Who is eligible for the Program?
To be eligible for the Dance Training Support Program, dancers, choreographers, and rehearsal directors must be members in good standing of RQD.
Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the membership category. Applicants must also provide the required supporting documents, such as diplomas or proof of professional engagement.
See the Program Guidelines for more information.
The Claims Process
RQD MEMBER - The claim form opens for the application period on the first business day of the current month.
- The form will close at the end of the 14th day of the application period for the current month.
- Complete the Claim form in the member area.
- Ensure that receipts are detailed and compliant. Please note that debit or credit card statements are not accepted.
- Verify that the payment date for the activity falls within your membership year.
- Submit a voided check with the claim form only upon your first claim to the Program or if your financial institution has changed.
How are claims processed? *New!
This year, we have introduced a fixed application submission period. Applications can be submitted during the first 14 days of each month.
Claims are processed in the following order:
- A random draw among applicants who have not yet received a first reimbursement during their membership year.
- A random draw among all remaining applications.
Reimbursements are issued no later than one month after the end of the 14-day submission period.
How is the funding envelope allocated?
The 2025–2026 funding envelope is $65,000.
It is divided on a monthly basis, at $5,416.66 per month.
Based on the composition of our membership, the envelope is allocated as follows:
80% to professional individual and organizational members,
20% to individual trainee members.
What types of training are eligible for reimbursement?
The program reimburses expenses related to various types of dance training and physical conditioning, including:
- Dance classes and workshops
- Subscriptions to dance training programs
- Continuing education
- Yoga, Pilates, strength training, and similar classes
What are the receipt requirements for reimbursement?
Any eligible expense incurred during the member’s active membership year may be submitted for reimbursement.
Receipts must include the following information:
– Your name
– Date of payment
– Name of the training venue or instructor
– Type of training
– Cost and number of classes
– Number of hours for workshops or duration of the subscription
A bank or credit card transaction slip is not considered a valid supporting document.
Classes, workshops, or subscriptions already subsidized by a government body are not eligible for reimbursement.
Which expenses are not reimbursable?
Fees for fitness assessments, studio rentals, or training equipment are not eligible for reimbursement.
Voluntary contributions are also not reimbursable.
What is the maximum reimbursement amount?
The reimbursement amount depends on your membership category with RQD. The amounts are as follows:
- For trainee members: 40% of training costs (before tax), up to a maximum of $125 per month and $300 per year, subject to available funds.
- For professional individual or organizational members: 40% of training costs (before tax), up to a maximum of $125 per month and $500 per year, subject to available funds.
The RQD does not guarantee that all members admitted to the Program will receive reimbursement or be granted the maximum allowable amount each year.
Questions?
Write to rqd@quebecdanse.org.
CNESST coverage for training injuries
In accordance with the Regulation respecting the implementation of the agreement concerning the training class program in the field of professional dance of the Act respecting occupational health and safety, adopted in 2006, performers admitted to the Dance Training Support Program are automatically covered by the CNESST in the event of injuries sustained during training that is not part of an employment contract. Certain conditions apply.
CNESST coverage under the Dance Training Support Program applies only to performers . It is not available to choreographers or rehearsal directors.
To benefit from coverage, dancers must be members of the RQD and admitted to the Training Support Program, after applying via the RQD membership form (see 2 – Eligibility requirements).
Training sessions in which performers are covered must meet the following strict conditions:
- Specialized dance training
- Supervised training
- Face-to-face training on Quebec soil
Please note: Trainings can be taken in person or online and can come from anywhere in the world, unless they already have a grant.
What to do in the event of injury
A dancer who is injured in training must:
- Inform the person supervising his/her class or training and designate a witness.
- Immediately notify the RQD by e-mail at info@quebecdanse.org to open a CNESST file.
- Consult a physician within 48 hours of the incident. The doctor must provide a CNESST-identified medical certificate and a prescription for treatment. Do not send anything directly to the CNESST before speaking to the RQD!
The policy for the RQD’s Training Support Program was unanimously adopted by the RQD Board of Directors on June 16, 2025.
The Dance Training Support Program receives financial support from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Conseil des arts de Montréal and the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec.
