To the Pointe ISSUE 57 2013 FALL Stephen Godfrey Choreographic Workshop 2013 25 Years of Innovation

1989 Listening tours with teachers Message from across Canada 1990 Introduction of Teacher Workshops the Artistic Director, CEO during National Audition Tour; creation of Ideas Exchange for teachers in In 1989, when I succeeded NBS’ co- As I reflected on the past quarter century, Toronto founder Betty Oliphant to become the I created a timeline highlighting the 1991 School’s second Artistic Director, I was introduction of program innovations Peggy Baker installed as NBS’ Artist- deeply excited. Deeply excited because and special projects. This chronological in-Residence; commencement of this was an opportunity to implement ideas record captures some of what today twice weekly ballet staff meetings I had nurtured as a student, and then dur- makes NBS distinct and a leading force 1992 ing my career as a professional dancer, to within the international ballet community. Introduced Irene Dowd as NBS’ strengthen the best of ballet’s educational Each is interwoven and linked to a neuromuscular facilitator; first year of practices by making systemic changes collective commitment at the School that student exchanges to alter counter-productive practices that NBS must always strive to “move the 1993 inevitably become part of any tradition – world” because dance enhances quality Creation of Adult Ballet Program; unless questioned. I knew from first-hand of life on every level. launch of the Stephen Godfrey experience that when ballet dancers were Choreographic Workshop encouraged to use their voices responsibly This review of the past 25 years at 1994 and creatively, the quality of the art was en- NBS brought into keen focus the Completion of NBS’ own dance hanced and the process more inspiring and values and priorities shaping program curriculum; implementation of career innovative. Now, 25 years later, the results evolution and driving each initiative. planning process for PBP students; of my belief in the power of well-educated, First, innovation inspired by the benefits increased commitment to outreach empowered dancers has surpassed my of constantly scrutinizing traditional 1995 dreams. NBS alumni’s accomplishments in practices to ensure ballet and NBS remain 35th anniversary alumni reunion; a diverse range of professions, combined relevant in today’s rapidly changing world. development of pool work for with their capacity to advocate for positive An example is the adjustment in 2011 to conditioning classes change with the utmost integrity, are truly structure the Grade 11 and 12 academic 1996 making the world a better place. The num- schedules to maintain the same high Yondering created at NBS by John ber of alumni currently serving as artistic academic standards while adding seven Neumeier; Sorella Englund begins leaders and influential choreographers is additional hours of dance training each Drama & Expression work at NBS not a coincidence. week – a change essential to meet the 1997 Trademarking of the Healthy Dancer concept 1998 NBS’ philosophy regarding health adopted by the Prix de 1999 Not Just Any Body satellite conference; NBS students perform in Paris at the Conservatoire; start of joint Teacher Training Program with York University 2000 Claude Bessy conducts teacher workshops at NBS 2001 NBS students perform Yondering in Hamburg; start of joint Teacher Training Program with Simon Fraser University

