The Russian Ballet School
Embrace the artistry of classical ballet through a transformative curriculum in the Russian method of Agrippina Vaganova. Learn under the guidance of distinguished faculty from the Bolshoi Ballet, Mariinsky Theatre, Kyiv City Ballet, and the National Ballet of Canada. Located in Toronto, our ballet school offers thoughtfully structured classes that honour tradition, cultivate discipline, and awaken a lifelong appreciation for grace and artistic expression.
Now accepting registrations for children’s classes and adult ballet. Enroll today and take your first step into the world of classical dance.
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Our Faculty and Philisophy
Our mission is to illuminate the world of classical ballet through the rigorous and expressive Russian method of Agrippina Vaganova. We exist to cultivate the transformative power of ballet, to inspire discipline, and to awaken a deep artistic sensibility in every student.
As a ballet school based in Toronto, we are committed to expanding access to world-class classical dance education in Canada. In a country still developing its own performing arts traditions, we proudly carry forward the legacy of ballet as it has flourished across Europe and Russia for centuries.
Our faculty includes former soloists and principal dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet, Mariinsky Theatre, Eifman Ballet, Kyiv City Ballet, and the National Ballet of Canada—each bringing decades of stage and teaching experience to our programs.
Through our kids ballet classes and extensive adult ballet and dance classes, we are shaping the next generation of dancers with precision, elegance, and artistry. We also believe in the joy of performance, for amateurs and professionals alike, and provide every student the opportunity to experience the stage.
Follow the link below to explore the foundations of the Vaganova method, read our faculty biographies, and learn what distinguishes our school within the landscape of classical ballet education in our dance academy in Toronto.
Academic Year Courses
Our academic kids ballet courses run from September to June and offer a structured, 10-month curriculum in classical ballet for children and youth ages 3 to 17. Designed to build strong technical foundations, artistry, and confidence, these kids’ ballet classes follow the world-renowned Russian method of Agrippina Vaganova, known for developing exceptional dancers through precision and emotional expression.
Children ages 5 to 17 enrolled in our academic ballet program participate in a culminating year-end performance each June, showcasing their growth and dedication throughout the season. The program allows students to learn and perfect classical repertoire and perform on stage alongside ballet industry professionals in a formal three-act production. Our kids’ ballet program emphasizes discipline, expression, and stage experience—essential qualities for young dancers who want to excel.
Students taking private coaching throughout the academic year may be selected to perform solos in the annual production and represent the school at prestigious ballet competitions across Canada and the United States.
Our toddlers ballet classes, designed for children ages 3–4, introduce the joy of movement, rhythm, and coordination in a creative, age-appropriate environment. Parents are invited to observe their child’s progress at our annual open class event.
All of our academic-year kids’ ballet and dance programs emphasize refined technique, professionalism, and a deep connection to the tradition of classical ballet, continuing the legacy of rigorous training that defines our dance studio in Toronto.
Summer Programs
Our summer dance programs offer a range of specialized options designed for dancers of all ages and levels.
Summer ballet courses for toddlers and young children (ages 3–6) introduce the foundations of classical ballet through weekly classes that develop coordination, rhythm, and musicality in a joyful, structured environment. These early childhood ballet classes build confidence and establish a strong foundation for future dance training.
Dance summer camps (ages 7–9) combine ballet, creative movement, and dance-based activities to keep children engaged and active during the school break while nurturing confidence, creativity, and a love of movement. These programs are an excellent choice for families seeking ballet classes for kids and introductory dance training in a supportive setting.
Summer ballet intensives for youth and teens (ages 10–17) provide rigorous training in classical technique, conditioning, and repertoire study under the guidance of professional instructors. These intensives allow dedicated young dancers to strengthen their skills, refine artistry, and experience the discipline of professional ballet education within a respected ballet school and dance studio environment.
Adult Ballet Program
Our dance academy offers the most comprehensive adult ballet and dance program in Canada and the United States. For the first time, adults can experience true conservatory-level training without auditions or prior professional experience. Modeled after the curriculum of elite Eastern European ballet academies, this program provides year-round access to classical ballet and dance fitness classes in a modern, gym membership-style format.
All classes are taught by world-class instructors with professional performance and teaching experience. Training is delivered with the same depth, artistry, and technical refinement traditionally reserved for conservatory students, yet adapted to support adult dancers at every level.
