Discover Your Path in Professional Dance
Atlantic Ballet Atlantique Canada is excited to offer Mawiamalga’tijig / Mawokahtine, a unique 2-year Intercultural Indigenous Dance Program designed specifically for you! Located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq Peoples, this program provides professional dance training, and housing.
Led by our Director of Indigenous Programming, Nipahtuwet Naka Wespahtuwet Possesom (Possesom Paul) and our board member Natasha Martin-Mitchell, this program honors traditional Indigenous dance while exploring contemporary techniques, empowering you to develop your artistic voice and skills.
Meet the First Cohort
Mawiamalga’tijig / Mawokahtine was pleased to welcome the first cohort of nine students to an orientation week in Moncton in March 2025. Regular studies for this group will begin in September. We can’t wait to get started!
What To Expect?
Tuition, accommodations, meals, transportation and academic tutors are all provided at no charge to successful candidates.
Mawiamalga’tijig / Mawokahtine creates an opportunity for you to access the expertise and training necessary to pursue a professional dance career—without needing to relocate full-time.
You will continue living in your home communities and travel to Atlantic Ballet’s studios for training one week per month from September to June.
- Length: 2 years (beginning September 2025)
- Schedule: 1 week/month for 10 months each year
- Hours: 420 hours per year
- Location: Petgotiag (Moncton), located on the traditional unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq Peoples
Why Choose Our Program?
- Expert Training: Train with professional dancers, choreographers,and cultural leaders. Our teaching model is Indigenous led and guided by Elders;
- Comprehensive Learning: Learn contemporary Indigenous dance, ballet, choreography, and more;
- Individualized learning: With only 9 students per class, you’ll receive personalized attention and support.
- Performance Opportunities: Perform and showcase your talent on stage in front of live audiences;
- Earn High School Credits: Each year of the program earns credits towards graduation;
- Graduate with a Diploma in Professional Dance: Be ready to begin your professional career as a dancer upon graduation.
A Home Away from Home - Live in Your Community, Train in Moncton
You don’t need to leave your community to pursue your dance career! While the program requires travel to Moncton for training, you will live in your home community the rest of the time. During the training weeks, you’ll live in a safe and supportive home, where dedicated twenty-four hour chaperones provide care and guidance. Relax with friends in the common areas, study halls or enjoy quiet time with full Wi-Fi access.
What to expect:
- Arrive on-site on Saturday to start classes on Sunday and leave on Saturday at the end of the week.
- Receive 3 catered nutritious meals daily & 2 snacks per day.
- Attend all classes from training schedule.
- Study during dedicated study hours.
- Receive support from specialized academic tutors at your home school.
- Take part in activities and outings outside of your class time.
- Start and finish your training week with a Talking Circle.
Explore the Possibilities
Join a community that values creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Whether your goal is to perform on the world stage or develop your artistry, our program will give you the tools to succeed.
IInterested? Contact us at MMIIDP@atlanticballet.ca for more information.
Program Funders
