Program Information
Overview
This two-week immersive residency offers individual dancers the opportunity to explore and embody the unique choreographic languages of three internationally acclaimed dance artists - Kirsten Wicklund, Marie Gyselbrecht, and Cyril Baldy.
Participants will rotate through choreographic labs with each faculty artist, taking part in daily technique and improvisation classes that support embodied exploration.
Description
The program includes collaborative creation processes, culminating in informal studio showings that offer a chance to share and reflect on the work developed.
Program highlights:
- Deepen physical and artistic practice through technique and improvisation
- Experience three distinct choreographic voices and creative approaches
- Develop collaborative and adaptive skills in rehearsal and creation settings
- Engage in mentorship, feedback, and self-reflection
- Share work in an informal public showing at the end of the residency
Requirements
This residency is open to early career dancers interested in engaging with both Pointe and non-Pointe work, who are eager to explore diverse choreographic approaches in a focused and collaborative environment.
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Domestic and international applications are welcome.
Visa Eligibility Information:
- Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa.
- If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.
Inclusivity Statement
We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
Faculty
Kirsten Wicklund
Kirsten Wicklund (she/her) was born in British Columbia, and trained at Pacific Dance Arts, Danzmode Productions, Goh Ballet Academy, Modus Operandi Contemporary Training Program, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, The Banff Centre for the Performing Arts, and received scholarships to train at American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet & Pacific Northwest Ballet.
Kirsten recently danced at Opera Ballet Vlaanderen in Antwerp, Belgium (since 2021) where she performed existing works by Pina Bausch, Sharon Eyal, Crystal Pite, William Forsythe, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Akram Khan and orignial new creations with Jan Martens, Richard Siegal & Ella Rothschild.
As an independent maker, Kirsten has choreographed works for Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, The Dutch National Ballet’s Junior Company & New Moves Program, The New York Choreographic Institute at New York City Ballet, Ballet BC’s “Take Form”, Ballet Kelowna, Joshua Beamish’s MOVE: the company, The UBC Choir, Dancing on the Edge Festival, Dances for a Small Stage, The Dance Deck Series, Arts Umbrella, Goh Ballet & Lamon Dance. Her work “Overcast” was selected as a finalist for the International Choreographic Competition Hannover in 2021.
In February 2024 Kirsten’s work “Tu me manques” for the Dutch National Ballet’s Junior Company premiered and has embarked on a 20 show tour of Holland. Kirsten’s new work for Ballet Edmonton (Canada) also made its world premiere.
Faculty
Marie Gyselbrecht
Marie Gyselbrecht worked with Alain Platel and Arne Sierens' Allemaal Indiaan as a teenager and toured internationally. In 1997, her dance solo was nominated for the "Best Belgian Dance Solo" award organised by Victoria and Alain Platel. In 2005, she graduated from the Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance. In 2004, she co-founded the Belgium-based Collectiv.At. She has been part of the theatre collective Peeping Tom since 2008. With the ensemble she created the productions 'La Visita', '32 rue Vandenbranden', 'A Louer', 'Vader', 'The Land', 'Moeder', 'Kind' and 'Dido and Aeneas'. In 2017, she played in 'Chef de Corps' directed by Raphaëlle Latini. She also directed 'Taverne', a dance theatre performance with the Hotel col-lectiu escènic, which premiered at Sala Hiroshima in Barcelona in June 2018. In 2021, she created the site-specific performance 'Nest', which premiered at the Sismògraf festival in Olot, Spain, in April 2022. In addition to her work for the stage, she was involved in the short film 'Drôle d'Oiseau' (2015), which won several prizes at international film festivals, and the feature film 'Mijn vader is een saucisse' (2019). Both films were directed by Anouk Fortunier. Marie has a strong interest in photography and visual art. Her installation 'Waiting Room - A life in Transit' was shown at the Brussels Gallery Weekend and on tour with Peeping Tom.
Faculty
Cyril Baldy
Cyril Baldy is a dancer, choreographer, educator, rehearsal director and stager. Born in France in 1980. He studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris from 1993 to 1997. As a dancer, he joined his first professional company in 1997 named “Le Jeune Ballet de France”. From 1998 to 2002, he successively was part of Nederland Dans Theatre II and Nederland Dans Theatre I under the direction of Jiri Kylian. In 2002, he became a member of Frankfurt Ballet then The Forsythe Company from 2005 to 2014 under the artistic direction of William Forsythe. In 2014, he became a freelancer, taking on the role of choreographer, educator, rehearsal director and stager for William Forsythe. He choreographed notable dances such as "Nonsense And Other Matters" (Arts Umbrella Vancouver - 2024) “Divertissement” (CNSMD Lyon - 2023), “Choreographic Exercise” (HfMDK - 2022), “Steps Of Dance” (HfMDK - 2020), “Variation(s) For A Few” (Tanzplattform Rhein-Main in Frankfurt - 2019), “A Dance For Many" (for KOST at the Athens Festival in Athens - 2019), “Variation By Ashley Wright” (premiered at Treloarland in Melbourne - 2018), ”Variation(s)” (Pact Zollverein- Germany - 2017), “Variation III: On The Theme Of William Hay” (Neuer Kunstverein in Wuppertal - 2017), “Variation(s) By Louella May Hogan” (premiered at Treloarland in Melbourne - 2017). His choreographies extends to film with “This Is Not Raymonda But Whatever It Contains” (2015), “William Hay” (2017), “HTCTW #8” (2018) “In Preparation For” (2018), “unattended choreography” (2019) and “Studio Works Collection: HTCTW” (since 2017). Through his choreography, he developed a dance practice called “Sentient Method” taught to PARTS, HZT, DOCH, DFDC, PNB, Musée de la Danse, Hubbard Street Dance Company, STRUT, PACT Zollverein, K3, CNDC Anger, Lyon Opera Ballet, among others. As a dancer, since 2014 he performed in “A Quiet Evening Of Dance” by William Forsythe. “Bastards. We Are All Illegitimate Children” and “Remains Persist” by Moriah Evans.
Image by Dominik Mentzos
Faculty
What's Included
Meal Plan
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Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests.
The Full meal plan is $73 credit per day, equivalent to three meals at our Buffet service.
Accommodation
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Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.
Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.
Studio Space
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Create in the privacy of one of our specialized studios.
Showcase Your Work
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This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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Campus Facilities
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- Participant Resources: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided.
- Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes.
- Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Total fee per person (Tuition, Accommodation and Meal Plan)
$3 902.85
Scholarship Amount Applied*
$2 668.05
You pay (accommodation & meal plan costs after scholarship applied)
$1 234.80
Application Fee
$65 for individuals or groups, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.
The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom.
Scholarships
We are pleased to offer scholarships to support participants in our program. Below are details regarding the scholarship amount and how they are applied.
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Standard scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, and 50% of meals and accommodation costs
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Canadian Indigenous scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, meals, and accommodation costs
To receive the standard scholarship please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.
For additional support to help fund your experience at Banff Centre, view a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.
Cancellations
Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.
Tax Information
Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Step 1:
Complete the Online FormStep 2:
Pay your application fee
Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.
Step 3:
Upload Your Materials
Resume
A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Letter of Intent
A one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program and what you hope to achieve by attending it.
Portfolio
Submit up to 2 minutes of video footage showcasing your dancing. This can include performance, rehearsal, or studio work that best represents your movement style and artistic voice.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.
Adjudication
Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:
- Quality, originality and artistic merit.
- Required skills and experience.
- The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program.
Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided.
Disclaimer
All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.