Our offerings include Ballet Levels (from Ballet Intro for beginners to Level 3 with Pointe for advanced dancers), Classical Ballet Repertoire, Ballet Stretch, Ballet Gymnastics, Ballet Body, Ballet Workout, Ballet Barre, Mat Pilates, Rehabilitative Ballet, Neoclassical Ballet, and Character Dance.
Adults enrolled in advanced levels have the rare opportunity to join a 10-month performance program leading to participation in our annual year-end showcase in June. Advanced students may also qualify for discounted rates to compete at the International Adult Ballet Festival (IABF) in Florida—our official partner organization.
This is a unique opportunity not available anywhere else in the world, offering adults access to over ten weekly curated ballet lessons and dance classes that combine professional instruction, artistry, and performance focus within an inspiring studio environment at one of the most recognized dance studios in Toronto.
Private Training
We offer private and semi-private ballet training for students ages 5 to 17 during both the academic year and summer term. Students enrolled in one-on-one or semi-private training, as well as those participating in our kids’ ballet courses, become eligible to perform solos and duets in the annual year-end showcase.
Select students demonstrating exceptional ability may be invited to represent the school at international ballet competitions, including the Youth International Ballet Competition, WBAC Grand Prix, and Global Dance Open. Students enrolled in our pre-professional ballet training program who pursue private coaching may also be selected to compete in Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), the Bolshoi Ballet’s International Ballet Competition, and the Varna International Ballet Competition.
Private coaching is also available for students outside our kids’ ballet programs who wish to supplement their competitive athletic training in figure skating, rhythmic gymnastics, acro, hockey, basketball, soccer, football, track and field, or aquatic diving, as well as for those preparing to pass Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examinations.
We additionally provide private coaching for adults who prefer individualized instruction over a group setting, or who wish to advance rapidly through training levels, prepare for pointe work, or pursue qualification for international adult ballet competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children’s ballet courses follow two annual terms: the academic year and the summer term.
The academic year begins the day after Labour Day (the first Monday of September) and continues through June 30. The summer term runs from July 2 (the day after Canada Day) through August 31. Start dates for summer courses may vary depending on the program, so it is best to check the specific course page for details and registration deadlines.
If registering after the course start date, please contact the office to arrange prorated tuition. Be sure to include your intended start date. The office can be reached by phone or text at 647-370-5889, or by email at info@therussianballet.com.
Adult dancers in intermediate or advanced ballet levels who are participating in the performance membership add-on follow the same academic calendar. This add-on includes rehearsals only and is separate from group class memberships.
Adult trial classes or memberships may be started at any time of the year. Advancement between dance levels is based on individual progress. Instructors will advise when a dancer is ready to move up, and the office can assist with membership upgrades.
For pre-school dancers (ages 3–4) and pre-primary dancers (ages 5–6), placement is strictly based on age. Dancers remain with the same age group for both years, as these courses are intentionally structured to match the developmental stage of that age range. Advancement is not permitted, as the next levels introduce material that is not suitable for their physical or emotional readiness.
Mid-year transfers are not permitted, even if a dancer has a birthday that would move them into the next age group partway through the year.
Dancers ages 7, and those turning 8 during the academic year, are placed in the Primary group. Dancers ages 8 to 9 are placed in the Junior group. New students between the ages of 7 and 9 are placed by age unless they have previous dance experience at another school, in which case placement may be based on ability. Existing students in this age group are only eligible for placement by ability after completing a full academic year in one of these programs. Dancers remain in the same group for both years unless they exhibit exceptional technique or are taking at least two or more hours of additional private training per week.
Starting at age 10, placement becomes skill-based. Level 1 is for dancers ages 10 to 11, Level 2 for ages 12 to 14, and Level 3 for ages 15 to 17. These levels are structured to match both technical development and training history. New students ages 15 to 17 who are beginning ballet may be placed in Level 2 to support foundational learning in a setting appropriate to their experience.
Adult dancers are placed by skill level only and progress at their own pace, as every dancer’s body, background, and training history is different. Classes run year-round, allowing adults to move forward without the pressure of term-based schedules or fixed course dates unless they are enrolled in a performance membership add-on to perform on stage in our annual showcase in June.
