Our School – Laval

Ballet Tompkins Conservatory offers a multidisciplinary dance education, with a focus on classical ballet training. In addition to classical ballet, the school offers a variety of classes for children and adults: ballet workout/jazz, contemporary, Pilates and flamenco !

The faculty of the Ballet Tompkins Conservatory teaches the Vaganova method, which is not “our own method”, but a universal method created by Ms. Agrippina Vaganova (1879-1951) of the Russian Imperial Ballet School. This method is the most widely-taught around the world. Despite the extensive teaching of the Cecchetti method installed in Quebec and throughout the rest of Canada, the legacy of Madam Vaganova's work is responsible for having produced several international stars such as Vaslav Nijinsky, Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Natalia Makarova.

The Vaganova method has evolved a lot in the years, producing dancers still greater and stronger than those of the past. This unique method places great importance on flexibility, endurance of the abdominal muscles, posture, and balance. All this results in higher extensions, higher jumps, multiple pirouettes, sustained balances … to name a few.

The Conservatory follows the teaching program of the “Society of Classical Ballet - Vaganova Method” (SCBVM), and students have the opportunity to obtain their SCBVM diploma, a unique opportunity in the greater Montreal area. Annual exams provide constructive feedback that motivates students to keep improving. This teaching program allows students to move up the ladder, culminating in a teaching diploma for those who wish to pass on their passion for dance to future students.

At the Ballet Tompkins Conservatory, in addition to the end-of-year show, students have the opportunity to take part in company productions, including our traditional “Nutcracker” show during the holiday season.

Is your child in high school (1 to 5) in Laval passionate about classical dance? Would they like to devote more time to their passion, with a schedule that allows them to pursue their academic career while developing their artistic skills? The Ballet Tompkins Conservatory Danse-études program, in partnership with the French Georges-Vanier high school (Volet développement sportif) of the Centre de services scolaires de Laval, is the program for you. We invite you to consult our brochure to find out more!