TO THE POINTE FALL 2013 CANADA’S NATIONAL BALLET SCHOOL 2 diverse demands required of today’s curriculum in public schools. Continually 25 Years of Innovation professional dancer. building momentum through this com- 2002 mitment to inclusiveness saw the launch NBS students perform in Japan Message from Second, a belief in the power of partner- this year of NBS’ pilot project for Dancing ships and collaboration to build essential with Parkinson’s with a distinctive focus on 2003 Launch of Project Grand Jeté, with networks which strengthen NBS and the research to determine why and how dance the Artistic Director, CEO the capital campaign co-chaired by ballet community globally. The Assemblée is beneficial to health. Wallace and Margaret McCain Internationale hosted by NBS in 2009 and 2013 powerfully reflects the energizing The one constant throughout my quarter 2004 45th anniversary alumni reunion; hard momentum created through collaboration. of a century at the helm of NBS is the hat tours of new facility The AI 09 and AI 13 were dance festivals wonderful reality that richness of experi- which brought together a larger number ences is defined by people, and I am sur- 2005 of professional ballet schools than ever rounded by a community made up of truly Moved into new facilities in October; official opening in November seen before. But, most significantly, in a remarkable individuals drawn together fashion that focused on the sharing of the through a shared and impassioned sense 2006 creative process through blended casts of purpose. I need to acknowledge cur- Integration of Dancer’s Clinic concept presenting student choreography and the rent students, alumni, their parents, my for individualised training; hosted festival with School, power of technology to vastly increase NBS colleagues, international colleagues, the John Cranko Schule (Stuttgart) dance’s accessibility. the Board of Directors and NBS donors. and the The School of The Hamburg Thank you for how you inspire me daily to Ballet involving blended casts of Rudi Finally, and linked to accessibility, con- strive to do better. Thank you for tolerat- van Dantzig’s Four Last Songs stantly striving for “inclusivity” and to share ing my peccadilloes and “moments of 2007 with society as a whole the power and folly;” I hope I apologised whenever this Forged partnership with Royal benefits of dance. The gradual expansion was required. Most of all, I hope I express Winnipeg Ballet School of onsite community programs and out- my gratitude and love with sufficient clar- 2008 reach initiatives inspired “Sharing Dance,” ity and frequency and acknowledge that Preparations for AI 09, with focus a community platform on a national scale; NBS’ accomplishments are the result of on blended casts of student the Sharing Dance website aims to moti- your truly remarkable talent and efforts. choreography vate hundreds of thousands of Canadians Thanks to all of you, I continue to believe 2009 to participate in creative dance activities that I have the best job in the world. Realisation of the AI 09 with its through a wide variety of instructional distinctive feature of blended casts videos from which to learn accessible performing student choreography Canadian choreography to popular Cana- Mavis Staines 2010 dian music. It also contains materials to Artistic Director, CEO 50th anniversary alumni reunion; support teachers in the delivery of dance flashmob for community 2011 Partnership with L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec (Montreal); implementation of new schedule for Gr. 11 & 12 students; introduced Sharing Dance concept 2012 Launch of Ballet Family Support Program; new work created by NBS alumna, Aszure Barton 2013 NBS students participated in the School’s 300th anniversary performance; AI 13 with 18 schools participating and the launch of NBS’ entry into live streaming, social media broadcasting; introduction of Dancing with Parkinson’s classes and Rachel Bar

3 Message from the Executive Director

How does NBS earn public support? Dancing with Parkinson’s class at NBS

Canada’s National Ballet School receives substantial support from all three levels of government. 35% of the funding for NBS comes from the public purse through the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Ontario Arts Council, and the City of Toronto.

We are enormously grateful to our public funders because reliable funding provides the platform on which we build our programs and plan for the future. Strong public funding indicates the value that NBS contributes to the community, as assessed in a rigourous and competitive dance world and made their mark as of the art dance studios for no cost. Over process. dancers, choreographers, teachers, and the course of a year, DUO artists and artistic directors. What they learn in To- other independent artists use over 2500 How does NBS earn this level of public ronto, they take with them across Canada hours of studio time at NBS, a value of support? and around the world, entertaining audi- close to $100,000. ences and contributing to evolution of First, the School seeks out the most ballet as an art form. NBS also provides opportunities for those talented students from across Canada of us who are not uniquely talented in in a massive national audition program All of this has allowed NBS to become an dance, yet can benefit from dance for that visits 15 to 20 Canadian cities each essential part of the ecology of dance in health, for fitness, for community, and year. Social media is helping spread the Canada and an influential leader in the quality of life. New partnerships with word even farther these days and bringing dance world. Long-term investment in the Dancing with Parkinson’s and Physical people to the auditions who might not School by governments over the past 50 Health and Education Canada will take have heard through traditional media. years made this possible. the School farther in this direction so that The School provides financial support the broadest possible public can benefit to about 72% of the families in order to directly from the expertise at NBS. ensure that the cost of 7 or more years of But the School does more to earn and All of this would be difficult, if not impos- training does not rule out the participation deserve public support. sible, without strong government support. of any gifted student. Thank you to the public who believe that As a well-funded cultural institution over their tax dollars are well spent in arts and Second, the School remains committed to the past half century, NBS has a broader culture; and to the politicians who support the pursuit of excellence and the training responsibility to the public beyond its the benefits that arts and culture spend- of uniquely talented individuals to attain core mission of training elite dancers. ing brings to the community. the highest level of achievement in ballet. For this reason, NBS is a partner and To do this, NBS continuously evolves its resource to the Canadian dance commu- professional ballet programs. As a result, nity. One example of this is the School’s NBS alumni from the past 54 years have relationship with Dance Umbrella Ontario Cathryn Gregor spread to every corner of the international (DUO) whose members book NBS’ state Executive Director

