Anandam Centre for Choreographic Development
Applications for Year One of the Choreographic Training Program are OPEN!
Applications due: August 31, 11:59pm
Information session: August 20, 7:30pm via Zoom - Register Here
For questions or more information contact: Harikishan S Nair - Aad@anandam.ca
Year One emphasizes physical training that connects participants to their bodies, serving as a foundation for dance and a basis for thinking choreographically. This occurs through training modules distributed throughout the year, culminating in a three-week intensive in July 2026. Additionally, there are modules on theory, context, and history, as well as regular individual studio time. Year One helps participants develop a clear choreographic question within the context of their own developing work.
Training Program 2025/26
What: A training program exploring choreography as a distinct skill for contemporary creation.
Why: The Canadian dance scene encompasses diverse forms that diverge from Eurocentric or North American concert dance. Exploring these for contemporary choreography is central to this program. Apart from a few schools in Europe and the USA, there remains a gap in alternative training centers that integrate practice, theory, and research, especially in ways that involve dancers from non-balletic backgrounds.
When: Starting in October 2025 and continuing across 2025/26 and again in 2026/27
Where: Toronto
Who: A group of 10 artists will participate in a two-year choreographic training program. We invite applications from artists of all dance, performance, and movement styles. Artists at any stage of their career — whether emerging, mid-career, or established — are encouraged to apply. Artists from any dance/movement lineage and form are encouraged to apply. Open to all, but priority will be given to practices and trainings that are not predominantly ballet-based or Eurocentric in nature. Please contact us if you have any further questions about qualifications or admissions.
How: This part-time program offers a comprehensive study of choreographic practice, integrating physical training in related disciplines and knowledge systems with theoretical modules on history, lineage, canon, and their impact on contemporary practice.
Training Modules 2025-26
Pilates Reformer: October and November 2025, Thursdays 4-5pm
Anatomy: October 5, 12, 19, 2025, 11am-3pm
Body in Space: November 2025 and January 2026, Tuesdays 11am-3pm
Body in Time: November 2025 and January 2026, Thursdays 11am-3pm
Epistemology of Technique - Choreographic Applications: February 2026, Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-2pm
Reading and Watching Group Study: March and April schedule TBD (online)
Repertoire Intensive: May 2026
Individual Studio Time: January-August 2026
July Summer Intensive: July 6-24 2026
Application
A written or Video application is due by August 31 (apply online here), and an in-person interview/workshop will be held in September (date to be determined).
Cost
$3,200 per year
The Canada Arts Training Fund subsidizes this program. Each participant costs $12,000 annually, and Anandam supports $8,800 per participant. The remaining $3,200 is the annual fee per person for this program.
Payment installments and plans are available.
Support for submitting funding applications for professional development is available.
Year Two
The Year Two program will build on the development and lessons from Year One, continuing with physical training and theoretical modules, while increasing individual studio time as participants progress with their choreographic projects.