The School of Dance

Ode to Our Adult Ballet Students
Merrilee Hodgins, Artistic Director

They come before the music starts,
with quiet purpose in their hearts,
stretching limbs and steadying minds,
preparing for the work that binds.

The dream to discipline, the grace
to every tendu's measured place.
They greet the barre, they take their stand,
ready to learn, ready to expand.

They listen well to each correction,
meeting challenge with reflection,
turning guidance into art,
building strength in every part.

For nothing given to ballet fades -
not the hours, not the grades
of effort earned through sweat and strain,
nor lessons learned and learned again.

Each combination, fierce and new,
each balance held, each movement through,
each class attended after long days
becomes a brick in artistry's ways.

They show us courage, they show us care,
returning always to the barre,
not seeking perfection's prize
but growth that deepens, year by year, before our eyes.

And we, their teachers, stand inspired
by spirits never dulled nor tired,
by those who prove with every dance
that passion thrives when given chance.

To share this love, this timeless art,
with willing minds and open hearts,
is joy enough, and more than so –

Dear dancers, thank you.

You help our school to grow.

Wishing you all a wonderful summer of dance. MH

We gratefully acknowledge the support of:
Ontario Government
Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario
City of Ottawa

📷: Simmy Ahluwalia

Register NOW for our Adult Summer Shorts! 👇👇👇
https://www.theschoolofdance.ca/2026/Adult%20Summer%20Shorts%202026.pdf

It's not too late to register for one of our Summer Training Programmes for Intermediate and Advanced students!

For details, email [email protected], call us at 613-238-7838, or visit:
https://www.theschoolofdance.ca/2025/Summer%20Co%20Flyer%20and%20Registration%20Form%202026.pdf

We gratefully acknowledge the support of:
Ontario Government
Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario
City of Ottawa

Registration for our Adult Summer Shorts is OPEN NOW! Yes, we have a brand new Adult Introduction to Ballet class beginning on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.👇👇👇
https://www.theschoolofdance.ca/2026/Adult%20Summer%20Shorts%202026.pdf

To book your audition, contact us at [email protected] or call 613-238-7838.

For more details about our Professional Programme, please visit:https://theschoolofdance.ca/2026/Professional%20Ballet%20Training_Rev2.pdf

We gratefully acknowledge the support of:
Ontario Government
Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario
City of Ottawa

The final bow of Jean Grand-Maitre's "Pastorle" with our two graduates centre stage.

Congratulations to the cast of The School of Dance 47 - what a fantastic performance! What a fantastic year!

We gratefully acknowledge the support of:
Ontario Government
Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario
City of Ottawa

Photos of our students preparing for The School of Dance 47 performance. What a great day at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. Bravo dancers!

We gratefully acknowledge the support of:
Ontario Government
Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario
City of Ottawa

Registration for our summer programmes is underway! We have programmes for students of all ages - children from age 4 and up, students interested in professional training and adults of all levels!

Visit us at www.theschoolofdance.ca, contact us at [email protected] or call 613-238-7838 for details!

We gratefully acknowledge the support of:
Ontario Government
Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario
City of Ottawa

Photo of graduate Caroline Earle by D. Brian Campbell.

Congratulations to all of our dancers and musicians who performed in The School of Dance 47 last night - a spectacular performance highlighting a spectacular season. Thank you to our teachers, musicians, choreographers, volunteers and crew for all your hard work putting this memorable production together. Bravo one and all!

We gratefully acknowledge the support of:
Ontario Government
Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario
City of Ottawa

Taken from the program of tonight's performance, The School of Dance 47...

Message from the Artistic Director

Good evening and welcome to The School of Dance 47.

Dance is a language that transcends age, experience, and time itself. It gives us a way to speak without words, to express joy, resilience, curiosity, and courage from the deepest parts of ourselves. Whether taking a first step or returning to the stage after years of dedication, every dancer carries a story worth telling.

Through movement, we discover not only artistry, but possibility. We learn discipline and trust, imagination and perseverance. We learn how deeply connected we are to music, to one another, and to the world around us.

As we celebrate the 47th anniversary of The School of Dance, we honour generations of students, teachers, artists, families, and supporters who have shaped our community with passion and care. Their commitment has helped us to build a school where young artists are encouraged to strive for personal excellence while remaining grounded in respect, creativity, and humanity.

For 47 years, we have carried forward the beauty and tradition of dance while embracing the energy, challenges, and possibilities of each new generation. That spirit continues tonight.

This evening is a celebration of where we have been, of who we are, and of the artists who will carry dance forward into the future.

Tonight, that future takes the stage.

Merrilee Hodgins A.R.A.D.
Artistic Director
🍁

We gratefully acknowledge the support of:
Ontario Government
Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario
City of Ottawa

📷 Simmy Ahluwalia