Dance Arts Institute, formerly The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, is a Toronto career college offering contemporary dance training.
Dance Arts Institute, formerly The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, was established in 1968 by the founders of Toronto Dance Theatre. The school exists to shape contemporary dancers, performers, and performance makers of the future. Its mission is to be an exceptional training program that helps shape the future of dance in Canada. The school is described as a national leader in performing arts training. Over 1000 graduates have contributed to the ongoing development of contemporary dance practice.
The school was founded by Patricia Beatty, David Earle, and Peter Randazzo. It incorporated separately from the company in January 1978. The Professional Training Program was established in 1979 by David Earle. In 1982 Billyann Balay extended the one-year program into a full-time, three-year, post-secondary program. In 2021 Sasha Ivanochko assumed the position of Artistic and Pedagogical Director. In 2023 the school changed its name to Dance Arts Institute.
The Professional Training Program is a full-time three-year career college program. Graduates in contemporary dance receive an advanced diploma. Students of the program have an affiliation with York University's Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours program in dance.
The institute is located at 80 Winchester Street, Toronto, ON M4X 1B2. Facilities listed include studios and a theatre at 80 Winchester Street, as well as a Daniels Spectrum space.
Admission routes include an audition-based application to the Professional Training Program for general admission, advanced standing with direct entry into second year, and mature student admission.