The Cypher Program

Rated 5 stars by educators.

★★★★★

How it works

This program is FREE for eligible TCDSB schools
(limited spots). Transportation not included.

Sign up for the Program

Contact the Program Director to confirm eligibility—TCDSB schools only for now—and to see if we’re active in your area. Not in TCDSB? Ask us about bringing Cypher to your board.

High School Students Teach your Class

Book 2–3 in-class sessions with our trained high school mentors. We coordinate availability and handle the dance instruction so you can focus on everything else.

Prepare for the Final Showcase

Have students choreograph a routine, practice their school cheer, and create a short intro video.

The H4 Invitational

Bring your students to the final citywide event and cheer them on. Transportation isn’t included—schools arrange and cover their own travel.

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Students: Prepare These Three Projects

These fulfill Dance and Media curriculum expectations (and can count toward DPA). Your school will present all three at the H4 Invitational.

FINAL PERFORMANCE (≤ 3:00 MIN)

• One team routine representing your school; up to 60 students on stage.

• Students choreograph the piece and create the music; provide the final track to the DJ in advance.

SCHOOL CHEER (≤ 1:00 MIN)

• A high-energy cheer showcasing school spirit

• All students must participate.

• Student-filmed and edited video about your performance and what makes your school unique

• Plays before your performance to set the tone for the audience.

INTRODUCTION VIDEO (≤ 2:00 MIN)

Teachers: Your Main Responsibilities

We keep it simple—if you can handle the items below, we’ll handle the rest. That’s it!

Scheduling: Book 2–3 mentor sessions and pencil in the showcase date.

Space & Equipment: Reserve a safe dance space (gym/library/empty classroom) and provide speakers (AUX/Bluetooth + power).

Classroom Management: Lead supervision as high school students teach.

Student Support: Address tricky behaviour as needed, you know your learners best.

H4 Invitational Day: Collect permission forms, arrange transportation, and select the performance team, media team, and cheer squad.

Key Learning Outcomes & Student Benefits

Aligned to Ontario Arts (Dance), Media Literacy, and HPE/DPA.

500+

12

School Communities

Students

Learning Outcomes

• Leadership & Agency: Students plan, rehearse, and deliver all three projects.

• Collaboration & Communication: Team roles, peer feedback, shared deadlines.

• Choreography & Creativity: Apply elements of dance; build a polished routine.

• Media Production: Storyboard, film, edit; prepare final audio for the DJ.

Why Teachers Love It

• Covers multiple subjects and teachers use it for DPA.

• Easy assessment (Dance/observation/conversation).

• Inclusive & UDL-friendly: roles for movers, editors, artists.

• Engaging Program : H4 Invitational is a memorable event that leaves students excited and eager for the next one.

• High School Mentors Teach: Teachers love that our high school mentors take the lead, giving them a break from teaching dance class

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does this cost?

• The three core classes, taught by high school mentors, are completely free. Optional workshops led by trained facilitators are available for a variable fee.

• Schools or individual participants are responsible for arranging and covering transportation to the final event.

Do I have to dance?

How to access resources?

Where's the final event?

Can I go over the time limit?

Resources can be accessed via our website's downloadable section or through provided links.

• Please stay within the time limit. With so many awesome performances, we need to make sure everyone gets their time in the spotlight!

• Not mandatory, but students love seeing their teachers dance.

• Depending on the high schools involved. We aim to have the event Last week of February or 1st week of March.

Get in Touch

Book a call to discuss the Cypher Program.