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Edmonton Festival Ballet

EFB strives to provide the pre-professional dancer with the highest standard of performance training. We allow the dancer in training the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a professional ballet company with a positive and healthy environment while presenting quality productions for audiences.

Who are we?

Edmonton Festival Ballet, founded in 1981, is the classical performing company affiliated with the Edmonton School of Ballet. Senior students at the Advanced 1 and 2 levels (with apprentices at an Intermediate level) can increase their performing experience by auditioning to become members of this resident company (co-founded by Margaret Flynn). They typically receive an additional 3 hours of training/rehearsal time weekly, with occasional extra or extended rehearsals, and a variety of performance opportunities which benefit the senior dancer. The company performs a variety of dance forms including classical, contemporary, character, national, and modern. Company dancers are also given the opportunity to learn classical and contemporary repertoire.

What do we do?

We give young dancers from the age of 14 the training and performing experience they need to make the transition from amateur to professional status while raising community awareness of dance. We do this by hiring qualified and experienced instructors/choreographers, and by enabling the company to perform in communities and schools as well as participating in festivals, competitions and other special events.

Who are the dancers?

The company usually has 10 or more dancers in 2 categories: full members and apprentices. Acceptance into the company is by audition. Apart from an existing proficiency in dance, particularly in ballet technique, the dancers must display a willingness to accept the demands made upon them - a heavy load of classes, rehearsals and performances - in addition to their high school work. The discipline required of them stands them in good stead for their future careers. The majority of the dancers are senior students and graduates of the Vimy Ridge Dance Program and the Edmonton School of Ballet.

How are we funded?

Apart from fees received for performances, school shows and workshops, we rely for financial support upon the corporate sector, fundraising, and government grants.