A CDTA Webinar presented by Ian Parsons
They are unique, sometimes challenging, always rewarding, and still unfortunately rare. Young male-identifying dancers bring a specific set of skills, considerations, and emotional facets to their training. This webinar will be guided by Ian Parsons, former faculty member at Canada’s National Ballet School. Fun fact: when Ian was a student, he was the demonstrator for the CDTA male syllabus videos!
Join Ian in this full-circle moment as he discusses a wide range of topics, including:
- When and why training begins to diverge from the female-identifying curriculum
- The development of allegro work
- Conditioning for increased strength and elevation in jumps
- Foundational upper-body conditioning
- Suitable repertoire for pre-teen and young teen male-identifying dancers
- Beginning partnering work
- Social challenges faced by male-identifying dancers, and how schools can best support them
There will also be a Q&A portion; however, participants are encouraged to ask questions throughout in order to facilitate more in-depth discussion.
We look forward to seeing you online!
Ian Parsons is a ballet educator, choreographer, and artistic leader, based in New York. A double graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School from both the Professional Ballet Program and over a decade later from the Teacher Training Program for Former Professional Dancers, Ian has served on the artistic staff of Canada’s National Ballet School, while also managing the school’s renowned International Exchange Program. Most recently, he served as School Director of Ballet Theatre of Phoenix, and Artistic Director of Convergence Ballet. As a professional dancer, Ian has danced for Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, the National Ballet of Canada, and in London’s famed West End. He is now a sought after teacher and choreographer around North America and Europe.
Held via Zoom
Wednesday November 4, 2026
Time:
11:30pm-1:00pm BC
12:30pm-2:00pm – AB/SK/MB
1:30pm – 3:00pm- ON
2:30pm-4:00pm – ATL
3:00pm-4:30pm – NL
Price: $30.00 for members / $50.00 for non-members
Members if this date and time doesn’t work for you, you can Pre-Register for the webinar (take advantage of the members fee) and you will have access to the recording in our CDTA Education Centre for 60 days after it is uploaded.