Frequently Asked Questions

Does My Child Need an Assessment?

Children ages three to six do not require an audition or assessment.

Age seven is an important point of transition. A seven year old with no previous dance experience may begin in the Children’s Programs. If a child has previous dance experience, whether in ballet or another dance genre, we recommend an assessment to determine whether the Children’s Programs or Junior School will provide the most appropriate placement.

Our faculty will always guide each child toward the level and program best suited to their experience and stage of development.

For dancers ages seven (7+) and above seeking placement in Junior School, Jewel or Prima, an assessment is required so that our faculty can recommend the most appropriate level and program.

At age seven, a child with no previous dance experience may be better suited to the Children’s Programs. A seven year old with previous dance experience, whether in ballet or another dance genre, is encouraged to complete an assessment so our faculty can determine whether Children’s Programs or Junior School is the most appropriate placement.

Complete the Request Information form and our team will guide you through the next assessment opportunity and appropriate next steps.

Who should participate in a private or video audition?

Students wishing to be considered for our Half-Day Senior Professional School programs, or the Goh Ballet Youth Company must book either a private audition or if they cannot attend in-person, submit a video audition. Please review the eligibility below.

  • Senior Professional School Audition: Students ages 12-19 years. Must have received a minimum of 3 full years of ballet training with pointe work experience.
  • Goh Ballet Youth Company Audition: Dancers must be 16 – 22 years of age. Males must have 5 years of ballet training with contemporary dance experience. Females must have 7 + years of ballet training with extensive pointe work & contemporary dance experience.
  • Dancers auditioning for GBYC will be required to present a classical variation and may also present a contemporary solo if time permits.

What should they wear?

What should they wear to the first class?

Goh Ballet has designated dancewear for each age and level. Once enrolment is confirmed, we will provide the class attire requirements, including details of the required dancewear and how to purchase it. There is no need to purchase anything in advance.

Students attending our Annual Program are required to wear the school uniform. We sell our uniforms and other ballet attire at the Goh Ballet Shop located at our Goh Ballet Main and Goh Ballet Bayview locations.

*Students may opt for the dance attire of the gender they identify with.

  • Sample Attire 1: Any colour leotard, tights, and ballet slippers. Short skirts may be worn. Pointe shoes may be required for the Senior Audition.
  • Sample Attire 2: Unitard, or any form-fitting t-shirt with tights/shorts, and ballet slippers.
  • Sample Attire 3: Fitted exercises attire. If student does not own ballet slippers, socks may be worn instead.
  • Hair should be neatly styled in a bun or combed out of the face.
  • No jewelry, watches or accessories please.

How can I enroll my child at the Goh Ballet Academy?

If your child is between the ages of 3 – 6, no audition is necessary. Please contact the Administrative Office at 604.872.4014 or admin@gohballet.com for more information regarding schedules, fees, duration and levels.

Any child over the age of 7 will require an audition. Please inquire about open audition times by visiting this page of our website.

What are the schedules and fees of your classes?

Tuition varies according to the dancer’s age, level and program placement. Annual Programs run from September through June. Where appropriate placement and space are available, students joining later in the year may have tuition calculated from their confirmed start date.

Anyone over the age of 7 requires an audition with our Artistic Faculty prior to being accepted. We will provide information on the schedule and fees only after the audition has been completed and the student’s recommended level has been confirmed by an instructor.

What makes the Goh Ballet Academy different from other dance training schools?

Only you and your family can make the best choice as to where your child will receive the training and artistic encouragement that is best suited to their needs and abilities.

Our Academy strives to create a personally shaped program to provide excellence in classical technique and foster the growth of artistic expression. We offer an unrivalled breadth of performance opportunities and an engaging curriculum that allows dancers to complete full academic studies while pursuing pre-professional, intensive dance training.

From childhood through adolescence, our goal is to ensure your child experiences positive, encouraging feedback to stimulate their personal growth as an artist and performer.

Can we join after classes begin?

Annual Programs begin the week of September 14, 2026.

After the school year has begun, admission may still be possible depending on available space and appropriate placement. Tell us which program you are interested in and our team will advise you on the next steps.

What if I cannot attend a class?

Students enrolled in our annual programs at Goh Main and Goh Bayview should email attendance@gohballet.com if they will be absent from class.

Students participating in our outreach programs should notify Ms. Tanya Phelps, Director of Special Projects & Programming, via tphelps@gohballet.com if they are unable to attend a class.

Is there parking available?

The Academy’s home for over 40 years, the Main Street location is located at the intersection of Main Street and 8th Avenue, in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood.

Getting Here & Parking

The Main Street location is right in the heart of Mount Pleasant and is surrounded by trendy restaurants, cafés and boutiques.

Parking can be tricky depending on the time of day, but metered parking may be found on Quebec Street, 7th and 8th Avenues. There are also EasyPark lots in the area.

