Ballet Ireland Annual Report 2019

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

2019 was a very important year for Ballet Ireland both artistically and financially. Support from the Arts Council increased which is a reflection of our achievements and ambition. The company enjoyed huge artistic success with our spring season of Bold Moves. This was truly an exciting and groundbreaking programme for the company. “Minus 16” is a stunning work by internationally acclaimed choreographer Ohad Naharin whose work had never been mounted by an Irish company before. The audiences were on their feet night after night and the company simply adored dancing his work. Alongside “Minus 16” was “Lost” by Ludovic Ondiviela, a delicate and ethereal ballet previously commissioned by the company in 2015. Ballet Ireland champions young choreographic talent and for our first ever ‘Curtain Raiser’ we presented “Us” a piece by Zoë Ashe-Browne. This was a great success and indeed, went on later in the year to be performed at the Business to Arts Awards at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre. A fantastic platform for an emerging and very talented choreographic voice.

A very important development for Ballet Ireland was the securing of our first major corporate sponsorship. In November EY partnered with Ballet Ireland as a sponsor for our autumn season of Swan Lake. This was a very important moment for the company and we are proud to be associated with EY. Corporate Sponsorship is crucially important to the Arts and not only provides additional financial income, but also strengthens brand profile and activation when it comes to public awareness and promotion. We hope this relationship will continue for many years to come.

In April we were devastated by the sudden passing of the Artistic Director of Irish National Youth Ballet, Katherine Lewis. For many years, we worked closely with Katherine when students from INYB performed alongside the Ballet Ireland at the Gaiety Theatre in our production of Nutcracker. Indeed, Katherine was a personal friend and colleague going back many years. She is a huge loss to the ballet world in Ireland and to all of the young talent that she nurtured over the years at the helm of INYB. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Stephen Brennan continues to lead our very broad Education and Outreach Programme. This includes our Schools Programme, Summer Schools and a number of other workshops conducted in association with the current season being performed by the company. We were delighted to announce that our Deis Schools Programme is being supported by a very generous donation from the charity Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus. We are so grateful to have this very important strand of our education work selected for support over the next three years.

Ballet Ireland performed well at the Box Office in 2019 finishing the year with a small surplus. Box Office revenue is volatile and varies from year to year. I am delighted to report that the surplus achieved in 2018 was maintained and we aim to continue building our reserves to a prudent level. Ballet is a precarious and expensive business and we are fortunate to have a Board of Directors with integrity and expertise that steers the company’s financial sustainability. The passion of our Chair Gerardine Connolly has been an inspiration and I am delighted to see the company thrive under her steady hand. In July we said goodbye to Board member Paul Johnson who stepped down, we thank him for his contribution to Ballet Ireland.

The performances that the public sees onstage are the culmination of the efforts of many people; from the talented dancers themselves, to the outstanding creative teams and choreographers that make the work, and the dedicated professionals behind the scenes. Many people have a stake in the success of Ballet Ireland including our audiences, our supporters and indeed, past members of the company. We are a people business first and foremost, and we thank all of those who support us.

ANNE MAHER BALLET IRELAND, DIRECTOR B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 1 2 0 1 9 T H E Y E A R I N R E V I E W

In 2019, Ballet Ireland was delighted to be celebrating 21 years.

The company continued to tour its productions to large-scale theatres in Dublin and regional theatres throughout Ireland, North and South. Giving our audiences across the country the opportunity to access, enjoy and be inspired by professional ballet.

Ballet Ireland is a champion of cultivating future talent and during the school year, the company’s Education Officer worked with Primary Schools throughout Dublin, enhancing the current school curriculum and enabling pupils to experience new opportunities in order to widen their artistic exposure.

Ballet Ireland is Ireland’s only professional ballet company, bringing new narrative-led ballets to Irish audiences. To date, Ballet Ireland has mounted over 30 seasons of work, and their activities have had a profound impact on the landscape of ballet and the Arts in Ireland.