TO THE POINTE FALL 2013 CANADA’S NATIONAL BALLET SCHOOL 4 Professional Ballet Program Report

Students in the Professional Ballet their collaboration and choreography, At the end of July, seventeen choreogra- Program (PBP) experienced a remarkable through partnering with other artists - musi- phers ranging in age from 13 – 19 created, year as the second Assemblée Internatio- cians, designers, film makers – to create a rehearsed and presented their works to nale was held at NBS at the end of April. collaborative work, and share the process full houses during the Stephen Godfrey The entire student body was engaged in of the creation so that by the anniversary Choreographic Workshop. There was this unique, professional development of the AI 13 (May 4, 2014) their work will palpable momentum in the house thanks opportunity. Senior students took classes be performed (in a non-traditional dance to the high standard of the works. taught by a diverse mix of artistic teach- space) filmed, and shared via a web portal. ers, rehearsed with blended casts and This past summer saw the highest performed on the Betty Oliphant Theatre A truly wonderful occasion saw a number number of boys auditioning during the stage. Networking opportunities were of students and staff invited to support Summer School session. As a result, in provided through both student and staff the celebration of the Paris Opera Ballet this current academic year, the student gatherings, making for a deeply meaning- School’s 300th anniversary in the Palais population now is made up of 40% boys. ful conference. Junior school students Garnier, in early April, 2013. Only a hand- This is the first time in the School’s history were guided by their teachers each day ful of schools were asked to participate where the male population has reached ensuring their class observations as well in this celebration and NBS was the only this proportion. as rehearsal and performance experi- North American school that attended the ences were as meaningful as possible. festivities. NBS selected Aszure Barton’s, Les Chambres des Jacques and was Ryerson University students were en- pleased to have Aszure present for the gaged throughout the week of the rehearsals and performance on April 20. AI 13 as partners – filming and photo- graphing students as part of a documen- The annual Spring Showcase saw NBS tary project. Interviews between Ryerson students performing the entire Act II of and NBS students saw both groups Giselle. Also on the program were high- developing skills and friendships as the lights from the student choreographies week progressed. featured in Choreography: Fast Forward from the AI 13. However the Spring Show- The week culminated in a call to action from case performances saw entire NBS casts, Mavis Staines. Titled, The Creative Chal- rather than blended casts as seen in the lenge, students were charged to continue AI performances.

5 Academic Report

Students in the Professional Ballet Pro- gram (PBP) receive an enriched curriculum based on the Ontario Ministry of Educa- tion guidelines. Although most graduates go on to dance, students are prepared for university and careers beyond dance.

The academic department had many successes in the past year. Following the Student Council’s annual picnic, a multi-age community-building exercise, was our biennial Fashion Show. Under the leadership of Ros Goss, it featured socially relevant fashion designs by our multi-talented visual arts students. Music Night and Matinée, guided by Ellen Smee and Margot Rejskind was great, and we capped the year off with the yearbook. Our gratitude goes to Lisa Fleischmann and her current and former student volun- teers. At our annual convocation, we cel- ebrated the many outstanding academic accomplishments of our graduating class. All of the diploma recipents achieved honours and were designated as Ontario Scholars. NBS Board Chair, Brenda Eprile, presented the Governor General’s Medal to Kiara Flavin who had an average of 96% in her Grade 11 and 12 courses.

