To the Pointe ISSUE 53 2011 FALL Farewell Message Message from from Jeff Melanson the Artistic Director

The five years I spent at NBS were coloured Community Engagement: the flashmobs Ministries of Culture and Health Promotion My priority entering the 2010/11 year was When Cynthia Roberts, one of NBS’ two care of the students and superb with great opportunities, wonderful have been hugely successful on a number and those many friends on every side to help all NBS staff prepare for 2011/12, gifted part-time Physiotherapists, left for organisational skills will be sorely missed, colleagues, fantastic donors, diligent Board of levels. We’ve engaged our local NBS of the political spectrum at City Hall in as it is a year that brings with it many a year’s maternity leave in January 2011, throughout July she thoughtfully mentored members and many special memories. community, made valuable relationships . Many of you I shall continue to staff leader transitions due to retirement, co-partner, Jen Denys, assumed a full- her successor, Suzzette Patten. with schools and educators and reached work with and I look forward to doing so maternity leave, sabbaticals or career time schedule to carry both their hours. The following are some of the highlights a global audience through YouTube with in the months and years ahead. changes. As NBS staff members develop Executive Director and my Co-CEO, My ‘Personal Assistant’ Katherine Jeff Melanson, alerted me in early May each synthesizing what I believe are the our demonstration/teaching and close relationships, the challenge was to embrace colleagues’ pending departures Hallisey, announced in November her to a “job offer he could not refuse”, that core strengths of the best organisations: performance videos. The online pedagogy In terms of artistic highlights, my hat goes as an opportunity for the School to evolve January departure to pursue career of the President of the Banff Centre. As teamwork, passion and a commitment platforms will be tremendously valuable, off to Mavis Staines for her brilliant vision and strengthen. This challenge proved dreams as a personal trainer. Susannah sad as I was to hear the news, I also was to striving for the very best. Aligning with as NBS aims to engage all of our country’s of the Assemblée Internationale, 2009. It even greater than anticipated as 2010/11 Scott has seamlessly filled Katherine’s excited for Jeff. His contributions to the the strategic initiatives developed with the children in dance. brought together all the elements to make also presented an unusually high number ‘large shoes’ since early January 2011; Canadian arts community through this Board over the past few years these are a stellar event: top talent from around the of unexpected changes. in fact, with such brilliant initiative role will be invaluable. I am deeply grateful areas of which I’m most proud: Development: I’m particularly grateful for world, innovation, creativity and best Susannah now also is coordinating the for the almost five years Jeff and I worked the many ways in which our donors have practice—this gathering continues to In chronological order: National Audition Tour administrative as partners. His capacity for innovative Technology: beginning in 2008, NBS contributed to our various campaigns; resonate with me and I’ll continue to revisit responsibilities. thinking/creative planning, and passion updated its website and developed an be it completing Project Grand Jeté, this experience and share it with others. Academic Principal John Maitland for the arts have strengthened NBS in online component of the retail store, The contributing to the Annual campaign, con- announced, just prior to the start of the Beloved NBS Teacher for over four ways which will resonate for years to come. Shoe Room. During the 50th anniversary, tributing to the explosive growth of our I could not have asked for a better team year, his retirement from this role—after a decades, Glenn Gilmour, passed away on a microsite was created to give more endowment or participating in the Betty of staff to work with, nor could I imagine decade of impeccable and deeply valued February 5th after a fast and fierce battle I will now shift from the theme of transi- information on NBS’ special activities. In Oliphant Theatre refurbishment. Every how exhilarating Mavis Staines would service. One of NBS’ two Academic with cancer. Over four hundred alumni tions to conclude this report with humble the Fall of 2009, our online national dance contribution is vital for NBS’ success, be as Co-CEO. Her passion, vigour and Vice-Principals, Neil Walsh, agreed to attended the May 7th tribute (brilliantly thanks to all who supported/endorsed registry wanttodance.ca was launched and its future depends on your continued dedication to NBS, its staff and students carry the reins as Interim Principal; after realised by NBS Alumni champion, Tess my appointment as a ‘Member to the and has seen significant growth in those commitment. are unparalleled. To the Board of Directors, a few months of exceptional leadership McLean) to celebrate Glenn’s remarkable Order of Canada’. Receiving this news two years. Next month, the site created I thank you all for playing a key role and it was abundantly clear Neil should be contributions to the School. Fortunately, was profoundly moving. I also believe this to house all of the flashmob routines, Government partnerships: it has truly for your support over the past five years. offered the position permanently. former NBS ballet teacher, Ana Jojic, honour celebrates our collective work; sharingdance.ca will launch. These varied been a pleasure to develop and deepen NBS will continue to be a part of me and agreed to return from Stuttgart in for over two decades we have jointly web presences will establish NBS as a NBS’ relationships with our political while I will no longer be in Ballet Bob’s Manager of the Junior School and the September 2011 to again teach full-time weathered the worst and the best of times leader in fostering dance participation colleagues and friends. From those in Adult Ballet class, I promise to keep National Audition Tour, Deborah Bowes, at the School. and realized cherished dreams; most nationally. the Department of Canadian Heritage, working on my turn-out and follow closely gave notice of her August 2011 retirement importantly, we are united though our Assistant Head of Residence, Ellie Rugg commitment to ensuring NBS “moves to Infrastructure and Ontario’s as NBS continues to shape and share from her administrative responsibilities. Thank goodness there was a year to -Gunn, tendered an August resignation as the world.” its mission and mandate in Canada and prepare NBS Artistic Faculty members her scientist husband had accepted a abroad. Laurel Toto to assume the role of Junior post in England. While Ellie’s compassionate Mavis Staines School Manager; Alexander Gorbatsevich Artistic Director & Co-CEO I have loved my time in Toronto and at to oversee National Audition Tour NBS. I have learned so much from so activities; and Ashleigh Powell to work as many amazing people. Thank you all for Laurel Toto’s co-manager in Community helping make me a better person. The Engagement. And thank goodness Deb journey has been magical. Bowes agreed to continue teaching part- time in 2011/12 and mentor those carrying Jeff Melanson her previous responsibilities. Former Executive Director & Co-CEO Head of NBS’ Teacher Training Program, Anuschka Roes, worked closely with incoming Interim Head, Cindy Fisher, to oversee the program during Anuschka’s richly deserved 2011/12 sabbatical year.

