Creative Futures is a short-term intensive designed to support the further development of dedicated dance students at the Hamilton Conservatory of the Arts. The program was launched three years ago to provide additional instruction and guidance to students seeking ways to expand their skills and understanding of dance as a language.
Creative Futures is FREE and is open to HCA students enrolled in at minimum three hours of dance class each week OR students who passed their Level IV (or higher) ballet exams in the last school year. As well, selected students will be those who consistently demonstrate exemplary behaviour, including a positive attitude and friendly conduct toward their peers and teachers.
As this is a free program with limited spaces, attendance is required for every class and rehearsal, without exception. Additionally, attendance at regularly scheduled classes is still expected.
For more information on the Creative Futures program, please speak with our friendly staff in person, or call 905-528-4020.
The current schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, February 1: Registration deadline for Creative Futures
Saturday, February 24, 1:30pm-4pm: Rehearsal with Sebastian “Bash” Hirtenstein
Saturday, March 24, 1:30pm-4pm: Rehearsal with Sebasian “Bash” Hirtenstein
Saturday, April 21, 2pm-4pm: Rehearsal with Denise
Saturday, April 28, 1:30pm-4pm: Rehearsal with Sebastian “Bash” Hirtenstein
Saturday, May 5: 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Creative Futures Showcase/Auditions
Saturday, May 26, 1:30pm-4pm: Rehearsal with Sebastian “Bash” Hirtenstein
Saturday, June 2, 2pm-4pm: Rehearsal with Denise
Saturday, June 16, 1:30pm-4pm: Rehearsal with Sebastian “Bash” Hirtenstein
Saturday, June 23, Time TBA: Dress Rehearsal at Hamilton Place
Please note: While we strive to maintain the program schedule shared above, HCA reserves the right to make adjustments if necessary.
2018 Creative Futures Choreographer: Sebastian “Bash” Hirtenstein
Sebastian “Bash” Hirtenstein is a force to be reckoned with… Originally from Aurora, Ontario, he began dancing at the late age of twelve, immersing himself in Toronto’s hip hop and street dance culture. He began his professional training with the O.I.P. Dance Company, and was an original member of the semi-professional street jazz company Dance Addiction before entering the esteemed School of Toronto Dance Theatre. He has since trained and been mentored at The Underground Dance Centre, the Rightfoot Studio, the Gadfly School, Broadway Dance Center (New York City), Urban Element (Montreal) and Seoul Tanz Station (Seoul). His versatility as a performer has allowed him to work with a wide repertoire of choreographers such as Puja Amin, Michael Caldwell, Emilio Collalilo, Lenny de la Pena, Rodney Diverlus, Darryl Hoskins, and Denone Isaacs, and at the School of TDT with Nova Bhattacharya, Jennifer Dallas, Danny Grossman, Allen Kaeja, Louis Laberge-Côté, Sharon B. Moore, Julia Sasso, and Darryl Tracy. He has performed with local and international recording artists including Arjun, Simone Denny, Jason Derulo, Ariana Grande, Kiesza, Mia Martina, Lady Pista, Prince Young, and Wildheart. He has toured with Creativiva’s production of Pinocchio in Qatar, and in Quebec with the sensational Bollywood company Sanskriti Arts. Although he manifests his unique quality of movement within the realms of contemporary and hip hop, he is constantly pushing himself to add other styles to his repertoire such as Bharatanatyam, Bollywood, African, and dancehall.