Welcome to the Fifth’s 2025 Intensive
Over two weeks we’ll be hosting 10 pop-up workshops from acclaimed artists in the city and 2 creation processes led by Dora award-winning artists William Yong and Alyssa Martin. At the end of each week, the processes will culminate in a show at the Citadel alongside guest performances curated by The Fifth.
(see call for artists at the bottom of the page).
What are my options?
This year we’ve given you lots of options to train the way that best serves you.
Looking for inspiration from a variety of artists? Join our morning guest workshops and explore diverse movement perspectives.
Want to be part of a creation process but can’t commit to a full day? Engage in a focused one-week creation process with either Alyssa Martin or William Yong, and perform a brand-new piece at The Citadel at the end of the week.
Seeking a comprehensive, immersive experience? Opt for our traditional two-week full-day intensive—the best value option—designed to deepen your knowledge, and technique and expand your artistry.
Please note that Stream 4 (Morning Workshops only) does not require an application and will open for public registration closer to the date of the intensive, provided there is still space available after the registration of participants enrolled in the full intensive.
Workshop Facilitators:
Heidi Strauss, Colleen Snell, Meryem Alaoui, Debbie Wilson, David Norsworthy, Sid Ryan Eilers, Kelly Shaw (Côté Danse), Peggy Baker, Daniela Jezerinac, and Rion Taylor.
Schedules
*(Click on schedule images to enlarge)*
Who is this for?
This intensive is geared towards emerging artists & professional dancers, post-secondary students, and or pre-professional dancers in their final years of training (18+).
Do I need to apply? If so, how?
If you are enrolling in a stream that involves a creation process (Streams 1, 2, and 3), you must complete the application form below. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, provided you meet the prerequisites outlined in the application.
Please send us your bio and a short video of you moving (either improvisation or set choreography).
APPLY TODAY – SPACE IS LIMITED!
Click the button above to complete our short and simple application form. Successful applicants who register by Sunday, January 26th qualify for Early Bird Rates!
Call For Guest Performances
Intensive Choreographers
WILLIAM YONG
William Yong is a multi-faceted artist and an award-winning choreographer, performer and director for dance, theatre and film. He is currently the artistic director of Zata Omm and W Zento Productions. William was trained and received his master's degree with distinction at the London Contemporary Dance School in U.K. Companies that he previously worked for include: Wayne McGregor's Random Dances and Matthew Bourne's Adventures In Motion Pictures in the U.K.; National Ballet of Canada, Canadian Stage, Against The Grain, Toronto Dance Theatre, Peggy Baker Dance Projects, Fila 13, Echo Chamber Toronto and many others in Canada. William's professional career spans over thirty years. He has performed in 76 cities within 15 countries. He has created more than 150 original stage and film works worldwide. William and his stage works received eleven Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations. William was a Dora Mavor Moore Award winning performer and the winner of “I love dance/J’aime la danse Award for Innovation” presented by Canadian Dance Assembly. His film works were awarded 'Best Cinematography', 'Award of Excellence' and 'Best Experimental Shorts' at ten prestigious international film festivals.
ALYSSA MARTIN
Alyssa Martin, based in Toronto, is an award-winning choreographer best known for her tongue-in-cheek approach to dance theatre. As the founder and Artistic Director of Rock Bottom Movement, she creates work that challenges patriarchal norms with a blend of comedy and tenderness. Since its inception in 2012, Rock Bottom has met audiences across the country with acclaimed works designed to infuse "going to the theatre" with an excitement that matches our contemporary sensibilities. Martin's commissions include "Desperate Drama of Red" with The National Ballet of Canada, "Bin Chicken" with Toronto Dance Theatre, "PUS" with Susie Burpee and Linnea Swan, “Sugar Water” with The National Ballet of Canada Apprentices and a new circus experiment, “Lizard of Pause.” Her collaborations span theatre, film, musical theatre, and opera, including multiple seasons at The Stratford Festival. As she continues to create, she seeks to foster an environment where irreverence, humour, and individuality flourish.
