directly to the teacher.

Because I.P. students are expected to be committed to the program, they are required to be present at all competitions and recitals. These dates are posted on our calendar page at the beginning of the dance season. Intensive Program students should also make a point of attending all local dance conventions as they travel through Winnipeg. Moreover, they are also asked to be consistent about attendance in class in order to ensure individual improvement, as well as the progress of the entire group. Afterall, the word "dance" appears in "attendance"!

Students wishing to attend other out-of-town conventions or summer dance camps are welcomed to do so on their own. We would appreciate being informed about your participation in these conventions, especially if these are taking place during our regular dance season. Visit the I.P. links page for more information about various out-of-province convention opportunities and summer dance camps.

Festivals and Competitions

Intensive program students will also have the opportunity to compete in various festivals, exams and other competitions. Competitions are very important for dancers because they encourage the development of self-confidence and performance qualities. It also gives the dancer valuable stage experience. In addition, when competing, dancers are adjudicated officially by judges who will assess the performance and technique of individuals or groups, and provide constructive suggestions. This helps teachers and students make an appraisal as to where the dancers are excelling, and as to where they can focus to continue progress in other areas. Dancers also get to see what other dancers at a similar level are doing, and learn what they are capable of doing themselves. When everything goes well, dancers are rewarded for their efforts with awards and the satisfaction of a job well-done! In short, dance competitions are exciting and enriching.

Competition specifics and schedules will be distributed to students as the competition season nears.

To view some of the latest competition results highlights, visit our awards page.

Below is a list of competitions we typically attend.

Manitoba Dance Festival: Manitoba’s biggest festival. It is a two week event at the end of May. As with many dance festivals, adjudication is done individually and not comparatively. This means that more than one group or dancer can be awarded the same mark and award. Specialized adjudicators will adjudicate in a specific dance categories only. Most adjudicators also host workshops open to all festival participants at the conclusion of their sessions. Visit the Dance Manitoba website: www.dancemanitoba.org

Canadian National Dance Competitions (CNDC Regionals)

The regional competitions are held in April and are completed over the course of a weekend. Adjudication is done by the average score decided by three separate adjudicators.

Visit: www.dancecanadacndc.com

I.D.O. World Championships:

The CDNC regionals is also a qualifying event for a variety of International Dance Organization World Championships. There are World Championships in Jazz, Ballet & Modern, Tap, Showdance and Hip Hop. Selection of individual dancers or groups of dancers that are to represent Canada at these events is done through selection by CNDC adjudicators, or by audition at the conclusion of the CNDC regionals. The dates and venues for these international championships vary from year to year. Marquis Dance Academy has participated at these World Championships a number of times. Our students have medaled or captured world championship titles on many occasions for Jazz and Ballet, as well as having placed in the semi-finals or finals of Showdance and Tap world championships.

For more information go to the I.D.O. website at: international dance organization.

Triple Threat Convention:
Held in November. Though not an actual competition, the convention culminates with a friendly showcase competition where a few groups and individual dancers who participated in the workshops dance for prizes such as T-shirts, scholarships and so on.

Visit: www.triplethreatdance.com

Other competitions:

For information about other competitions that do not take place in Winnipeg and that the school does not regularly attend, consult the I.P. Links page. Though registration for those competitions is not done through the school, we would request that students do inform the school about their intention to participate.
 

Dance examinations
Students who exhibit the capability and dedication to further study the ballet syllabus may be placed in professional exams which are evaluated by international examiners. Eligible students must be taking two ballet classes every week. The Cecchetti Society offers exams in either grades or standards. Exams are usually held in April or March.