Profile

«passion, excellence, innovation . . . and fun»

The Ballet Divertimento School supports the aspirations of passionate dance students from the first plié to master class. In an ambience of enjoyment and excellence, children, teens and adults cultivate a love of dance, whether the aim is a professional career or way to stay fit.

A non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Susan Alexander, the School offers ballet classes year ‘round from beginner to professional levels, for all ages from three years to adult. It also offers courses in modern-contemporary dance for adults as well as flamenco classes for children seven years and older.

Dance-Study programs provide professional training for high school and college students. This approach enables young people to pursue dance training while continuing their studies, and to maximize academic and artistic performance.

Located in the heart of Montreal’s downtown core, the School occupies a building dedicated to and adapted for dance. The faculty of more than 20 expert and experienced professionals who teach classes on a regular basis is supplemented by occasional guest teachers. Close to 800 students attend each year in an open and creative environment.

A source of inspiration

The Ballet Divertimento School continues to be guided in spirit by the late Brydon Paige, artistic director from 1996 to 2007. Born in Vancouver, he first danced with Les Ballets Chiriaeff, the precursor of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. Over a career that spanned more than four decades, Brydon Paige created works for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, National Ballet of Guatemala, Banff Centre and National Ballet of Portugal. One of his original works, The Wizard of Oz, was created for Ballet Divertimento and today remains a keystone of the School’s repertoire.