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 2 FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON 2019 Summary

On Friday 29th March 2019, we held our second Annual Fundraising Luncheon at the Merrion, Dublin. This philanthropic occasion raised vital funds for Ballet Ireland, and offered guests an opportunity to celebrate the Company on the occasion of our 21st anniversary, its extraordinary dancers, and all the generous patrons who support the Ballet.

We were delighted with the response, especially with all tickets being sold-out within the first week of release. Our guest of honour, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan T.D., gave a rousing and insightful speech. This was followed by an elegant seated luncheon and featured a short performance by Ballet Ireland’s dancers. A magnificent raffle was held with prizes which included, among others, a Perry Ogden limited print, a set of Boodles diamond earrings, and Paula Rowan leather gloves for each table.

All proceeds went towards main stage performances, community outreach and education programmes.

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 3 N U M B E R S : We managed to raise €14,364

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 4 BOLD MOVES Summary In March 2019, Ballet Ireland presented a triple-bill of contemporary work which featured choreography by Ohad Naharin, Ludovic Ondiviela and Zoë Ashe-Browne. We were thrilled to be the first Irish dance company to ever present the work of internationally renowned choreographer Ohad Naharin and Minus 16 is perhaps his most popular work. Alongside Minus 16, the company welcomed the return to the repertoire of Lost by Ludovic Ondiviela who also created Giselle for the company. Finally, we were very pleased to give Zoë Ashe-Browne the opportunity to present a short piece - Us. Ten years ago, Zoe joined the company as a dancer in her first professional engagement. We were delighted to present the first commission of her emerging choreographic voice - an exciting start to her burgeoning career as a choreographer. Bold Moves maps a path by Ballet Ireland which unites innovation and tradition by commissioning and presenting works by iconic and hugely talented choreographers.

TOUR DATES: O'Reilly Theatre, Dublin Friday 22nd - Saturday 30th March

MINUS 16 Choreography: Ohad Naharin Lighting: Avi Yona Bueno Music: Various artists

LOST US Choreography: Ludovic Ondiviela Choreography: Zoë Ashe-Browne Lighting: Paul Keogan Lighting: Paul Keogan Music: Various artists Music: Various artists

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 5 AUDIENCE NUMBERS: Bold Moves was seen by 1,213 audience members.

PRESS:

★★★★ 4 stars: “Ballet Ireland scores a coup with heart-pounding performance of Minus 16 …they move in such heart-pounding, foot-thumping unison their intensity proves as satisfying to watch as the more refined and thoughtful steps later on.” Christie Seaver, The Irish Times

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 6 IRISH BALLET FORUM Summary

In July 2019, Irish Ballet Forum hosted their Summer Intensive at DanceHouse in association with Ballet Ireland. IBF is a unique Summer Intensive providing students with the training required for ballet dancers of today.

Students trained with world renowned tutors in ballet, pointe work, ballet and contemporary repertoire. The week concluded with a performance for friends, family and dance teachers.

PARTICIPATION NUMBERS: 46 students took part.

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 7 WORLD BALLET DAY 2019

Summary

On Wednesday 23 October 2019, Ballet Ireland and other ballet companies all over the world offered a unique glimpse behind the scenes with live-streamed rehearsals via Facebook and YouTube.

Members of the public joined us for an open afternoon in DanceHouse, Dublin where they witnessed Ballet Ireland’s dancers up close and personal in the studio as we prepared for our Swan Lake season.

The worldwide event was also screened in the foyer.

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 8 EDUCATION PROGRAMMES Primary Schools

Summary

We continued to develop and promote our schools programme throughout 2019. Our strategy has evolved in close collaboration with schools in the Dublin area. Our series of workshops, whereby children join us in class and rehearsal, has proved an extremely successful route through which to expose young people to dance. In addition to the classes in their schools, children took part in workshops at DanceHouse before meeting the company and observing rehearsals.

SCHOOLS: Our Education Officer worked with students in St. Patrick’s JNS Corduff, St. Patrick’s JNS Diswellstown, Scoil Mhuire JNS Blakestown, St. Catherine’s JNS Cabra, St. Attracta's JNS, Dundrum, St. John Bosco JNS, Navan Road, Coláiste Bríde Secondary School, Clondalkin and Broombridge Educate Together.

