Logan Savard is in the final stages of achieving his dream to become a professional dancer. Originally from Comox on Vancouver Island, BC, the 18-year-old has been training full-time at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) School since he was 16. He’s now in Level 7, the highest level in the Academic program at the RWB School.
Logan recently completed his high school studies through RWB’s collaborative education program with The University of Winnipeg Collegiate, and he now gets to focus entirely on his dance training. The hope of course, like most dancers in elite-level ballet programs, is to eventually make it into a company.
With the RWB school about to begin its North American Audition Tour, I interviewed Logan to get an exclusive look at what life is like for a dance student at the RWB school, and to hear about his dance journey and more.
How did you get into dance and how old were you when you started?
I started dance at five-years-old when my mom enrolled me in a tap class, and I eventually began doing more and more classes and styles.
Besides ballet, what other dance styles have you studied?
Other than ballet, I have trained in tap, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and modern dance.
Before you entered the RWB school, did you do dance competitions?
I did a couple of competitions, but they weren’t really my focus.
Tell me a bit about your journey to the RWB School.
Back when I was 13 I auditioned for RWB and got into the summer session, except I broke my wrist a week before I was supposed to come. I re-auditioned when I was 16 and have been studying here since.
Please walk me through what an average day at the RWB school is like for you.
Every day starts with ballet class at 8:30 am (apart from Saturdays), followed by a pas de deux or variations class. After that I usually have a rehearsal for an upcoming performance, then a lunch break. Since I have graduated from high school, I sometimes have another rehearsal in the middle of the day while others are at school. Then in the afternoon I’ll either have another rehearsal or modern class.
What’s it like attending the academic side of the RWB School?
Attending the University of Winnipeg Collegiate while also training at the RWB is quite challenging to balance, but everyone here is a hard worker and usually manages to do well in their studies. Also, the teachers at both the Collegiate and the RWB are understanding of our busy schedules and often try to help accommodate them.
Do you live on campus and if so, what is that like?
This is my first year living off campus, but I lived in residence for 2 years. When I was living there, it was nice to have the convenience of being right beside the ballet building and being with all my friends.
What’s your favourite part of the school year at RWB and why?
I really enjoy Concert Hour Ballet in the fall, where we go around to different schools and perform, because we get an idea of what it’s like to travel and do shows. We also learn a little bit about lighting and sound, and how to set up the stage. It’s also very rewarding to perform for some kids that might not otherwise get a chance to see the arts.
What are your top 3 favourite dance movies?
White Nights, First Position and Footloose
What kind of music do you like?
I listen to a lot of rap and R&B, but also like alternative rock and indie rock.
What has been your favourite performance that you’ve done so far and why?
Since I’ve been at RWB my favourite performance I’ve done was probably performing at First Steps during my first year at the school, since it was exciting to be doing my first performance at a new school.
What’s your favourite ballet of all time and what’s your dream role?
Giselle and the role of Albrecht in it.
Can you tell me something cool about yourself that not everyone might know?
Before I got serious about ballet, I used to be really into basketball and skiing.
Besides your dance pursuits, do you have any other dreams that you want to pursue in the future?
After I’m finished dancing I think I might try my luck as a choreographer. Or do something within music or fashion.
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School is seeking the next generation of professional dancers!
Students at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Photo credit: Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Facebook
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) School will be holding auditions across North America for students interested in attending RWB’s Professional Division programs. These auditions will also be for RWB’s renowned summer intensive program, where successful dancers will be invited to stay for the year-round Professional Division training.
Visit rwb.org/auditions for dates, locations, schedules and to register in advance. #RWBSAuditions
Here’s the info for the Vancouver audition:
Royal Winnipeg Ballet School North American Audition Tour 2019/20
Coming to Vancouver on Friday, October 18, 2019
The Dance Centre (Scotiabank Dance Centre) 677 Davie Street, Vancouver