Development Weekend 2023

We're beyond thrilled to be announcing our ninth annual Development Weekend at CDA! This weekend brings together a group of phenomenal faculty to provide the NS dance community with four days of intensive work focusing on dance technique, creation and exploration. Participants will have the opportunity to take classes in Ballet, Modern, Contemporary Jazz and Composition. Each morning will begin with a clinic class to gently warm up the body and bring awareness and intention to the day ahead. Repertoire time is built into the schedule and the weekend will conclude with a demonstration for family and friends.

The weekend is open to dancers ages 10 and up who are dancing at the RAD Grade 4 level or above. If you are not sure if your dancer qualifies, please reach out to us at info@cobequiddanceacademy.com

Tuition for the full weekend - $156.52 plus HST

Professionals, post-secondary students and adult students wishing to participate may attend on a drop-in basis for $15 per class, or, register for the full weekend and receive a 15% discount. Please email info@cobequiddanceacademy.com to attend via drop-in or for more information.

Looking for accommodations for the weekend? Ask us about how to book at the Inn On Prince with CDA's special booking rate! The Inn On Prince is located in downtown Truro within walking distance to CDA, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes and shops!

Registration deadline is February 16th. Refunds will not be issued for non-attendance unless a doctor’s note is provided.

FACULTY FOR 2023

Darry Tracy (Modern) - Darryl Tracy is a Toronto based independent dance artist (choreographer, interpreter, teacher and producer). He is a senior faculty member at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre and as a dancer has created many roles by most of Canada's leading choreographers. He and Heidi Strauss were co-artistic directors of four chambers Dance Projects from 1998-2006, commissioning duets from Canadian choreographers as well as their duet created by Italian-based company Déjà Donné. This duet garnered them a nomination in performance for the prestigious Dora Mavor Moore Award. He was part of the company Sylvain Émard Danse in Montreal for over 4 years dancing and touring in Émard's Temps de chien. He has created over 39 of his own works through commissions and self-produced productions. Most recently, he has choreographed for Connection Dance (NB), George Brown University (Toronto), The School of Toronto Dance Theatre and Sawdon Dance (Winnipeg). His own professional work is based in site specific creations most recently seen at the Rhubarb Festival and Nuit Rose. He was nominated for the K.M. Hunter award in 2013.  As a dancer, he has been on tour with creations by Lesandra Dodson and Marie-Josée Chartier. He is also a physiotherapist specializing in movement and neurological injuries.

Robert McCollum (Ballet Bob - Ballet) - Robert McCollum (Ballet Bob) trained in New York City and went on to dance professionally in both the US and Canada. Acclaimed for his expertise in teaching adults, Robert holds a Cecchetti Associate teaching qualification (with Distinction) and is a graduate of our Teacher Training Program. Mr. McCollum is currently the coordinator of the Adult Ballet Program at NBS and also teaches for the Professional Program at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, Teachers’ Seminar at NBS, and George Brown Theatre School. In 2006, he was invited by Christopher House to teach company class for the award-winning Toronto Dance Theatre and has most recently been offered the opportunity to teach there on a regular basis.

Erin Cusack (Contemporary Jazz) - Erin Cusack – L.C.D.T.A., B.Sc., M.A.  Originally from Halifax, NS, Erin has over 20 years experience as dance educator and choreographer in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Contemporary. She is a graduate of the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts (MCPA) Dance Teacher Training Programme and is a Licentiate in Ballet, Jazz, and Tap, and an Associate in Modern and Acrobatics with the Canadian Dance Teachers’ Association (CDTA). Erin has served on the Executive for the CDTA Atlantic Branch.   With a B.Sc. and M.A. in Health Promotion, Erin is passionate about bringing a holistic and inclusive approach to dance, health, and life to the studio. Erin is committed to ongoing learning and advocacy to make dance spaces safer and more inclusive.  Many of Erin’s students have gone on to train professionally with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Peridance Capezio Center, Ballet Jorgen, Toronto Dance Theatre, Alvin Ailey, Toronto Metropolitan University, and York University to name a few.  Erin has lived and worked in NS, BC, AB and PEI and has had the privilege of teaching and learning from dance communities from coast to coast!

Larry Graves (Accompanist) - Juno-nominated, multi-percussionist, drummer and composer Larry Graves has dedicated himself to innovation, exploring rhythm-based performance traditions from around the world through research, creation and teaching.

After studying performance and composition at the Berklee College of Music, Larry became charmed by the deep sounds and wondrous poly-rhythms of West Africa. He has spent a great deal of time traveling and researching music in Ghana, Senegal and Burkina Faso. Under the tutelage of many master-drummers, dancers and singers, Larry learned from cultures that are truly ‘the source’ of so many of the world’s great musical practices.

Larry currently presents rhythm and percussion workshops for people of all ages, performs regularly with various ensembles throughout Canada, teaches drum set and percussion at York University and creates music for various contemporary dance organizations in Toronto.

Formally of Mr. Something Something fame, he now directs the original music-making DRUMHAND,  Surefire Sweat and Ghana-inspired Orkestra Gatigo. He also performs regularly with Toronto’s Urban Highlanders and Asiko Afrobeat to name a few.