PARTICIPATION NUMBERS: 7,811 students took part in the programme with 208 workshops taking place on school premises.

"Ballet exposes children to many new perspectives and experiences. Whether you decide to pursue sport or any form of dance, ballet is a wonderful preparation. Posture and confidence are the key things we are looking to develop in the school due to so many sedentary lifestyles. We see the confidence in our pupils increase after only a few classes."

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 9 EDUCATION PROGRAMMES Summer Schools

Summary

Our summer school programme continued throughout July and August 2019. We increased our focus on attracting a larger uptake of places from a younger age group, in particular those aged between 6 and 9 years; in recent years the programme has proved increasingly popular with older students, many repeating year on year.

PARTICIPATING THEATRES: The Civic, Tallaght; Glór, Ennis; Moat Theatre, Naas; The Burnavon, Cookstown; Solstice Arts Centre, Navan

ATTENDANCE NUMBERS: 1,459 young pupils participated.

TESTIMONIAL:

"My 11 year old daughter, Amelie, found the week to be so joyful, exciting, fun as well as developing her passion for dance and performance. It is her favourite week of the summer. Stephen gives such a lot of himself; to ensure the children enjoy the hard work all week and that they are well prepared to enjoy the final show." Jo, Cookstown (parent)

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 1 0 SWAN LAKE

Summary

In Autumn 2019, Ballet Ireland remounted its production of Swan Lake. It had been five years since we last performed this iconic work and as the most perfect of classical ballets, it seemed the obvious choice to programme in a season when we celebrate our 21st birthday. We were also extremely delighted that our Swan Lake season was supported by EY Ireland. Over 12,000 people saw the production during the 19 venue nationwide tour. A ballet that captured the hearts and minds of audiences across the country.

TOUR DATES:

Market Place Theatre, Armagh Wed 6 Nov Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey Thurs 7 Nov Source Arts Centre, Thurles Sun 1 Dec Burnavon Arts Centre, Cookstown Fri 8 Nov Civic Theatre, Tallaght Tues 3 & Wed 4 Dec Millennium Forum Theatre, Derry Sat 9 Nov Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick Fri 6 & Sat 7 Dec Gaiety Theatre, Dublin Wed 13 - Sat 16 Nov Visual Theatre, Carlow Sun 8 Dec Town Hall Theatre, Galway Mon 18 & Tue 19 Nov Solstice Arts Centre, Navan Tues 10 & Wed 11 Dec Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny Thurs 21 Nov glór, Ennis Thurs 12 & Fri 13 Dec Draíocht, Blanchardstown Fri 22 & Sat 23 Nov Siamsa Tíre, Tralee Sat 14 Dec Backstage Theatre, Longford Tues 26 Nov An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny Wed 18 Dec National Opera House, Wexford Fri 29 Nov Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray Fri 20 - Sun 22 Dec

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 1 1 AUDIENCE NUMBERS: The Autumn tour was seen by 12,749 audience members.

PRESS: ★★★★ 4 stars: "(Ballet Ireland) reaches a new level of artistry with this show." The Irish Times

"Moving production…beautifully choreographed" The Sunday Business Post

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 1 2 EY SPONSORSHIP

In November, we were very proud to be partnered with EY for our Swan Lake season. We believe this is the beginning of a relationship which will support Ballet Ireland to build on all we have achieved in the last 21 years. We look forward to the future with confidence and pride.

"EY is delighted to partner with Ballet Ireland’s nationwide tour of Swan Lake on this the 21st anniversary of the national ballet company. Our purpose is to build a better working world, and this informs the actions we take and decisions we make. We are proud to support the arts and to help make world-class productions like this more accessible to audiences across the island of Ireland." Frank O’Keeffe Managing Partner, EY Ireland

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 1 3 BUSINESS TO ARTS AWARDS 2019

Ballet Ireland was honoured to be the opening act at the BTA Awards ceremony on Tuesday 3rd September 2019.

