training primarily in the Vaganova method, as well as classes in jazz, pointe work, and contemporary dance, and exposure to internationally renowned guest teachers. Half day programs are offered to aspiring dancers who still want to achieve their academic goals. These students work through the SPARTS (School’s Performing Athletic and Arts) program as part of the Vancouver School Board grades 8 - 12 educational curriculum. Auditions are needed to be accepted into the senior professional program, half and full day, which is open to "high performance" individuals who are committed to their education and training. Goh Ballet Academy also offers adult classes and summer intensives. Tours Goh Ballet has toured Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, and the United States. In 1994, the youth company was the first Canadian institution to be asked to perform at Rencontres Internationales de la Danse Festival in La Baule, France where its performance had eight curtain calls. Performances Since 2009, the Goh Ballet has produced its own performance of The Nutcracker with commissioned choreography by Anna-Marie Holmes. Unlike other productions, the Goh Ballet Academy’s performance of The Nutcracker is not strictly selective to their academy and features visiting professionals from international companies alongside academy students across Vancouver. Executive producer of Vancouver's Nutcracker ballet, Chan-hon Goh describes it as "its own entity. It's meant for the city." Additional performances at the academy include an end of year performance which has dedicated class time and Goh Academy students only performance. The Goh Youth Ballet Company has more opportunities for students, with its goal to provide time for students to perform in front of an audience and prepare them for professional careers. All students are welcome to audition for the company and perform with the GYBC. Awards Outstanding School Award (Youth America Grand Prix 2008) Outstanding Champion for the Arts (Arts and Culture Week 2008) Solo Seal Award (Royal Academy of Dance) (20 students have achieved the highest examination honour) Canadian Immigrant Top 25 Award 2017 Founders awards YWCA Women of Distinction Award (2013) Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2013) FMA Vancouver Art Achievement Award (2010) National Association of Asian American Professionals 100 Award (NAAAP) (2010) Genée International Ballet Competition – Silver Medal (1988) Illustrious Prix de Lausanne – Prize (1986) Notable alumni Frances Chung, principal dancer of San Francisco Ballet Yuka Ebihara, principal dancer of Polish National Ballet Céline Gittens, principal dancer