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Welcome to the School of Alberta Ballet

The School of Alberta Ballet is the official training centre of Alberta Ballet. Established in 1991, the School has become one of Canada's leading dance training institutions. We are located in the heart of vibrant Calgary, in a state-of-the-art facility blocks from the home studios of Alberta Ballet.

Our curriculum is strongly rooted in the classical ballet tradition, influenced by the Vaganova (Russian) System and the Cecchetti (Italian) Method. It includes complimentary dance forms such as modern, jazz, tap, character dance and musical theatre. We offer a variety of performance opportunities, examinations and workshops. Students are invited to audition for Alberta Ballet's The Nutcracker, and for other company repertoire requiring student dancers. Our caring staff members provide guidance in areas such as career planning and injury prevention.

We are committed to diversity, and invites students from all locations and backgrounds to learn with us. We particularly encourage boys to explore the opportunity for ballet training. Limited financial aid is available.

Why Study Ballet?

• Ballet is an ideal outlet for active young people who like music and movement.
• Ballet training develops strength, endurance, coordination, balance, flexibility, stamina, spatial skills, reflexes and teamwork. Ballet training compliments and enhances performance in sports. 
• Ballet's long-term benefits include improved self-discipline, concentration, confidence, poise, posture, and appreciation of the arts.

Why Choose the School of Alberta Ballet?

• Only dance school west of Winnipeg affiliated with a professional ballet company.
• Led by world-renowned teachers Murray and Nancy Kilgour, who have taught some of ballet’s brightest stars.
• World-class guest teachers such as Evelyn Hart, Veronica Tennant, Mikko Nissinen and Kathleen Mitchell.
• Students benefit from role models of professional company members.
• Largest training facility in Calgary.
• Strong classical ballet focus, led by internationally respected educators.
• More than 15 professional teachers, including former Alberta Ballet company dancers.
• Qualified ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) and Cecchetti examiners on staff.
• Majority of classes taught to live piano accompaniment.
• Only School of Alberta Ballet students can audition for children's roles in Alberta Ballet's annual The Nutcracker.
• Merit- and need-based scholarships available.
• Special bursary program available for boys.

Dedicated to providing superior training in a friendly, stimulating and creative environment, we offer programs to promote fitness and personal fulfillment to recreational dancers as well as programs to nurture and develop aspiring professional dancers to their greatest individual potential.

The School of Alberta Ballet is committed to diversity and invites students from all locations and backgrounds to learn with us.

“This is such a good place – you actually have the opportunity to dance with professionals and learn from the Company members. Since I've come to this school I've improved so much. The Kilgours gave me  confidence and made me realize what being a dancer was all about.”
Racheal Prince
school graduate and former dancer with Alberta Ballet

“For an art form to thrive in a community, it is essential to establish not only professional performance, but professional training. No other ballet school in the western provinces can match the unique educational opportunities we offer through the partnership of Alberta Ballet and its affiliated school.”
Jean Grand-Maître
Artistic Director, Alberta Ballet and School of Alberta Ballet

“How fortunate - and I would say privileged - Alberta Ballet is to have both Murray and Nancy Kilgour at its helm of training. [They are] gifted teachers of experience, sensitivity and inspiration. This I know from personal experience!”
Veronica Tennant
OC, former prima ballerina, National Ballet of Canada, Guest teacher at 2002 summer school, School of Alberta Ballet.

    * School Programs 2009/2010
    * About Principal Murray Kilgour
    * About Senior Pedagogue Nancy Kilgour
    * General Brochure - Download