PVA Dance
THE CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS AT CENTRAL MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
Dance Program Overview
PVA dance is a three-year enriched program designed for dancers interested in broadening their dance experience in a technically and artistically challenging environment. Students will develop technical skills necessary to create, perform and analyze dance and are encouraged to find personal expression and creative voice. Led by experienced professional dance educators, guest artists and choreographers, students participate in one dance class every day, covering a broad range of genres.
At the time of graduation, students will attain 48 credits in various dance courses. These courses include: Dance 15, Ballet 15, Jazz Dance 25, Contemporary Dance 25, Ballet 25, Jazz Dance 35, Contemporary Dance 35, Ballet 35, Dance Composition 35 and Professional Development in the Arts 35/Entrepeneurial Artist. Within each course, students will study technique, history, composition, anatomy and music appreciation.
Through an auditioned process, students are placed in technically appropriate classes based on previous dance history and skill acquisition (see Audition Information below).
Within the PVA program, students are exposed to multi-disciplinary art forms and are encouraged to participate within the dance community, taking extra-curricular classes and attending dance performances. We recognize that our dancers are pursuing further training outside of school, for this reason, extra-curricular commitment is minimal.
Leadership in the Arts 35 / Entrepreneurial Artist
All PVA students are enrolled in one of two courses; Leadership in the Arts 35 / Entrepreneurial Artist. These programs of study allow PVA students to explore how they see themselves as artists and become more aware of the process involved in preparing for the marketing and business aspect of being a professional in the arts community.
Students will experience a variety of teacher-led assignments/activities as well as a number of student-directed online projects.
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Audition/Interview Requirements – Dance
To audition for PVA Dance, students must have previously submitted all components of the PVA application process. Please see Apply Online for further information.
There are two parts to the dance interview and audition process which due to Covid 19 restrictions will all take place virtually. The interview consists of a 10-minute conversation between our teachers and the PVA applicant accompanied by a parent/guardian. During that time, we look for passion and commitment to dance, as well as an understanding of what the demands of our program are and if you can meet them. It’s also beneficial for students and parents to ask questions and determine if we are a good fit for them as well!
This year, due to Covid 19 restrictions, we are asking students to audition virtually via video submission. Please prepare a video showcasing your dance that is approximately one minute in length so that it meets the requirements listed below. You can upload your work using this form.
- The video should be current (filmed within the last year).
- The video showcases a solo piece of choreography, or dance class exercises.
- The dance can be from your favorite genre: Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Tap, etc.
- You can include more than one genre of dance if you would like to.
- Ensure your whole body is in the frame.
- Videos can be sent in either .MOV or .mp4 format.
In September, students will be placed in appropriate classes based on previous dance history and skill acquisition.
Late Auditions
If dancers miss the group audition, there is a possibility to submit a late application. For the audition portion, dancers are to prepare a one-minute solo in a genre of their choice. PVA auditions are friendly and supportive. This may be your first audition ever and we want everyone to have a positive and fun experience.
PVA Life Video Gallery
Find out what it’s like to be in PVA. Here you’ll find short video interviews with students of various ages and area of disclipline.
Our Teachers
Dance FAQ
PVA Dance Alumni
Many graduates of the PVA Dance Program have gone on to post-secondary dance programs or are currently pursuing professional careers. Alumni include:
- Ashley Irvine
Artistry in Motion, America’s Best Dance Crew Competitor - Leah Cameron, Amy Patterson
Joffrey Ballet School, New York - Edgar Gilbert-Reyes
Former Company Dancer, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks,
Top 10 – So You Think You Can Dance Canada - Sabrina Comanescu – Decidedly Jazz Danceworks company member
- Rhianna Kelba, Natalie Westerbeek, Michelle Zimmerman
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, Toronto - Janaki Banting, Brittney Gering
Concordia University, Montreal
- Katie Hanson
George Brown College, Toronto - Aliy Moore, Gemma Crowe, Victoria Gaspar, Kim Ilott, Hayley Colpitts, Rachel Stewart
University of Calgary - Bretonie Burchell
Ryerson University, Toronto - MJ Nicholson, Janna Cottingham
York University, Toronto - Brittany McLeod
Toured internationally with Rhythm
of the Dance - Erika Bell
Riverdance
- Conor Scully
Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, Toronto - Katie Baines
Working professionally in Los Angeles - Sasha Wilde
The School of Contemporary Dancers, Winnipeg - Victoria Kemp, Vanessa Mitchell
American Music and Dramatic Academy,
New York - Madison Bulloch, Jordan Chabeniuk,
Kelsey Moss, Nevada Piraux, Sammi Sniher, Drew Malinowski
The Source Dance Company, Vancouver - Anna Dueck, Teagan McMurtry
Simon Fraser University, Vancouver
Upon graduation, Natalie had the opportunity to perform with eko Dance Projects, the Fluid Movement Arts Festival, the Art Gallery of Calgary, as well as in the works of Wojtek Mochniej, Naomi Brand, Brian Hansen and several other Calgary-based choreographers. Natalie continued her training in the Toronto Dance Theatre Company Professional-Training Program where she was exposed to a broad curriculum and trained to be equipped to meet the specific and diverse demands of Canada’s professional arts community.
Since graduating from the PVA dance program, Edgar has continued to train and work in Toronto, Vancouver & Los Angeles. He has worked with Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila, and Keshia Chante. Edgar danced with the Calgary-based dance company, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks and was a Top-10 competitor on So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Edgar is currently the Artistic Director of IllFX Entertainment Inc., a Calgary-based Hip Hop performance company and education program.