There were a few academic staff changes. Lynn McIntosh decided to take his well- deserved retirement after many success- ful years in our noble profession, the last 37 having been at NBS. Ellen Smee has opted to take early retirement for personal reasons, and our other music teacher, Margot Rejskind, has accepted a position at the University of Prince Edward Island. Laura Schmitt and Sarah Burchmore have joined the Academic Department to take on the portfolio formerly covered by Lynn and our music program respectively. Congratulations to English teacher, Anna- rita Primier, who has just earned her PhD in Comparative Literature. We continue to have a strong and dedicated team of academic teachers who are committed to the highest levels of artistic and academic success of all our students.

TO THE POINTE FALL 2013 CANADA’S NATIONAL BALLET SCHOOL 6 Career Planning Report

During the 2012-2013 year NBS students had a wonderful opportunity to meet ar- tistic directors from other partner schools and companies while they were gathered in Toronto for the Assemblée Internatio- nale 2013. It was an intensive week with meetings and auditions during the last week of April and early May.

While there were more Post-Secondary Program (PSP) students than the previous Canada and he also received a Devel- her training at the year, it was still a relatively small class. oping Artist Grant for ballet from the Academy (as is Hikari Kushiro) and Rachel However, there were some inspiring Hnatyshyn Foundation. Silverstein is continuing her training at the opportunities made available to the School (SFBS). For- students. A standout saw five NBS stu- Ted Brandsen (Artistic Director of the mer graduate Ami Yuki is now a trainee at dents performing an excerpt from Aszure Dutch National Ballet) contacted Mavis SFBS. Thea Barnwell and Calley Skallnick Barton’s Les Chambres des Jacques at Staines when a position became available are in performances of The Sleeping the Palais Garnier in Paris as part of the at the last minute for a job in the first Beauty with the Dresden SemperOper Gala to celebrate the Paris Opera Ballet year of their second Company. On our Ballet as part of an “exchange” with School’s 300th anniversary. They did an recommendation, Daniel Cooke went to the Company in Dresden; they will return astounding performance and we were Amsterdam and was offered the position, to PSP in fall 2013. very proud! (Read of their experience in which he happily accepted! the Spring 13 issue of To the Pointe). Fourteen of last year’s Grade 12 students Arthur Stashak is now continuing his are presently enrolled in NBS’ PSP. We Martin ten Kortenaar was offered an ap- training at The School of The Hamburg look forward to resuming the Open Stage prenticeship with The National Ballet of Ballet. Helen Clare Kinney is continuing presentations in the new School year. 7 Report from the Teacher Training Program

Last year’s Teacher Training Program flashmob’s teaching and dancing team. how to address leg hyperextension in (TTP) student body saw a diverse group of During the summer he was provided with dance students. The combination of students in terms of age — ranging from a scholarship to Banff to participate in the observing summer school classes and 18 – 45 years — and gender with 20% of Indigenous Dance Residency. The intake two hour workshops with Irene Dowd and the students male, for a total of five men was limited to just 13 dancers and Dayton NBS staff is a dynamic combination and is out of 27 students. We are thrilled to have has been asked to return next summer. proving to be popular with dance teach- students from all reaches of the globe: ers. The participants were evenly split Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Russia, At the graduation ceremony, an additional between those who have returned to this Brazil and from all across Canada, includ- award was donated by Sylvia McPhee. session for more than twenty years, and ing Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, As a former school teacher and a long brand new participants. We look forward to Alberta and Nova Scotia. The student term supporter of NBS, she recognizes seeing them all return for next year’s Ideas body has remained fairly constant in terms the need for well-trained teachers and Exchange. of the number of participants but the wanted to celebrate her 80th birthday gender split has seen an increase in the milestone by creating The Sylvia McPhee In our back office, former TTP gradu- number of males in the program. Award. The award was given to graduat- ate Gdalit Neuman has moved to Israel ing TTP student Marq Frerichs. We are to continue to pursue her education and One of this year’s incoming students was grateful that Ms McPhee has offered to her heritage. Kristen Mason, also a TTP Dayton Hill who is of Canadian Native heri- continue her donation for this award in graduate (2006) has now joined the TTP tage. The selected choreographer for the 2013-14 also. As with each year, every Team. Prior to joining the office staff, Kris- annual flashmob was former NBS alumna, graduate found employment immediately ten was active in the Outreach/Community Santee Smith, also of Canadian Native heri- upon graduation, with four graduates aug- engagement programs, particularly teach- tage, who created an Intertribal Pow Wow menting the dance scene in the Greater ing in elementary schools. Her extensive routine. As in previous years, TTP students Toronto Area and two teaching in Japan. experience with The Nutcracker will be put played a key role in teaching students in to good use and as she is an RAD certified the Associates Program the routine, hence The Summer Ideas Exchange was well at- teacher, she will be able to cover many of Dayton became an integral member of the tended and featured Irene Dowd discussing the TTP courses.

