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History In 1970, the board of the RWB and Artistic Director Arnold Spohr realized a professional school was necessary to further the company’s growth. David Moroni was designated the individual with the talent and ability to make this a reality. Mr. Moroni established a training program designed to produce highly trained classical ballet dancers. These graduates would ensure a continuous and talented stream of artists for the company, which was gaining recognition for performing versatile contemporary works as well as the standard full-length classics. The development of a dancer requires a process of intense, precise training over a long period of time. Training must begin at a young age while the body is pliant and the muscles are most receptive to the work. A professional dance student should embark upon professional training between the ages of ten and twelve, with approximately twelve to fifteen hours of study per week. The meticulous and progressive system of training is necessary to ensure young artists a long and healthy career. It became clear to David Moroni that a sound, progressive and well-structured basic training method was needed. Mr. Moroni was greatly influenced by his work with the late Vera Volkova, and knew that a curriculum based on the Russian System would fulfill that requirement. Fundamental to the success of the entire system was (and remains) the development of a talented, committed and well-educated staff of dance teachers possessing a clear and thorough understanding of the method as adopted by the School. As finances would allow, several masters, including the late Julia Arkos, Emilia Bogomolava and Galina Yordanova, were invited to teach at the School. As well as teaching students, these masters worked at length with the RWB teaching staff during pedagogy seminars. As knowledge and experience increased in the teaching staff, adjustments have been made in the curriculum to suit both the temperament and physiques of the North American dancer, changing approaches to pedagogy, and shifting attitudes to instruction. The process has been a gradual one, and over time has evolved into a successful training system unique to the RWB School. The School will continue to engage distinguished guest teachers to ensure the continued growth and relevance/expertise of the work within the School. Our program was designed to develop dancers in the specific style of the RWB company. The RWB company built its international reputation on its ability to perform widely varying styles of ballet with equal credibility, and its performance of a very eclectic repertoire made possible by that ability. The training also allows graduates to find employment in companies across Canada, the US and Europe. Our graduates have also found careers in dance related professions such as choreography, costume design, sports medicine and arts administration. Mr Moroni’s own personal experience as a leading performer ultimately guided his perception in realizing the need to include an equally structured system of classes dedicated to the development of a solid formation in the art of partnering (pas de deux). The School prides itself on the ability to produce excellent results in this area. It has been a priority for the School to develop a strong modern dance component to its curriculum. Under the direction of Josée Garant, the School carefully developed a curriculum of modern dance especially designed to complement the classical training. This contemporary work incorporates elements of the Martha Graham, José Limon and Merce Cunningham techniques. The present structure is an intensive four week summer session in July, which serves as an audition period for students wishing to enter the full time fall/winter session. Summer Session introduces students to the discipline and high standards required of a professional dancer. The fall/winter session is a full-time, seven level training program beginning in September and finishing in mid-June. Professional division students dance between 14 and 25 hours per week, depending on age level and program of study. Students who have completed high school participate in dance classes throughout the day. To support the artistic training of the dancers, an integrated academic and dance program was developed in 1994, and a residence housing 60 students was built in 1995. In 1988, the School and Company were moved to a $10 million state of the art dance facility and in 1995 an attached 60 bed residence was completed. The School is funded by a variety of sources, including Canadian Heritage, Manitoba Arts Council and Human Resources Development Canada which acknowledge the school as a national centre of excellence. |
Photo: Bruce Monk
Photo: Bruce Monk
Photo: Bruce Monk |