The Business to Arts Awards is the largest arts and business networking event in the calendar. The 2019 Awards Ceremony took place at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin.

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 1 4 2019 REPERTORY SEASON NUMBERS

14,083 people attended a Ballet Ireland performance 38 performances were given 20 venues presented the work of Ballet Ireland 74,000 pieces of print material produced to promote the company's work 40 professional dancers hired 573 application requests were received to audition 7,811 students took part in workshops 208 workshops 5 venues hosted summer schools 12,026 social media followers 4,928 newsletter subscribers 96,000 website visitors €202,893 value of PR reach achieved

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 1 5 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Balance Sheet 31/12/2019 31/12/2018

Members Funds € 72,091 € 62,744

Income & Expenditure

Income € 909,875 € 845,996 Operating costs € 900,528 € 708,904

Interest € nil € 15

Net surplus / (deficit) € 9,347 € 137,077

Key financial facts 2019 2018

Touring & Box Office revenue € 385,867 € 382,391 Donations & Sponsorship revenue € 104,579 € 108,828 Arts Council funding € 393,000 € 330,000 Cost of touring & production € 353,987 € 196,775 Marketing & Promotion € 139,140 € 133,836 Salaries & Social Welfare costs € 353,660 € 327,717

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 1 6 KEY STATISTICS

Audience figures 2016-2019 Misc. performances Spring season Autumn season

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0 2016 2017 2018 2019

Education Programme participants 2016-2019

Outreach Summer schools Primary schools

10,000

7,500

5,000

2,500

0 2016 2017 2018 2019

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 1 7 KEY STATISTICS

Income sources 2016-2019 Where our money comes from Workshop income Sponsorship Box Office Arts Council €1,000,000

€750,000

€500,000

€250,000

€0 2016 2017 2018 2019

Expenditure 2019 What we spend our money on

Administration 4.5% Touring 7%

Salaries & Social Welfare Advertising 39.3% 15.5%

Fundraising 0.79%

Production Depreciation 0.65% 32.3%

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 1 8 STATEMENT FROM OUR CHAIR

It remains a privilege to serve as Chair of the Board of Ballet Ireland. Having been a dedicated and devoted ballet goer for many decades I need no convincing of the transformative power this wonderful art form holds.

We have enjoyed a stellar year in the Company with truly memorable performances of “Minus 16“ by Ohad Naharin, “Lost“ by Ludovic Ondiviela and “Us” by Zoe Ashe-Browne, to name but a few highlights. However, I must hasten to add that our successes are not born out of luck or happenstance. We have a wealth of artistic talent, a small but highly skilled Executive team driving the company forward in order to achieve its ambitious goals and a deeply committed Board who through their rigorous oversight support the Executive to reach our Artistic and Business goals.

Special mention must go to our inspiring and impressive Artistic Director Anne Maher who continues to drive and lead the company in a positive fashion.

We are proud of our achievements.

We are also hugely appreciative for the unfailing belief and commitment of the Arts Council, the strong corporate support from EY and the generous philanthropy of businesses and individuals.

In order to fulfill our artistic ambitions and outreach into the community, funding will remain a key requirement as we embark on the next chapter of our development.

I look forward to reporting back again in another twelve months what I know will be another historic year for Irish National Ballet and despite the current challenges of the Covid-19 virus that face us, I remain optimistic in the face of adversity.

We will continue to be driven by the passion of ballet and the very challenges that we are presented with will be our very making as we follow a path dedicated to the achievement of the highest level of artistic perfection.

GERARDINE CONNOLLY SC BALLET IRELAND, CHAIR

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 1 9 BOARD OF DIRECTORS & MANAGEMENT

BALLET IRELAND’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVES IS COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF GOVERNANCE. BALLET IRELAND IS COMPLIANT WITH THE GOVERNANCE CODE AS A TYPE C ORGANISATION AND WEBSITE COMPLIANT TO STANDARD A ON THE GOVERNANCE TRANSPARENCY SCALE.

