Our Performance Class Program is designed to allow the more serious dancer the opportunity to compete and perform throughout the Lower Mainland. Each performance class operates like a mini dance crew, consisting of dancers of comparable skill level who are committed to advancing in a particular genre. 

In addition to participating in 3 competitions per year and in various local performances, students perform in their own winter recital, "Snowmotion" as well as in our year-end recital, "In Motion". We offer Performance Classes in 11 genres within various age levels. Acceptance into any Performance Class is through audition. To view our 2024/2025 Schedule, please click here. 

Important Details for Performance Group Participants:

Participation in our Performing Class Program is determined through an audition process that takes place in June (early acceptance) and again in September during the first week of classes (auditions for any remaining spaces). If a student cannot attend either audition, it may be possible to arrange a private audition with the Artistic Director. Class levels are determined by age group; however exceptions may be made on an individual basis if a student is better suited to another class at the discretion of NSAD faculty.

Even though our Performing classes are included in our graduated pay scale, there is an additional charge of $395.00 plus GST annually. This can be paid for in four equal payments of $98.50 plus GST on Oct 1st thru to Jan 1st. This fees covers the cost of the costume and competition entry fees. Each Performance Group Class your child is enrolled is subject to this charge. Student positions cannot be substituted easily once choreography has begun, costumes have been ordered and competition fees have been paid. Therefore, in the event that a student withdraws from a performance class after our October 15th deadline, the full payment of the performance class fee, will be due. Exceptions may be granted in cases where extenuating circumstances prevail.

From the beginning of September until the end of June, performance students will participate in three competitions and in our two recitals, "Snowmotion" and "In Motion". Students may also have the opportunity to take part in various community events (West Van Days Parade, City Fest, charity events, elementary school performances). All of the performance and competition venues will be within the Lower Mainland with the exception of one of the competitions which will be in Whistler over the May Long Weekend. This is within a two-hour drive from North Vancouver and overnight stays are not required.

The specific competitions that each performance group participates in throughout the season is determined by our Artistic Director and Instructors who make the selections based on: the date the competition takes place, the theme of the competition (general or genre specific), the caliber of the other competing groups based on past experience, the quality and usefulness of the adjudication based on past experience and the overall popularity of the competition based on student feedback.

Students who accept a position in the Performance Class Program must regard themselves as a team member and view their placements as a yearlong commitment including and especially, attending all three of the competitions. Regular class attendance is of the uptmost importance as maintaining the technique and knowledge of steps as a team will allow for more choreographic freedom from the instructors.

Prerequisite Classes for Performance Group Participates:

All performance groups require a student to be registered in a jazz technique class specific to their age group as well as one or two additional prerequisite classes, please see the following detailed breakdown:

Performance Lyrical

  • 2 age-appropriate jazz technique class
  • 2 syllabus classes in ballet (RAD)

Performance Contemporary

  • 2 age-appropriate jazz technique class
  • minimum of 2 hours of ballet per week

Performance Jazz

  • 2 age-appropriate jazz technique class
  • 2 syllabus classes in Ballet (RAD)
  • Novice Groups require no additional training classes (a jazz technique, modern class or ballet class is recommended but not a requirement)
  • Pearl/Ruby Level is one jazz technique class

Performance Broadway

  • 2 age-appropriate jazz technique class
  • 2 syllabus classes in Ballet (RAD) or open ballet class. 
  • Novice Groups require no additional training classes 
  • Pearl/Ruby Level is one jazz technique class

Performance Ballet

  • 1 age-appropriate jazz technique class
  • 2 syllabus classes in Ballet (RAD) and/or open ballet class.
  • "Pearl" level does not require a jazz technique class, but it is recommended.

Performance Hip Hop

  • age-appropriate jazz technique class
  • 1 class in any hip hop style (video dance, smooth groove, hip hop, Bonus Round etc.)
  • Lite Bright does not require a jazz technique class but it is reccomended.

Modern Classes:

  • Students enrolled in Intermediate Foundation modern and above must be enrolled in at least one ballet class per week.