Students ages 5 and up who are enrolled in academic year courses participate in the annual showcase held in June. Adult dancers in intermediate or advanced ballet levels who have enrolled in the performance membership add-on also perform in the showcase.
Pre-school dancers (ages 3–4) and adult dancers with group class memberships do not participate in the performance. We warmly welcome all dancers and their families to attend the event and celebrate the performers, as there will be no classes scheduled on the day of the show.Students aged 7 and up may be eligible to perform in the showcase. Students between the ages of 3-6 do not perform in showcases.
We strongly recommend that students wishing to perform enroll by the start of October to secure priority assignment for roles in the showcase. The enrolment cut-off date for students to be considered eligible to perform in the show is January 1st.
There are no showcase placements during the summer term.
Tuition for academic year and summer courses for children, or the academic year performance add-on for adults, may be paid through automated monthly installments for those unable to pay the full amount up front. This is a payment structure only and does not reduce the total tuition owed. Enrolment is a full-term commitment until the course completion.
At this time, monthly installment options are not available for intensives, summer camps, or one-time events, as these are short-term offerings with limited capacity.
Adult memberships do not require financing, as they are subscription-based with no commitment period. The performance add-on is billed separately and carries its own full-term commitment.
Dancers participating in the annual showcase are required to pay a performance fee of $300 and a costume fee of $200. These fees are billed at the start of the academic year in September, or with the first month’s course installment if registering later in the season.
The performance fee contributes to the many production costs involved in presenting a professional-level performance in a 650-seat theatre. This includes rental of the venue, technical crew, lighting and sound design, backstage coordination, additional staff, insurance, and administrative planning. The showcase brings together students and industry professionals on the same stage to deliver an inspiring and professionally-run performance experience.
The costume fee covers one custom-tailored costume for the dancer’s group performance, which may be kept at the end of the term. Dancers performing in additional pieces, such as solos or extra group dances, will be contacted individually and informed of how many additional costumes are required and the corresponding fees. Costume rentals may be available for $50 each and may incur additional alteration fees depending on fit. As dancers grow and change throughout the season, further tailoring may be required closer to the performance to ensure proper fit, which may involve additional charges. Any additional costume fees will be billed in March alongside the regular course installment.
Showcase tickets go on sale in late winter, and an announcement will be sent by email once they become available. All tickets are reserved seating with tiered pricing. Performers will receive early access to a pre-sale window, followed by general public ticket sales.
Our school observes the following holidays each year:
Labour Day
Canadian Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Day
Family Day
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Easter Monday
Victoria Day
School's Dress Rehearsal on stage (for performers only)
School's Annual Showcase (for performers only)
Canada Day
Civic Holiday
The dates for Dress Rehearsal and Show vary each year. These dates are announced directly to performers. For non-performers, any closures related to these events will appear on the calendar.
We recommend checking the calendar on our website or in the mobile app to view the most current schedule. All holiday closures will be listed there. The calendar displays class schedules up to three months in advance.
Ballet is a harmonious blend of art form and sport, requiring diligent and consistent training over time to cultivate technique, expressiveness, musicality, and muscle tone. As a commitment to reaching program objectives, students enrolled in programs with a specific term end date are encouraged to dedicate themselves to their program through to the term's end.
Financial commitment is as crucial as your physical dedication to the program. Please be aware that non-attendance does not qualify you for refunds or adjustments to program costs. This includes situations such as conflicting extracurriculars, vacations, moving homes, holidays outside of school closure or student absences. Financial adjustments such as refunds or store credit are only provided in the case of medical impairment or an act of God. Kindly refer to our terms of service for a more detailed understanding of our refund policy.
For students enrolled in programs involving private training with a specific term end date, please note that you are committing to your time slot for the duration of your program term. This is important for effectively managing studio and instructor schedules. Even if you discontinue your classes, you are still financially responsible for them.
We understand and celebrate the uniqueness of every dancer, acknowledging that each individual develops at their own pace. Therefore, while we strive to assist every student in achieving their goals, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes such as dancing en pointe or performing a certain number of dances in the showcase. This is particularly true for dancers who have experienced previous muscle or bone injuries or are above the age of 18. However, please know we are an inclusive community, striving to support all dancers in their journey to learn and embrace the art of ballet, irrespective of their physical condition.
We understand the sensitivity of these topics, and our aim is to provide clarity and transparency to support your ballet journey. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to this beautiful art form.