TO THE POINTE FALL 2013 CANADA’S NATIONAL BALLET SCHOOL 8 Residence National Audition Tour Report The 2012-13 National Audition Tour saw a an exciting opportunity for young dancers Another year has passed and when reflecting greater focus on reaching young dancers from across the country to meet with NBS’ back what stands out are the unique events through social media platforms. While com- Artistic Faculty and experience a typical that brought fun, were productive and life munications over the past few years have class. A record attendance at the Toronto defining. Residence staff and students make seen more emphasis on providing informa- Open Classes saw 115 students partici- for a community - most definitely. tion through online channels, last year’s pate in a day that included expert ballet activities saw the creation of a NAT Face- instruction, jazz and repertoire classes This past year we enjoyed hosting our As- book page and sharing information with the and a lecture and workshop on Aboriginal semblée Internationale guests for all their studios and communities we visited through dance by NBS alumna Santee Smith. meals in our beautiful Currie Hall. It was an Twitter and Facebook. NBS students were amazing sight watching our students and actively involved in creating two of the Teacher’s workshops are an important our guests get to know each other as the videos promoting the Tour – in fact one of way for NBS Artistic Faculty to share with, week progressed. them featured a male NBS student and has and learn from the greater dance commu- received over twenty thousand views! nity – we were pleased to partner with the One of our Grade 7 students decided he University of Regina to offer a teacher’s wanted to give back, so he started a fund- A mobile site was created to allow parents workshop specifically for students in their raising campaign and raised $300 which he and students to engage with the Tour Dance Education program. donated to The Hospital for Sick Children. through their phones via a QR code His peers were very supportive and encour- printed on all of the advertisements. This In addition to seeing almost 1,000 aging throughout his effort. He has since initiative saw visitors to the site from all students on the Tour, the Artistic staff written a children’s guide to fundraising. over North America. reviewed close to 100 DVD auditions from students from around the world. NBS is As members of the NBS community, we While visiting fewer cities in 2012-13, the thrilled to see a growing interest in young encourage the older students to help with number of participants remained con- men dancing and auditioning which is the younger students and it always turns out stant. The Open Classes continue to be reflected in this year’s student body. to be a win-win for everyone. The younger ones get some extra help with their school work and the ‘tutor’ students feel proud of what they have accomplished and that they were able to help someone.

We love having our annual exchange stu- dents from Australia who come in early Jan- uary for 6 weeks and truly get to experience our Canadian, winter weather. They always represent their country and school with such maturity, respect and grace. It is a pure joy having them stay with us in residence.

Summer School was the usual annual “event” with 180 students (some auditioning and some returning) filling the residence with lots of chatter and laughter. The students never stopped between dancing and activities — it was a fun-filled time for all.

