"As dancers, we do things with great determination and perfection, with grace and stamina, and, most of all, with tremendous style! It is a recipe for success ... " Julie Houle-Zgjana, former dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, currently a Chiropractor

Retraining & Subsistence Grants

Retraining Grants
(for tuition, books, course supplies, etc.)

Subsistence Grants
(for basic living costs while in a
full-time retraining program)

Career Exploration Grants
(New, September, 2008)
(for a course or internship to explore a second career path before committing to a retraining program)

* Please note: All grants are subject to financial availability. Applications must be made no later than 24 months from the date of the dancer’s last performance. Criteria exemptions may be made in special circumstances; please contact the DTRC for more information.

Retraining Grants

Members may receive up to $4,000 towards the costs of retraining in a second career choice. Eligible costs include tuition, books, supplies, & travel (if necessitated by course).

Funding may be received while a dancer is still performing, providing their schedule permits. If the dancer is eligible for a subsistence grant as well, this may be received at the same time as the retraining grant.

Criteria:
1. A minimum of six years of professional performance, four of which were spent in Canada and at least 28 years of age
OR
A minimum of eight years of professional performance, four of which were spent in Canada and no age restriction
2. Fully paid member in good standing for at least five consecutive years prior to applying for grant **
3. Must have danced a minimum of 36 months during the six year minimum period

Exemptions may be made if the member must cease their professional dance career for medical reasons

** Please note: Members prior to Sept. 1, 2008 - same as above, with the following exception: 2. Fully paid member in good standing for at least three consecutive years prior to applying for grant

Application deadlines: October 1st, February 1st, June 1st Please contact your regional representative or the DTRC offices well before grant deadline if you are planning to apply. Grant applications will only be accepted at the designated times, except in cases of medical emergencies. Please contact the National Office for more details. Download application package (PDF).

 

Subsistence Grants

FTS-I: Full-Time Study Subsistence Grant – Retiring from Performance
(formerly Stream I Grant for Subsistence)

Up to $18,000 (at $1,500 per month) for subsistence while in a full-time retraining program. Retraining program must be completed within a maximum 18-month consecutive period.

Criteria:
1. A minimum of ten years of professional performance, five of which were spent in Canada**
2. Must be at least 28 years of age
3. Fully paid member in good standing for at least five consecutive years prior to applying for grant
4. Must have danced a minimum of 60 months during the 10 year minimum period
5. Must be permanently retiring from performing and must sign an agreement attesting to that fact upon receiving the grant
6. Option to apply for discretionary second and third year awards (Special Awards)

**Please note: Members prior to Sept. 1, 2008 - same as above, with the following exception: 1. A minimum of seven years of professional performance, five of which were spent in Canada

FTS-I Extension : A dancer who is intending to retire may have a few residual performing contracts to fullful, and may therefore need to pursue full-time studies intermittently. In this case, subsistence may be extended up to a maximum of 36 months. The total disbursement will not exceed the maximum $18,000 ($1,500 per month) outlined above and the dancer must be permanently retiring from performing upon completion of the grant (formerly Stream I - 3 year option).

Application deadlines: October 1st, February 1st, June 1st Please contact your regional representative or the DTRC offices well before grant deadline if you are planning to apply. Grant applications will only be accepted at the designated times, except in cases of medical emergencies. Please contact the National Office for more details. Download application package (PDF).

 

FTS-II: Full-Time Study Subsistence Grant – Continuing a Performance Career
(formerly Stream II Grant for Subsistence)

Up to $7,500 (at $1,250 per month) may be received during full-time retraining while still performing. The grant must be completed within a consecutive six year period, and the dancer must notify the DTRC of their intention to apply for funds by September 1st of each granting year.

Criteria:
1. A minimum of ten years of professional performance, five of which were spent in Canada 2. Must be at least 30 years of age
3. Fully paid member in good standing for at least five consecutive years prior to applying for grant
4. Must have performed a minimum of 60 months during the ten year minimum period
5. Not required to sign agreement of permanent retirement.

Application deadlines: October 1st, February 1st, June 1st Please contact your regional representative or the DTRC offices well before grant deadline if you are planning to apply. Grant applications will only be accepted at the designated times, except in cases of medical emergencies. Please contact the National Office for more details. Download application package (PDF).

 

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Grants for Career Exploration
(New, September 2008)

Up to $1,000 is available for those qualifying members who may need to further explore a second career path by taking a preliminary course or apprenticeship before committing to a retraining program.

Criteria:
1. A minimum of five years of professional performance, three of which were spent in Canada
2. Fully paid member in good standing for at least three consecutive years prior to applying for grant
3. Must have danced a minimum of 30 months during the five year minimum performance period.

Application deadlines: October 1st, February 1st AND June 1st ** Please contact your regional representative or the DTRC offices well before grant deadline if you are planning to apply. Download application package (PDF).