The nearest one is located at Mount Pleasant Community Centre – Lot 61. This lot is accessed from the alleyway off Kingsway. Please check the Vancouver Parks and Recreation website for information regarding hours.

*Due to ongoing construction in the area, please allow extra travel time when travelling to the Academy. Curb-side loading zones on Main Street and 8th Avenue are for drop-off and pick-up only.

Arriving By Transit

  • SkyTrain – Expo Line – Bus (Main Street)

    On the Expo Line, get off at Main Street–Science World Station. From there, take the southbound #3 (to Broadway) or the #8 or #19 to Kingsway at Main. Alternatively, it is a 13-minute walk southbound along Main Street from the station to Goh Ballet.

  • SkyTrain – Canada Line – Bus (Broadway)

    On the Canada Line, get off at Broadway–City Hall Station. From there, take the eastbound #9 or Express #99 to Kingsway.

For more information on bus and SkyTrain schedules, fares, maps and trip planning, visit www.translink.ca.

Where can this lead?

For nearly five decades, Goh Ballet has guided dancers from their formative training through to professional careers, including artists who have become Principal Dancers.

Beyond Junior School, students may progress into more advanced training through the Jewel Pre Professional Program or Prima, depending on their age, experience, goals and academic commitments. Dancers seeking a professional career may also audition for the Senior Professional School when they reach the appropriate stage of training.

Our faculty guides each student toward the pathway that best reflects their ability, aspirations and development.

What do I need to bring with me?

Yoga mat for Pilates class and Body Conditioning Classes, Water bottle and towel, Ballet outfit for classes (a detailed list will be provided in the student handbook prior to start of classes).

Will I have a chance to book private lessons during the program?

Yes, if a student is interested in taking private lessons you will need to submit a private lesson request form. The requests will be evaluated by the Director and the Instructor you wish to book with. It is not guaranteed that we will be able to accommodate your request, the main factors being studio availability and the instructors schedule.

What if I want to stay and train in the Goh Ballet’s Annual Program?

If you wish to stay with the Academy longer, please discuss with your instructor and the Administrative Office and you will be assessed for the appropriate level in the program you are eligible for. The Administrative Office will then provide you with fees and schedules as required.

Can parents stay to watch classes?

To support student focus and an effective learning environment, Goh Ballet maintains a closed door policy for group classes and private lessons.

Are there scholarships available?

The Goh Ballet Academy endeavours to support artistic opportunities for aspiring dancers and is pleased to offer a number of scholarships to qualified students participating in the Summer Intensive program.

Will performance opportunities arise from Summer Intensive Programs?

In addition to performing in the Summer Intensive final presentation, graduates of the Summer Intensive Program may also be invited to join the Goh Ballet Academy’s major ballet performance productions and international tours.

What if I do not have a place to stay?

The Goh Ballet Academy is pleased to provide its Summer Intensive students with an extensive network of homestay families in the Vancouver area. Families offering home stay placements have a long-standing relationship with the Academy, and provide a wonderful opportunity for students to discover local culture in a safe family environment. Upon acceptance into the Summer Dance Intensive Program, please contact us for homestay details.

What are the International Summer Intensive auditions like?

Applicants can audition individually or as part of a group. Scheduled auditions for the Summer Intensive will take place at Goh Ballet Academy, located at 2345 Main Street in Vancouver. Please visit Auditions for more information.

What can I wear?

Clothing: We recommend wearing anything you are able to move freely in. ie. Yoga wear.

Shoes: We recommend purchasing soft ballet slippers if you will be taking a number of classes, however, you can try your first class in socks.

What age are your students?

Our adult dance students range from teenagers to adults of all ages. We welcome all individuals to our classes!

How many people are in the class?

Due to the drop in nature of our classes, the amount of people varies. On average, the class size ranges from 8 to 25 people.

How do the teachers accommodate the varying levels in a class?

The teachers encourage everyone to work to the best of their ability and will give individual corrections during class. Occasionally, a teacher may use a student to demonstrate a correction that will benefit all those in attendance.

Do you have parking?

We do not have our own parking lot at Goh Main. There are metered and unmetered parking spaces along 8th Ave. and Quebec St. There is also a paid parking lot on the corner of 7th Ave. and Main St. Goh Oakridge has a free parking lot in front of the studios. (Shared with The Bay)

I previously danced when I was younger, but it has been a number of years since my last class. What do you advise me to do?

We recommend that you drop in for a Level 1 class and see if it is a good fit for you. The nature of our classes, allows students to try different levels without committing to a single level.

I have never danced before, but my schedule does not allow me to come to the Intro classes. Can I come to the Level 1 classes?

Yes, absolutely! Our teachers are accustomed to teaching classes with varying levels and will help you to the best of their ability. Our teachers aim to make your class experience a positive one.

We are committed to providing all students, faculty, pianists, and staff with a safe environment that is in alignment with government guidelines and health authorities.

Here are some FAQ’s around the protective measures we are taking to ensure the health and safety of our community: