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, Kiev 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, Kiev City Ballet, and the National Ballet of Canada—each bringing decades of stage and teaching experience to our programs.
Through our children’s ballet courses and our 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.
Academic Year Courses
Our academic ballet courses run from September to June and offer a structured, 10-month curriculum in classical ballet for students ages 3 to 17. Designed to build technical strength, musicality, and artistry over time, these courses follow the Russian method of Agrippina Vaganova.
Children ages 5 to 17 enrolled in the academic ballet program participate in a culminating year-end performance each June, showcasing their development and dedication throughout the course. For toddlers ages 3–4, our pre-school ballet program introduces the foundations of movement, rhythm, and creative expression in a joyful, age-appropriate setting. Parents are invited to attend an open class on the final day of the course to observe their child’s progress.
Adults ages 18+ who are enrolled in our intermediate ballet classes may apply for our dedicated adult performance course—a rare opportunity and the first of its kind in Canada for amateur adult dancers. This 10-month course allows students to learn and perfect classical repertoire and perform on stage alongside ballet industry professionals in a formal three-act production.
All of our academic-year offerings emphasize long-term growth, refined technique, and a deep connection to the tradition of classical ballet.
Summer Courses
Our 8-week summer ballet courses, held from July through August, are designed to maintain and strengthen technique during the school break. These intensive summer classes offer students the opportunity to stay engaged with their training, refine their artistry, and continue progressing even while away from their regular academic schedules.
Whether you are preparing for the upcoming year or simply seeking to build confidence and discipline over the summer, our courses provide a focused, enriching environment to support every dancer’s growth.
Adult Ballet Program
Our Adult Ballet Program is the most extensive classical ballet offering of its kind in Canada. Created for adult students at all levels, this program supports personal growth, artistic development, and physical training through a uniquely structured, membership-based system.
Memberships are organized by core ballet level and grant unlimited access to a wide selection of supplemental classes open to all members. These include Neoclassical Ballet, Character Dance, Ballet Body, Ballet Workout, Ballet Gymnastics, Mat Pilates, Barre, and Rehabilitative Ballet. Together, these classes provide a comprehensive foundation for both technical refinement and physical strength.
Our Ballet Body class is inspired by the innovative work of Leah Sarago and reflects the growing influence of ballet-based strength training across the United States and Ukraine. Our Ballet Workout class is a contemporary interpretation of the iconic New York City Ballet Workout—revived and reimagined by our faculty to support adult dancers in building stamina, precision, and expressive movement.
Whether you are beginning your journey or returning after many years away, our adult ballet courses offer rigorous, inclusive training for dancers seeking discipline, artistry, and transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our official school term commences on the day following Labour Day and extends until the end of June, offering late enrollment throughout the year to provide flexibility for your start date. We strongly recommend students who wish to participate in our performance to be enrolled by the start of October to secure priority assignment for performance roles. The cut-off date for registration to be eligible for participation in the show is January 1st, while the last opportunity for registration with a start date in the school term is March 1st.
Our summer term officially starts on the day after Canada Day and runs through the end of August, with an option for late enrollment throughout the summer to enable flexibility in choosing your start date. Please note that no performance roles are assigned during the summer term.
Adults enrolled in memberships that do not participate in the showcase are welcome to register at any time throughout the year, as these programs operate year-round on a 4 week subscription. Adult memberships may be paused (for one or more months) up to 2 times per year or cancelled at any time. Adult students have the option to partake in our open class, designed for family and friends, which takes place once a year at the end of June.
Students aged 12 to 17, as well as adults enrolling in programs participating in the showcase, are required to attend an evaluation class before receiving their program placement. Once you purchase your evaluation class, you would reserve your preferred date on the 'Book Classes' page or through our app. We will follow up with you regarding your program placement after your evaluation class. If you're not ready to commit to your chosen program immediately after your evaluation class, you may try an intro offer class pack. All new students will still have a 1 month trial period after purchasing their program where they may early terminate their program.
Students aged 3 to 11, and adults enrolling in programs that do not perform in the showcase, aren't required to undertake an evaluation class and may register in their desired program choice, based on their age and desired program objectives. We recommend that students attend an evaluation class as a trial to familiarize themselves with the class structure and environment. All new students will still have a 1 month trial period after purchasing their program where they may early terminate their program. Students enroll in their program based on their age at the start of the program; there are no mid-year transfers due to birthdays. Students will move on to the next age-based program at the end of their term (similar to to elementary school).
Please be aware that some programs do not meet the minimum weekly hours required for UNESCO level certificates, pointe work, or performing in the showcase. These programs are for beginners or those who wish to explore ballet without the pressure of performance or strict schedules.
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.
We understand that our dancers may desire more flexible payment options to enroll in our programs. Most programs are paid on an every 4 week or monthly basis on a 10 month contract (Fall/Winter term) or on a 2 month contract (2 month term). Program financing is not available for intensives, summer camps, or one-off events.
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.
Term Start & End Dates School
Fall/Winter Term - Day after Labour Day to June 30 (tentative based on show dates)
Summer Term - July 5 (tentative based on show dates) to August 31
Holiday Schedule
Fall Break: September 1st - Labour Day (inclusive)
Canadian Thanksgiving
Winter Break: December 20th - January 2nd (inclusive)
Family Day
Good Friday
Victoria Day
Summer Break: June 28th - July 4th (inclusive)
Civic Holiday
Students performing in the showcase have mandatory costume fees, dress rehearsal fee, and stage fee.
Costumes are custom-made for each student and may be kept at the end of the term. Costume fees can vary between C$170-350 per costume, dependent on the complexity of the design and type of materials used. Costume rentals may be available at a cost of C$50 each, which may necessitate extra fees for alterations.
Please note that as students naturally grow and change throughout their program, there might be additional alteration fees closer to the performance date to ensure the perfect fit.
Showcase tickets will be announced by email with a pre-sale for performers and a second sale for the general public and additional guests.
