Teacher Training Program - Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts

MARITIME CONSERVATORY SCHOOL OF DANCE

Dance Teacher Training Program

Study with the School of Dance | College

At the School of Dance we hold the art of teaching in the highest regard. The Teacher Training Diploma Program is a two year course of study developed for those individuals who are inspired to share their love and knowledge of dance with others through teaching.

Our faculty includes a wonderful blend of national and international backgrounds that bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the training of teachers. Student teachers will benefit from the collective wisdom and experience of our faculty and the variety of learning opportunities our program affords.

Our diploma program provides a sound foundation in both technical and creative approaches to teaching dance. Curriculum has been carefully developed to explore various elements of technique and artistry, with emphasis on an array of pedagogical topics relevant to the dance teacher of today.

Graduates of our program can be found teaching in a variety of arts organizations, schools and private studios.

Career Preparation
Graduating students are given guidance on job opportunities, negotiating contracts, and self-employment. The Conservatory is frequently sent teaching opportunities and employment listings from schools around the world.

Course of Study

Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts is a registered private career college with the Labour and Advanced Education Department of Nova Scotia. The Teacher Training Program is an approved diploma program under the Private Career College Act, 2018.

During the academic year (September to June) students in the Teacher Training Diploma Program can expect daily dance and academic classes, both during the day and evenings, weekdays and weekends. Performance opportunities and related rehearsals may also be included.

Within the two year program students can expect to explore and expand their knowledge in areas such as teaching pedagogy and methodology, human anatomy, dance history, music theory and its application. Teaching is explored through all ages and levels of dance. In addition to their courses, students in the program will assist experienced teachers in the studio and be assessed on this as a part of their pedagogical course work.

Technique classes include: classical ballet, pointe, modern dance, jazz, character, composition and conditioning for the dancer’s body. Participation in our annual Summer Dance Intensive is highly recommended.

Receipt of the Diploma is dependent on completion of all credits indicated upon acceptance to the program.

Affiliations

Upon successful completion of the program graduates are eligible to apply for entry to the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Pathway to Registered Teacher Status (RTS) program.

Successful graduates of the program are also recognized by Canada’s Ballet Jörgen’s George Brown Dance program with advanced standing upon acceptance into the Dance Performance Diploma Program. This is reciprocated by the Conservatory towards graduates of George Brown’s Dance Performance Diploma Program. Please inquire for further information.

Entrance Requirements

Entry into the two year, full-time Teacher Training Diploma Program is by audition.

Candidates are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and a background in dance at an Intermediate level (minimum). A secure understanding of technique must be evident.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Scholarships and Bursaries are available to dedicated Conservatory dance students. Applicants interested in competitive Scholarships and Awards apply through an application and audition process. All non-competitive Scholarships and Awards are determined through faculty recommendations.

Bursaries are open to students of Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts who have been studying at the Conservatory for at least one year. Bursaries are awarded based on financial need to students who are making satisfactory progress in their discipline and whose accounts are in good standing. Applications for bursaries are considered in the spring to be applied to tuition for the following academic year.

Information and application forms for scholarships and bursaries can be found on the Conservatory’s website or by contacting the administrative office.

Alumni Testimonials

The teacher training program at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts (MCPA) was a big learning experience for me. Not only could I take classes from wonderful and experienced teachers, but I was also supported by them throughout the course. We were given opportunities to learn through academic classwork, as well as through practical dance classes with both the MCPA faculty and special guest teachers. Students of the Teacher Training Program also get to experience assisting and co-teaching. The Conservatory has given me a large network of teachers and dancers that help and support each other. I feel I have a strong introduction to the dance world. I am so grateful for all that I have learned and experienced in my time at MCPA.

I graduated from the Conservatory School of Dance's Teacher Training Program in 2020. My favourite parts of the program were the incredible mentors and lifelong friends I met through the Conservatory. I also made a lot of connections in the local dance community that led to great opportunities! I am currently a faculty member at the Conservatory, Halifax Dance and Coastal Dance. I have had the opportunity to teach at many other dance studios across the province. I also hold my Associate teaching certification with Cecchetti Canada - something I was able to accomplish during my time as a student! The Teacher Training Program gave me all the tools I needed to begin my teaching career and a sense of confidence in my abilities. Recently I was given the opportunity to expand my choreographic skills as Mocean Dance's Inaugural Emerging-Artist-in-Residence and a participant in Nova Scotia Masterworks' Future Masters program.

My time spent at the Conservatory was one that I will never forget. I was able to build my knowledge as a teacher and as a dancer. I enjoyed that we were able to study dance pedagogy while also taking dance classes in many different styles including Jazz, conditioning, Cecchetti, RAD, and Modern. The teacher training program has helped prepare me for my career by introducing me to different styles of ballet while also providing the base of professional teaching. The intense and in-depth courses in anatomy, music and child development have been able to broaden my perspective of the importance of proper dance education while understanding the importance of well trained teachers. Since graduating, I have been teaching the ballet program at Elle Dance Academy, while also directing the CDTA ballet exam program at D&R Dance. I have been holding workshops across Nova Scotia and setting choreography for a variety of dance schools.

The Teacher Training Program at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts (MCPA) gave me the knowledge and skills to become the dance educator that I am today. Before my time at MCPA I had a burning passion to teach dance, but lacked the training and knowledge to reach my full potential. The Teacher Training Program not only drastically improved my dancing, but gave me the tools and certifications needed to be an effective, well-educated, confident and well-rounded dance teacher for my students. During my final year at MCPA, I opened my own studio in Bridgewater, N.S. and made my dream come true! With my passion, and now the education to back it up, Plan A Dance Centre thrives on the South Shore with over one hundred hard working dancers. I will always cherish my years at MCPA, not only for the education but also for the lifelong relationships created with fellow students and the incredible faculty.