Growing Tomorrow's Dance Leaders

​

The Alina Ballerina Leadership Program is designed to inspire, train, and mentor dancers who demonstrate responsibility, kindness, and a passion for helping others. This program provides students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain teaching experience, and become positive role models within our dance community.

Our goal is to prepare dancers not only for success in the studio, but also for future opportunities as assistants, instructors, and leaders.

​

Who Can Apply?

​

Students interested in joining the Leadership Program should:

• Be at least 12 years of age.

• Attend classes consistently.

• Demonstrate excellent behaviour and sportsmanship.

• Be kind, respectful, and dependable.

• Continue training in ballet.

• Enjoy helping younger dancers.

• Be willing to learn and take initiative.
   

Participation in the program is by invitation or application and is based on maturity, attitude, reliability, and available positions.
 

 

Program Pathway

​

Junior Assistant I (Volunteer)

​

The first stage of the program focuses on learning and observation. Students work closely with instructors while developing the skills needed to become effective assistants.

​

Responsibilities

• Observe and learn from instructors.

• Help line up dancers before and during class.

• Assist with shoes, costumes, and simple classroom tasks.

• Demonstrate basic exercises when asked.

• Learn studio expectations and classroom etiquette.

• Assist younger dancers backstage during rehearsals and recitals, including lining up classes, helping with quick changes, and escorting dancers on and off stage under staff supervision.

 

Training Period

Junior Assistant I is a volunteer training position and typically lasts approximately 20–30 hours, or until the student demonstrates the skills and maturity required to advance.

Students work under close supervision and are encouraged to ask questions and learn from the teaching team.

​

Advancement

Students may be invited to Junior Assistant II when they consistently demonstrate:

• Reliability and punctuality.

• Professional behaviour.

• Initiative.

• Confidence while assisting.

• Positive leadership qualities.
   

Advancement is based on readiness, not simply the number of hours completed.

​

​

Junior Assistant II (Paid)

​

Junior Assistant II students begin taking on more responsibility within the studio while continuing to receive guidance and mentorship.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist regularly in one or more classes.

• Demonstrate exercises for younger dancers.

• Work with small groups under instructor supervision.

• Continue assisting backstage during rehearsals and performances.

• Help create a positive classroom environment.

 

Compensation

Junior Assistant II is a paid position.

Students are paid at the current Ontario Student Minimum Wage in accordance with provincial employment standards.

Most assistants work between 1–3 classes per week, with additional opportunities during camps, workshops, rehearsals, and performances.

 

Advancement

Students may be invited to Junior Assistant III when they consistently demonstrate leadership, maturity, and the ability to support classes with minimal direction.

​

Junior Assistant III (Paid)

​​

Junior Assistant III students serve as experienced leaders within the Junior Assistant Program.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist multiple classes.

• Mentor newer Junior Assistants.

• Take on additional responsibilities during camps, rehearsals, performances, and studio events.

• Continue assisting backstage at performances.

• Serve as positive role models for younger dancers.

 

Compensation, Recognition & Opportunities

• Junior Assistant III is a paid position.

• Priority consideration for additional assisting opportunities.

• First choice for camps and workshops when available.

• Leadership roles during recitals and studio events.

• Opportunities to mentor new assistants.

​

Assistant (16+)

​

Assistant is the next step in the Leadership Program and is considered part of the teaching team.

 

Assistants work alongside instructors while continuing to develop their teaching skills and take on greater responsibility than Junior Assistant III.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist instructors during classes.

• Lead warm-ups or small groups when appropriate.

• Support choreography reviews.

• Assist during rehearsals, examinations, performances, and studio events.

• Lead portions of a class or cover a class under the direction or approval of the Artistic Director, when appropriate.

 

Compensation

​This is a paid position with increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities within the teaching team.

​

Training

​

All Junior Assistants participate in an orientation before beginning their role.

Training includes:

• Classroom expectations.

• Professional conduct.

• Working with preschool and young dancers.

• Positive communication.

• Child safety.

• Emergency procedures.

• Studio policies.

• How to assist without taking over instruction.
   

Ongoing mentorship and feedback are provided throughout the season.

​​

Uniform

​

Junior Assistants wear:

• Black Alina Ballerina T-shirt

• Studio logo on the front

• "Junior Assistant" printed on the back
   

This helps younger dancers easily recognize them as leaders within the studio.

​

Program Expectations

​​

Being a Junior Assistant is a privilege and comes with responsibility.

Participants are expected to:

• Arrive on time.

• Dress appropriately.

• Maintain excellent attendance in their own dance classes.

• Be respectful toward students, parents, and staff.

• Demonstrate professionalism at all times.

• Lead by example.

• Follow studio policies and instructor directions.

Students who do not meet these expectations may be removed from the program.

​

Program Expectations

​​

Is every student accepted?

• No. Admission is based on maturity, reliability, attitude, and the needs of the studio.

 

Why is Junior Assistant I unpaid?

• Junior Assistant I is designed as a learning and mentorship experience. Students are developing leadership and classroom skills while working closely with experienced instructors. Once they demonstrate the readiness to take on regular assisting responsibilities, they may be invited into a paid Junior Assistant position.

 

Does my child automatically move to the next level?

• No. Advancement is based on demonstrated maturity, leadership, professionalism, and readiness—not simply time spent in the program.

 

Does completing the program guarantee employment?

• No. However, students who successfully complete the Leadership Program receive priority consideration for future Assistant and Instructor opportunities as positions become available.

 

How many hours will my child assist?

• This varies depending on studio needs and the student's availability. Most Junior Assistant II and III students assist 1–3 classes per week, with additional opportunities during camps, rehearsals, and performances.

​

Our Goal

​​

The Alina Ballerina Leadership Program is about much more than assisting classes. It is about developing confident, responsible, and compassionate young leaders who inspire the next generation of dancers while gaining valuable life and teaching skills.

We are proud to invest in our students and look forward to watching them grow from dancers into future leaders.

​

How to Apply

​

Applications for the Alina Ballerina Leadership Program are accepted annually between July 1 and August 15 for the upcoming dance season.

Selected applicants will be invited to attend an interview and orientation prior to acceptance into the program.

​