Welcome to the Fifth’s 2026 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 Jessie Garon 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 Jessie Garon, 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.
Schedules
*(Click on schedule images to enlarge)*
Workshop Facilitators TBA
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 25th qualify for Early Bird Rates!
Call For Guest Performances
Call deadline is January 25th at 11:59PM
Intensive Choreographers
JESSIE GARON
Jessie Garon (she/they) is a performer and choreographer working in contemporary dance theatre. Originally from a homesteaded family farm in Alberta, she is now based in Tkaronto/Toronto. She is a graduate of Dance Arts Institute after which she interned for Ate9 Dance Company (Los Angeles) under Artistic Director Danielle Agami.
Since 2014, she has participated primarily in collaborative processes blending performative forms. Her work incites the potential of dance virtuosity, rigor and spectacle as materials to craft spirited, athletic and abstract dance theatre.
She has worked with artists such as Brandy Leary/Anandam Dance Theatre, Jennifer Dallas/Kemi Contemporary Dance Projects, Serge Bennathan, Lemi Ponifasio/MAU (New Zealand), Clarice Lima/Futura (Brazil) Sara Porter and Sasha Ivanochko.
Garon is the founder and Artistic Director of Vazari Arts. As a creator she is nominated for the 2024 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes. Her work has been shown across Canada, including the Theatre Centre (ON), Pumphouse Theatre (AB), Refinery Theatre (SK), Édifice Wilder Espace Danse (QC) and Salle Bernard-LeBlanc (NB). Her newest work 'everything i wanted to tell you' had its sold out premiere in February as part the Citadel LIVE season.
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.
Photos by Drew Berry