Are You 16 – 35 Years Old &
Motivated to further the development of your artistry in a professional context, OR
Considering a career in the dance industry, OR
Aspiring to a paid contract with SQx following completion of the Apprentice Performance Program.
WHAT DO APPRENTICES DO?
Collaborate with other SQx professional and apprentice dancers
Learn the SQx professional style & technique
Rehearse, perform, & teach our craft
WE ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR 2023
The application process varies between seasons. Therefore, please ensure you follow the application process that accompanies the year in which you wish to apply.
Being 18, I am starting to make considerably important decisions related to my post-secondary education and the opportunity to be involved in the workings of SQx not only helps to further my efforts in achieving a professional career in dance, but also gives me a taste in what is happening in communities and how I can help make a difference in the lives of growing individuals. Apart from dancing, I wish to obtain a degree from the University of Regina because I feel that an academic education is as important as my interest in the arts and I am well supported by SQx as they are allowing me to balance training with school, done by taking a semester to focus on studying and then working with them for the next. This way of entering the dance industry is different than my initial plans of attending a dance institution such as The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, but it allows me to experience all elements of a professional company— travel time and connection with other professional and pre-professional dancers—and attend university, all at the same time! Without a doubt, I can say that I have learned a great deal more than dance steps over the past year and a half that I have worked with SQx.
—Past Apprentice
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- SQx Apprentices have the opportunity to share and expand skills and knowledge within a professional performance tour context.
- Future employment and performance opportunities with SQx are dependent on the professional development the apprentice—focusing on the reception and practice of repertoire, in-depth technical study, rehearsals, delivery of CTPP syllabus, and the practice or potential for outstanding leadership skills. In previous years, apprentices have been transitioned to paid positions with the company and projects within both our Canadian & European branches.
- We are acutely aware that many young people are torn between dancing and pursuing an academic degree (as safety net). A number of senior staff have both academic and dance degrees. Therefore, we know that post-secondary education is invaluable in building character to contribute to the creative process in the studio (and as a long-term career back-up net).
- Once an apprentice completes their first year as an apprentice and decides to continue with the company, we work with them (on an individual basis) should they decide to pursue full-time dancing or balance semesters / terms with university.
- Apprentice training is similar but more intense in comparison to our Professional Training & Performance Program. We also focus much more on methodology. Therefore, apprentices merely cannot copy movements; they have to know precisely how and why (both creatively and physically) they do something—as a professional would. Classes are also longer and more disciplined. Physically, we expect more athleticism and significantly more upper body strength.
- This apprenticeship gives pre-professional and professional artists the opportunity to share and expand skills and knowledge within a professional performance tour context. In practice, this means that after intense training, apprentices having an understanding about what it is like to be in a dance company–within a gentle setting that does not entail the full responsibilities of a professional artist, but with professional artists as mentors. The perk of our apprentice program is that artists get to test almost being a professional dancer (having to take class everyday, perform, teach) without having to go do 3 – 4 years of training.
- The company is short-staffed, so the goal of the program is not to merely provide professional development, but to train employees. That being said, this is also a good opportunity to “feel things out.” The program is also designed for apprentices “on the fence” about pursuing a career in the dance industry.