Variation Class Series III with Riho Dantow
In this 4-week workshop, we’ll study Medora’s Act II variation from Le Corsaire — one of the most frequently performed classical variations in ballet competitions.
Featuring grand pas de chat, multiple turns, and exhilarating grand allegro music, this variation is filled with show-stopping moments that allow dancers to demonstrate both power and control. Over the series, you’ll learn the choreography in detail while working on a wide range of technical elements embedded throughout the variation.
We’ll also focus on connecting these technical challenges with musicality, confident stage presence, and clarity, transforming virtuosic steps into a compelling and polished performance.
This series is created in partnership with The Fifth and Prix du Canada, a new classical ballet competition supporting adult and youth dancers across Canada.
What you’ll experience over 4 weeks:
Week 1: Learn the choreography step by step
Week 2: Jump technique, stamina, and clean execution
Week 3: Musicality, dynamics, and performance quality
Week 4: Full run-throughs, polishing, and stage coaching
Whether you are preparing for a competition, expanding your classical repertoire, or simply looking to challenge yourself with a variation rich in technical elements, this workshop offers a valuable and focused training experience.
This workshop is ideal for dancers who want to strengthen their classical technique while working on a variation that is both challenging and rewarding, and often requested in competitions due to its excitement and strong visual impact.
Recommended level:
Minimum 1+ year of ballet experience and confidence with centre work (for safety).
This workshop is ideal for dancers who want to strengthen their classical technique while working on a variation that is both challenging and rewarding, and often requested in competitions due to its excitement and strong visual impact.
Please note: This workshop does NOT include barre or warm-up, so we strongly recommend taking the Beginner drop-in class beforehand.
When: Fridays, February 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th, 2026
Where: Main Studio at 366 Adelaide | Unit 120
Time: 7:30 pm-8:30 pm
Price: $88 + HST
This Variation Class Series is a partnership between the Premier Ballet Competition in Canada: Prix du Canada and The Fifth Dance. Learn more about the Prix du Canada competition, programming and support on their website. Registration for the competition opens late 2025.
About Riho
Born in Kyoto, Japan, Riho discovered her love for ballet at the age of three. Throughout her training at a ballet school in Kyoto, she flourished and had the privilege of performing as the main character in iconic ballets like Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and more.
In 2015, she achieved a significant milestone by winning the prestigious Uiro Prize at the National Ballet Competition held in Nagoya, Japan. Seeking further growth, she embarked on an enriching experience in New York City, training alongside renowned ballet dancers and teachers from 2016 to 2017.
After relocating to Toronto in 2018, she continued to shine on stage, captivating audiences as the lead in the Nutcracker and other notable productions with the esteemed Toronto International Ballet Theatre. She also delighted audiences with guest appearances on various ballet school stages.
In 2023, she realized her dream of founding her own ballet school, the Ogata Ballet School. Through this endeavor, she passionately shares her love for ballet and aims to inspire young children and adults, passing on the essence of this timeless art form.