This year we look forward to the joy and chal- lenges that residence living provides. Getting to know some of the most focused, hard- working, creative and fun students and their families is definitely a privilege we all enjoy. 9 Community Engagement Report

The NBS Community Engagement Pro- Organized by Maryse Blanchette, a TTP schools and to help teachers bring dance gram continues to be a rich and inspiring graduate, the Drummondville Entrechat to their classroom remains a key strat- experience for the School. We are proud hosted over 100 teachers for a day-long egy to furthering our leadership role and to reach out to young (and old) dancers conference. While in St John’s two events developing new partnerships. from across the country both physically were offered, one for young teachers and and through the opportunities provided teaching assistants who are beginning As always, we were excited by opportuni- by new technologies. their careers, and another for established ties to support the work of other organi- studio professionals. zations such as Dare Arts, whereby the Closer to home, NBS teachers have participants visited NBS and learnt to been working with Toronto District Public In addition to our travels we are keen to waltz. Students were invited to lunch with Schools in the following ways: share the beautiful facilities on Jarvis the Grade 6 students in the Professional Street by offering observation and open Ballet Program. At Gilda’s Club, a dance Church Street Public School has seen classes during Culture Days celebrations. class was offered for people in their many years of partnership with NBS. cancer support network, this was later NBS teachers provided weekly classes Through the Want to Dance website, we featured on Susan Hay’s “Making a Differ- for students in Grades 4, 5 and 6. NBS have been able to deepen our ties to the ence” segment on Global News Toronto. staff are greatly admired at Church Street local dance community by hosting the Public School and their expertise is widely winners of local dance competitions – 40 At the end of year, the annual NBS praised. New this year were classes at students enjoyed a day of dance classes flashmob provided so many dedicated Rose Avenue Public School, and the and a Q&A session with current NBS community members an opportunity to expectation is to increase the number of students at the end of May. learn a dance and perform it in a local classes going forward. setting. This year’s Intertribal theme was Teacher Development has continued a timely one and we were so pleased to Reaching further afield, NBS has contin- through building relationships between have alumna Santee Smith provide the ued with annual visits to Drummondville, NBS and both OISE and Memorial Univer- choreography and select the music. We Quebec and St John’s, Newfoundland. sity by offering dance classes to pre- were thrilled to have so many schools Between the two trips NBS staff taught service teachers. participate in performing the routine and over 1,000 public school students and welcomed students from the follow- recreational dancers. We have been NBS’ commitment to developing the ing schools on June 5: Sunnybrook P.S, particularly pleased with the growing Sharing Dance website as a tool to Beaumonde Heights Junior P.S., John attendance at Teacher’s Workshops. increase dance participation in public Ross Robertson P.S.

TO THE POINTE FALL 2013 CANADA’S NATIONAL BALLET SCHOOL 10 Adult Ballet Report

NBS’ Adult Ballet Program continues to attract more students to the multi- level program of classes offered six days a week. Bob McCollum advocated introducing a morning, “Dance Based Conditioning Class” and its popularity has increased since its inception. Held two mornings a week, by the end of the year, the classes were over-subscribed. Associates Program Report Taking advantage of the terrific training provided through the Teacher Training Program, the Adult Ballet Program now The Associates Program (AP) year is Teacher Training Program students has two additional TTP graduates on always full of activities and provides op- working together to produce the annual the teaching roster: Bartira Barretto and portunities for students and parents to choreographic workshop in March. Marq Frerichs, both of whom graduated engage with NBS in a variety of ways. Our with distinction and won awards! year began in September with an orienta- Parents were invited once again into tion for new students and parents before the studios in December and March for As we find that many students taking classes started. Once into October, the Parent Viewing weeks, providing both classes in the Adult Ballet Program are AP students participating in The National students and parents an opportunity to active on social media, we’ve stepped Ballet of Canada’s The Nutcracker started share their love of dance. up our marketing via YouTube, Facebook rehearsals in readiness for the holiday and Twitter in order to better reach and shows. This past year saw some AP stu- Meanwhile, many AP students were converse with them. To this end, we cre- dents cast as hedgehogs in the National rehearsing for NBS’ community flashmob ated a short video in the summer (Ballet Ballet of Canada’s production of Alice’s – an Aboriginal-themed choreography - on a Boat) for which we were thrilled to Adventures in Wonderland, which ran created by NBS alumna, Santee Smith. have support and encouragement from from November 10th to November 27th, The performance took place on a sunny the Toronto Port Authority. The filming 2012. It was a very popular, new ballet for day in June and helped celebrate National took place at Porter’s terminal and on the the company and we were pleased there Aboriginal History Month. ferry. We hope to create more ‘pop-up’ were roles for AP students in it. ballet opportunities in the near future, so The AP year ended in June, with the Year stay tuned on Facebook and Twitter! December saw the Senior Associates End Demonstrations. All AP classes have Repertoire Demonstration for family and a chance to perform on stage in the Betty friends, while in February and March all Oliphant Theatre which is a wonderful Associates had a chance to participate way to end the year. We look forward to in the Evaluation classes. This exercise welcoming returning students in the fall was followed by the combined AP and and meeting new incoming ones then too. 11 Sherritt International Corporation supports NBS

