The Guelph Youth Dance Company was formed in 2008, by Janet Johnson and Catrina von Radecki as a means of further celebrating, enhancing and training young dancers. The GYD Company only hires professional, established Canadian dance choreographers with great skill and artistry as well as experience with youth education.
For aspiring dancers 14 – 19 years (by audition)
Performance Opportunities
In addition to the December Open House and the Spring Show at the River Run Centre, company members will have several other performance opportunities throughout the year.
Over the past five years the company has performed at DanceOntario Weekend, Harbourfront Centre, Art Harvest, Guelph Dance Festival, and have participated in a summer residency with Tara Luz Danse in Ottawa, a week long exchange in Moncton New Brunswick, a 10-day tour throughout China, a 12-day tour in Spain, an exchange with the Halifax Young Company through Experiences Canada, Linamar for the performing arts performances at the River Run Centre just to name a few opportunities!
Company members have worked with highly acclaimed guest choreographers including: Anik Bouvrette (Ottawa), Lina Cruz and Suzanne Miller from Montreal, and Karen Kaeja, Kate Hilliard, Jordana Deveau all from Toronto, Lacey Smith from London, and Dancetheatre David Earle from Guelph. In order to build relationships with other creative youth in our community, we have built regular partnerships with the Suzuki String School, Season Singers and Swansea School of Dance.
The Guelph Youth Dance Company and rehearsals run from September – May. If accepted in to the Company, members would be required to attend every company rehearsal and attend every performance. Attending the Summer Intensive is also mandatory for all members joining the company as they will begin work on a piece they will continue to develop during the year.
GYD Company weekly training
Mandatory for all company members:
Company Ballet and Rehearsal
Contemporary Technique and Composition
Company Mandatory Technique and Company Rehearsal
Conditioning
Optional
Jazz 15 and up
Hip Hop 11 and up
Please refer to our Schedule page for details on the weekly schedule for the current year.
Company Member Registration Process
Registration for company members will open from June 1-6th to ensure they secure spots in mandatory classes, which fill quickly. Following this pre-registration period, registration opens on June 7 for returning members and June 14 for new families.
Important Note: After June 6, we cannot guarantee your spot in mandatory company classes.
Payment Plans: We offer three and eight-month installment plans.
To Register: Please see our Company Fees page for details.
For more information on being in the Company email Tara at companydirector@guelphyouthdance.ca
Questions about the registration process? Please email Catrina at Catrina@guelphyouthdance.ca