Showcase Gallery
Examinations – March 13 & 14, 2026
Once students gain expertise in each of the ballet syllabus levels, they are invited to participate in exams through the Society of Classical Ballet–Vaganova Method. These voluntary examinations, available for an additional fee outside regular classes, celebrate student progress, validate teacher expertise, and reassure parents of high-quality dance training nationwide.
Each year, expert examiners visit Canadian dance schools to assess students at all syllabus levels. Successful candidates earn certificates and personalized feedback, while teachers receive tailored insights for ongoing growth. Our inclusive process even accommodates students with physical limitations, ensuring a positive experience for every dancer. Parents are welcome to contact our office for more information.
Examination schedule and fee information will be shared in our DancEmail newsletters in the Winter term.
Society of Classical Ballet Awards
The Society of Classical Ballet–Vaganova Method presents awards annually to students that display outstanding technical merit and exceptional artistic development in the Vaganova style. Following the annual examining season, members of the Society’s Examining Committee put the names of potential recipients forward for consideration for each of the awards.
- The Marijan Bayer Award – for students in Levels Intermediate through Pre-Professional
- The Nesta Toumine Memorial Award – for students in Levels Eight through Elementary
- The Dorothy Carter Memorial Award – for students in Levels Five through Seven
- The Ann Vanderheyden Memorial Award – for students in Levels Primary through Four
Our National Award Winners
Former students who have received the national Society of Classical Ballet Awards are:
- 2024 – Daria Kovalenko – Pre-Professional Student, Bluebox Contemporary Dance, Vienna, Austria/Nesta Toumine Memorial Award
- 2018 – Maggie Oates-Johnson – Graduate School of Alberta Ballet Professional Division/Nesta Toumine Memorial Award
- 2018 – Mollie Oates-Johnson – Graduate School of Alberta Ballet Professional Division/Marijan Bayer Award
- 2004 – Hannah Mae Cruddas – former Principal Artist, Canada’s Ballet Jörgen/Nesta Toumine Memorial Award
- 1998 – Tiffany Mosher – former Soloist, the National Ballet of Canada/Nesta Toumine Memorial Award
Photos this page by Yukiko Asada, Olga Chenodioglu, Cathy McKelvey & Anastasia Wiebe.
Society of Classical Ballet Award Winners L-R: Mollie Oates-Johnson, Daria Kovalenko, Maggie Oates-Johnson.
Society of Classical Ballet Award Winner bottom: Hannah Mae Cruddas. Photo courtesy of Symphony Nova Scotia.