generously contributed to the School – Havana’s Escuela Nacional de Ballet de Cuba helping to ensure NBS’ accessibility while maintaining the highest standards.

Sherritt has given financial assistance to many student partners – often helping tal- ented young dance artists from cities and towns where the company has a business presence. In this way, Sherritt provides support both to NBS and to local commu- nities where they have operations.

As well, Sherritt applies the same philoso- phy of giving on a global scale. With min- ing operations in Cuba, the company has chosen to support NBS and the Cuban dance community through the Canada/ Cuba Fund. For 15 years, this fund has “Talent is the sole criterion for entry.” It’s a pay their tuition fees. And much of that made exchanges possible between NBS short sentence that neatly sums up NBS’ support comes to the School through and Havana’s Escuela Nacional de Ballet admission policy for the Professional Bal- the Student Partner Program. Thanks to de Cuba. let Program (PBP). Yet for NBS, it’s also the supporters of this program, NBS has a profound statement with far-ranging been able to stand behind its promise Through the generosity of donors such as significance. Through its commitment to that no talented child will be turned away Sherritt, NBS is able to keep its promise talent-based admission, the School ac- because of financial need. – that no talented child should have to cepts the responsibility to ensure that all forfeit training due to financial need – to students are adequately funded. One of the Student Partner Program’s Canada’s youth. And thanks to Sherritt’s long-time donors is Sherritt International support of the Canada/Cuba Fund, young Currently, almost 72% of NBS’ students Corporation. For almost two decades, the dancers in both countries benefit from require some form of financial support to Toronto-based resource company has contact and mutual learning.

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TO THE POINTE FALL 2013 CANADA’S NATIONAL BALLET SCHOOL 12 Lewis Hertzman Professor of History, and Lover of Dance

How did you become involved dance community together for a week of Q: with Canada’s National Ballet collaboration in Toronto. I like that NBS School? is always looking to the future, to further dance education and keep the art form When I was growing up, I didn’t relevant for new generations to enjoy. I A: know much about ballet beyond became a donor having witnessed the The Nutcracker. It was over time that I enthusiasm and drive of the students. gradually became aware of ballet. While They’re full of talent and have great I enjoyed many art forms, I found myself fortitude and determination to grow and increasingly falling in love with dance. become accomplished artists! NBS gives students an ideal platform for their future After retirement, I decided to direct my success. writing talent towards other personal passions. I saw dance reviews as an Why did you establish the Lewis opportunity to do something new! Being Q:Hertzman Fund at Canada’s bilingual, I started writing for a French National Ballet School Foundation – publication in Toronto, L’Express. Over and what do you see as its purpose? time I started writing for Dance Magazine – and then, to my surprise, The Globe Most of the funding will come from and Mail found me and asked me to A:my will, but it was nice to start Following his doctoral studies become a contributor from time to time. the Fund while I’m still around. NBSF at Harvard, Lewis Hertzman made me aware that money I contribute It was through my work as a now will be matched by the Federal accepted a teaching position Government. With this knowledge, I at Princeton University before dance critic that I became aware decided to establish the Fund now. I’ve heading to the University of of Canada’s National Ballet School. enjoyed watching the Fund grow and start to make a difference for students Alberta, and finally settling at At one point I was asked to write a today. York University in Toronto, in piece on the School for an American The Lewis Hertzman Fund is not just 1965 where he remained until publication on dance education, and a prize. It’s intended to encourage retirement in 1988. spent several days as an observer cultural initiatives of all sorts, such as at the School, watching classes photography, painting, or travel for a Now retired, he maintains a choreographer, as examples. It’s open- and interviewing instructors and ended – but driven by student initiatives. wide variety of interests – students. I regularly attended Spring photography, writing, and Showcase. I was impressed with most importantly, dance. In what the School was doing – the To learn more about establishing a recent interview, we talked School has always had innovative a Named Fund or leaving a gift about his love of dance and the ideas. to Canada’s National Ballet School Lewis Hertzman Fund, which he Foundation please contact Monika Joslin at [email protected] or established at Canada’s National Most recently, I was very impressed by the Assemblée Internationale 2013 (AI call 416-921-2035 ext. 2143. Ballet School Foundation (NBSF). 13), a festival which brought the global

