HALIFAX: The Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) School has announced its 2025–26 auditions in 12 cities across Canada and the United States, offering dancers across North America the opportunity to join one of the world’s most respected ballet training institutions.
This season, RWB Artistic Director Christopher Stowell will host RWB Company auditions in Toronto (November 7) and Chicago (February 21), giving dancers a rare opportunity to be seen directly by the head of one of North America’s premier ballet companies.
“I’m thrilled to join the RWB School in Toronto and Chicago to host in-person auditions for the RWB Company,” says Christopher Stowell, Artistic Director of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
“In-person auditions offer a more personal and complete experience and an opportunity to see dancers’ artistry and presence firsthand.
“We’re shaping a new era at the RWB, and I’m excited for dancers to be part of this next chapter with us.”
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The RWB School is internationally recognized for transforming talented young dancers into versatile, world-class artists through its Ballet Academic Program (BAP), Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant Program (AMJ) and Teacher Training Program (TTP).
Students train daily alongside the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company, learning from acclaimed faculty while completing a rigorous academic curriculum through St. John Brebeuf (Grades 6–9) and the University of Winnipeg Collegiate (Grades 9–12).
They live steps away from the studios in the state-of-the-art RWB Student Living Centre, supported by 24/7 on-site staff, wellness professionals, and counsellors who ensure every student thrives.
“At the RWB School, we look for potential, not perfection,” says Stéphane Léonard, Director of the RWB School. “We seek dancers with the drive, dedication, and passion to grow.
“We help them build that potential through world-class training, strong academics, and a supportive environment that prepares them for professional careers in dance and beyond.”
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2025–26 RWB School Professional Division and RWB Company Audition Schedule
Canada
- Edmonton, AB – October 23, 2025
SGSDance, 4638 99 Street NW - Calgary, AB – October 24, 2025
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, 111 12 Ave SE - Vancouver, BC – October 26, 2025
Arts Umbrella, 1400 Johnson St, Granville Island - Nanaimo, BC – October 27, 2025
Harbour Dance Studios, 139 Bastion Street - Halifax, NS – November 5, 2025
Halifax Dance, 1505 Barrington Street - Ottawa, ON – November 6, 2025
The School of Dance, 200 Crichton Street - Toronto, ON – November 7, 2025
Canada’s National Ballet School, 400 Jarvis Street- RWB School Auditions: 9:00am–1:15pm
- RWB Company Auditions with Christopher Stowell: 1:30–2:45pm
- Montréal, QC – January 18, 2026
Studio Bizz, 551 Mont-Royal E - Saskatoon, SK – January 25, 2026
Brenda’s School of Baton & Dance, 610 Clarence Ave S - Regina, SK – January 26, 2026
Dance City Inc, 3889 Arcola Ave E - Winnipeg, MB – January 30, 2026
Royal Winnipeg Ballet, 380 Graham Ave
United States
- Chicago, IL – February 21, 2026
RWB Company Auditions with Christopher Stowell: 7:00–8:15pm - Chicago, IL – February 22, 2026
RWB School Auditions: 3:00–7:15pm
The Joffrey Ballet, 10 East Randolph St
Virtual Auditions
- November 28, 2025 – Virtual #1
- January 30, 2026 – Virtual #2
- February 27, 2026 – Virtual #3
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How to Audition
Students may audition in person, virtually (limited to 25 dancers per session), or by video submission (accepted until June 1, 2026).
Most students invited into the RWB School’s full-time programs first attend the three-week Summer Session, which allows dancers to experience the training firsthand while faculty assess their readiness.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to secure a spot.
Full audition details and registration are available at rwb.org/school/programs-classes/professional-division-auditions or by contacting the RWB School Office at school@rwb.org or 204-957-3467.
