Professional Development Program
What we are and what we offer
The Professional Development Program (PDP) is designed to mentor young dancers who are looking to accelerate their training or in pursuing a professional career in dance.
PDP students ages 7-19 are offered a well rounded education through this ballet focused program in Ballet, Contemporary, Modern & complimentary syllabi. Industry professionals will lead students through a holistic approach to training by fostering the physical, mental and emotional health of each dancer.
PDP students are offered special opportunities for cultural & artistic development through performance. As well as opportunities to participate in provincial, national & international festivals each season. Royal Academy of Dance ballet & ISTD modern examinations are also encouraged. Student wishing to participate in the Professional Development Program require assessment for placement.
PDP students ages 7-19 are offered a well rounded education through this ballet focused program in Ballet, Contemporary, Modern & complimentary syllabi. Industry professionals will lead students through a holistic approach to training by fostering the physical, mental and emotional health of each dancer.
PDP students are offered special opportunities for cultural & artistic development through performance. As well as opportunities to participate in provincial, national & international festivals each season. Royal Academy of Dance ballet & ISTD modern examinations are also encouraged. Student wishing to participate in the Professional Development Program require assessment for placement.
PRO PROGRAM LEVELS
PDP 1-2 1-2 Hrs RAD Ballet Syllabus 1-2 Technique Class (Company & Acro or Modern) | PDP 3-4 2-3 Hrs RAD Ballet Syllabus 2 Technique Classes (Contemporary, Company, Modern, Acro) |
PDP 5-7 4-6 Hrs RAD Ballet Syllabus 2 Hrs Technique Classes (Contemporary, Jazz, Company, Modern, Acro) | PDP 8-9 8-10 Hrs RAD Ballet Tech Classes 4-6 Hrs Technique Classes (Contemporary, Jazz, Company, Modern, Acro) |
AUDITION TOUR
GDC Pro Program students are encouraged to take part in auditions each season for various ballet programs around Canada and abroad. Students who do not wish to attend summer intensives can still gain valuable audition experience through this process. For more information on each audition. As more audition opportunities become available this info will be shared with families.
GUEST INSTRUCTORS: 2023-2024
Pro Program students will also have opportunities on Pro D days and select weekends through out the season to take part in workshops with Professional Guest Instructors who are leaders in the industry both in Canada and abroad. Workshops will include ballet & contemporary technique classes, dancer self care & nutrition, safety in dance seminars and more.
EXAMINATIONS
GDC Pro Program will take part in our annual Royal Academy of Dance Examinations. Exams are not mandatory but highly recommended. Exam placement is requested at your instructors discretion. Those interested in taking part in this seasons exam sessions must complete the required amount of weekly classes as well as attend the EXAM INTENSIVE the first 2 weeks of September. Additional weekend practice will also be required in the month prior to your exam. Please speak with the office for more info.
EXAM DATES: FEB – MARCH 2024
Exam Extra Practice Fee
Fees cover the cost of the September Intensive classes as well as Weekend Classes Jan – Feb 2024
Royal Academy Examination Fees are separate
Fees cover the cost of the September Intensive classes as well as Weekend Classes Jan – Feb 2024
Royal Academy Examination Fees are separate
Grade 2 = $185 / Grade 3 = $275 / Grade 4 = $275 / Inter Repertoire = $275/ Adv. Foundation = $275
 |  |  |
Examinations in the vocational levels are recognized by the BC Ministry of education.
For more info about the discounted tuition packages for PDP program students, please contact us at: gibsonsdancecentre@gmail.com
| Dates | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| Ballet Pro | Tue, September 5th – Sun, Sept 17th | Exam Intensives & Competition Choreography |
| Acro | Tue, September 5th – Sun, Sept 17th | Competition Team Choreography |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Ballet Pro, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Mon, September 18th | Dance Classes Start for the Season |
| Ballet Pro, Acro | Mon, September 25th | PRO-D Day – Workshops |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Ballet Pro, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Mon, October 2nd | STUDIO CLOSED – National Day of Truth & Reconciliation |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Ballet Pro, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Mon, October 9th | STUDIO CLOSED – Thanksgiving |
| Ballet Pro | Mon, October 16th | AUDITIONS – Royal Winnipeg Ballet Summer Intensive |
| Ballet Pro, Acro | Fri, October 20th | PRO-D Day – Workshops |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Ballet Pro, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Tues, October 31st | STUDIO CLOSED – Halloween |
| Ballet Pro | October 2023 (TBD) | AUDITIONS – Alberta Ballet School |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Ballet Pro, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Sat, November 11th | STUDIO CLOSED – Remembrance Day |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Ballet Pro, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Mon, November 13th | STUDIO OPEN – Remembrance Day Stat |
| Ballet Pro, Acro | Mon, November 20th | PRO-D Day – Workshops |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Tues, Dec. 12th – Sun, Dec. 17th | PARENT WATCH WEEK #1 (Dance) |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Mon, Dec. 18th | MONDAY MAKE UP CLASS DAY (All regular Monday classes running) |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Ballet Pro, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Tues, Dec 19th - Sun, January 7th | WINTER BREAK – STUDIO CLOSED |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Ballet Pro, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Mon, January 8th | STUDIO OPENS – After Winter Break |
| Ballet Pro | Sun, January 14th | AUDITIONS – Vancouver Ballet Society – Spring Seminar |
| Ballet Pro | Tue, Feb. 13th – Sun, Feb. 18th | FESTIVAL DU BALLET |
| Ballet Pro, Acro | Fri, February 9th | PRO-D DAY – Workshops |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Mon, Feb. 12th – Sat, Feb. 17th | BRING A FRIEND TO DANCE WEEK |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Ballet Pro, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Mon, February 19th | STUDIO CLOSED – Family Day |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Ballet Pro, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Tues, March 19th – Mon, April 1st | STUDIO CLOSED – Spring Break |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Ballet Pro, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Tuesday, April 2nd | STUDIO OPENS – After Spring Break |
| Ballet Pro, Acro | April 21st-22nd | COASTAL DANCE FESTIVAL |
| Ballet Pro | April 8th – 14th | SURREY FESTIVAL OF DANCE – Ballet |
| Ballet Pro | April 22nd – 27th | SURREY FESTIVAL OF DANCE – Modern/Contemporary |
| Acro | April – May | ACRO COMPETITONS (TBA) – Lower Mainland |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Mon, May 13th – Sat, May 18th | PARENT WATCH WEEK #2 (Dance) |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Ballet Pro, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Mon, May 20th | STUDIO OPEN – Victoria Day (Classes Are Running) |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Ballet Pro, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Fri, May 24th | LAST DAY REGULAR CLASSES |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Sat, May 25th | GYMNASTICS / CIRCUS SCHOOL PRESENTATION DAY |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Sun, May 26th | PHOTO DAY |
| Adult | Sun, May 26th | ADULT RECITAL – DRESS REHEARSAL |
| Jr.Academy, Youth Classes, Ballet, Adult, Acro, Gymnastics/Circus, Aspire, Competition, Youth Company | Mon, May 27th – Wed, June 12th | MAKE UP CLASSES / SHOW PREP CLASSES |
| Acro | June | ACRO EXAMS (TBA) – Gibsons |
| Adult | Sun, June 2nd | ADULT YEAR END SHOW @ 8PM |