AS AN ORGANISATION WITH CHARITABLE STATUS UNDER THE CHARITIES ACT 2009, BALLET IRELAND AIMS TO COMPLY WITH THE STATEMENT OF GUIDING PRINCIPLE FOR FUNDRAISING DRAWN UP TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ACT.

The board’s functions are to oversee the organisation’s mission, ensuring proper financial management and maintaining good governance.

In 2019, board meetings were held in February, April, May, June & September.

The work of the board is supported by three sub-committees:

Finance Committee - Chair Eilis Quinlan, Paul Johnson, Una O'Hare In 2019, meetings were held in February & May.

Governance Committee - Chair Louise Carpendale, Gerardine Connolly In 2019, meetings were held in March & May.

Fundraising Committee - Chair Anne Marie Barton, Geraldine O'Loane In 2019, meetings were held in May & August.

The board of directors is a non-executive board, encompassing skills and expertise in dance, marketing, fundraising, legal and financial affairs. We maintain up-to-date Directors’ profiles on our website: www.balletireland.ie/governance/boardofdirectors. Directors are co-opted and endorsed by the board.

PATRON President: Michael D. Higgins

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gerardine Connolly (Chair) Louise Carpendale (Secretary) STAFF Anne Marie Barton Director: Anne Maher Paul Johnson General Manager: Martin Lindinger Heather Kennedy Education Officer: Stephen Brennan Una O’Hare Geraldine O'Loane PRESS CONSULTANT Eilis Quinlan Caroline Kennedy PR

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 2 0 CULTURAL PARTNERS & FUNDERS

SUPPORT FROM OUR FUNDING BODIES, MEDIA SPONSORS AND PATRONS, ALLOW US TO BRING PRODUCTIONS OF THE HIGHEST INTERNATIONAL QUALITY TO AUDIENCES THROUGHOUT IRELAND.

MAIN FUNDER SEASON PARTNER

MEDIA PARTNERS

PRIMARY SCHOOLS PROGRAMME PARTNER

Military & Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus Of Jerusalem – Grand Priory of Ireland

DONOR Billy Gaff

CORPORATE SPONSOR Brookwood Physiotherapy & Pilates Clinic brookwoodphysio.com

B A L L E T I R E L A N D | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 P A G E 2 1 FRIENDS

THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF OUR FRIENDS WE ARE ABLE TO PRESENT THE WORK WE DO. OUR FRIENDS PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO THAT ALREADY PROVIDED BY THE ARTS COUNCIL. THIS ENSURES THAT BALLET IRELAND CAN GROW ARTISTICALLY AND PROVIDE AN EXTENSIVE CURRICULUM-BASED EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAMME.

DIAMOND FRIENDS John Healy enfieldcoaches.ie Maeve Kidney Jane O’Callaghan Anne Reihill

RUBY FRIENDS Chad Gilmer iPLANiT Andrew Jones Cynthia Ó Dúnlaing F.R.A.D.

EMERALD FRIENDS

Debbie Allen, Debbie Allen School of Dance Hon. Mr. Justice Barton & Anne Marie Barton Olive Braiden Deirdre Brennan, The Peelo School of Dance Rachel Goode, The Goode School of Dance Azile Hooper SAPPHIRE FRIENDS John Horgan Hanna Kivelä Rose and Sara Chester Eamonn McCusker Sadhbh Ó Dúnlaing, Bray Dance Academy Marie Moloney Clione Hickey Miriam O’Callaghan Molly & Chloe Keane Cynthia Ó Dúnlaing F.R.A.D. Brian MacDomhnaill John & Sarah Sheehy Kristina Wladimirowna Mastel Aideen Stevens Ingrid Nachstern, Night Star Dance Company Brian Walsh Maria Noonan Bonnie Ward Dara Pierce, The Ballet Academy Mariad Whiskar Ally Riordan

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS: BALLET IRELAND, DECLAN ENGLISH, ANNA LOUISE & MARK STEADMAN