13 TD Supports

Founders Entrepreneurship at NBS Celia Franca, CC, LLD, DCL, DFA Betty Oliphant, CC, LLD, DLitt

Artistic Director, CEO Mavis Staines, C.M., DHumL

Executive Director Cathryn Gregor To the Pointe ISSUE 57 FALL 2013

Editor Joanna Gertler

Contributors Joanna Gertler, Cathryn Gregor, Leigh Rowland, Mavis Staines

Cover Photos Cylla von Tiedemann

Photos Joseph Hammond, Jackielou Perez, Bruce Zinger, Cylla von Tiedemann

Dance is an art – but it’s also a business. And As part of the program, TD has supported Legal Deposit at NBS, the “business side” of dance is a vital NBS’ Student Exchange Program, expand- Library and Archives Canada component of our training for young dancers ing our students’ job-readiness and employ- ISSN 1715-5193 and choreographers. Our Career Planning, ment networks with partner schools globally. Privacy and Confidentiality Job Placement and Cultural Entrepreneur- In May 2013, NBS students were among Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) has policies in place to protect the privacy of its donors and constituents. ship Program is integral to the training of participants from 18 international dance NBS treats your personal information with respect. We professional dance artists, preparing them for schools that took part in a workshop led by do not rent, sell or trade our mailing list. Any personal information you provide is used to issue tax receipts and careers on the international dance stage. acclaimed British choreographer Wayne Mc- to keep you informed of news, events and fundraising Gregor at our landmark facilities in Toronto. opportunities in support of NBS. If you wish to be removed from any future mailings, please contact the From Grade 10 through to the Post- This workshop formed the foundation for Privacy Officer at 416.964.3780. To review our full policy, Secondary year, this program offers NBS new collaborative works between artists in please visit our website at www.nbs-enb.ca students a solid background in all aspects of multiple countries and disciplines. The goal professional life – including career planning, was to challenge NBS students to think financial literacy, resume writing, audition about dance in a 21st century context and techniques and the development of entre- increase access to ballet performances into preneurial opportunities. Every week, the the future. These inaugural works will program’s curriculum explores both tradi- be performed in May 2014. tional and groundbreaking paths to success in the ever-changing dance environment. When NBS students complete their training Canada’s National Ballet School gratefully acknowledges and enter professional life, the School’s the contribution of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canadian Arts Training Since 2011, TD Bank Group has sponsored success-rate is impressive – last year, close Fund); the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Arts the Career Planning, Job Placement and to 100% of our graduates found employ- Council; and the City of Toronto through the Culture Division. Cultural Entrepreneurship Program. In addi- ment in dance. We believe that the Career tion to TD’s generous financial support, the Planning, Job Placement and Cultural Charitable Registration Number: 10808 9673 RR0001 bank has also provided NBS with financial Entrepreneurship Program is an integral part literacy seminars led by industry experts. of this achievement. In the 21st century, busi- 400 JARVIS STREET, TORONTO TD employees have volunteered their time ness competency and innovative thinking ONTARIO, CANADA M4Y 2G6 and knowledge, to the benefit of our stu- will both be essential to the careers of dance TEL 416.964.3780 dents – and more seminars with TD financial artists. FAX 416.964.5145 advisors are planned for the spring. WWW.NBS-ENB.CA