TO THE POINTE FALL 2011 CANADA’S NATIONAL BALLET SCHOOL 2 3 Academic Report

Students in the Professional Ballet Program designs by our multi-talented visual arts receive an enriched curriculum based students. Music Night and Matinée, on the Ontario Ministry of Education guided by Ellen Smee and Margot Rejskind Residence guidelines. Although most graduates go were great, and we capped the year off on to dance, students are prepared for with the usual magnificent yearbook Report university and careers beyond dance. thanks to the graduating class under the Students and staff in Residence had leadership of Lisa Fleischmann. At our an enriching year filled with fun, hard The academic department had many annual commencement, we celebrated the work and a dedication to sharing and successes in the past year. On the first many outstanding academic accomplish- supporting each other. In addition to our Saturday back after the summer break, ments of our graduating class. All of the full-time students from across Canada we held a school-wide Design Challenge. graduates achieved honours. NBS Board and the U.S., we welcomed exchange Teams of students from grades 6 through Chair, Troy Maxwell, presented the students from New Zealand, Japan and 12 were presented with a series of design Governor General’s Medal to Maya Ashoka Australia. A group of senior students Professional Ballet Program Report challenges using ordinary materials such who had a grade average of 97%. formed a band called The Residence as newspaper, cardboard, popsicle sticks, While the 2010/11 school year was rich The second development is tied to NBS’ Staying in the realm of NBS alumni now who willingly performed at all of our café and glue. The students had fun and The end of the 20910/11 school year has with note-worthy achievements, two belief that our Physiotherapy Department choreographing, the New York based and nights as well as at the School’s Earth learned a lot, especially about problem- brought some academic staff changes. developments stand out as particularly should go beyond injury prevention and now world-renowned Aszure Barton Hour celebration in March. The senior solving, team-building, leadership, and Gord Meslin decided to take his well- significant. focus on enhancing each individual has continued her ongoing relationship students provided younger students inclusiveness. Teamwork and cooperation deserved retirement after 40 plus years in student’s potential. Twice yearly ‘Physio with NBS. She accepted an invitation with homework help and support when became our theme for the entire school our noble profession, the last few having The first was the realisation of a long-term screenings’ were implemented to monitor from the 2011 graduating class to conclude needed. In fact, they all work very hard year. I would like to personally commend been at NBS. Meaghan Alexander was dream; finding the means to extend the each student’s development as they the ceremonies as their ‘guest speaker’. every day, they love what they do, they and thank senior math and science hired in the summer to replace him. We daily dance training hours for NBS’ Grade transition from a child to an adult’s body. are definitely focused and committed to teacher, Katherine Woodward for the have also acquired the services of Sokny 11/12 students without compromising the By monitoring development, rather than Rob Binet (class of 2010), continues to their training and they are appreciative standard of their academic education. With waiting for issues to arise, more individually- develop his choreographic talents through tremendous amount of work done by her, Ung as a part-time resource teacher to of the sacrifices their families make in the ever increasing rigour and diversity of targeted programs can be created to mentorship opportunities with Hamburg in conceiving, planning, supplying, and provide extra support for students with helping their dreams come to fruition. movement vocabulary required for today’s proactively meet each student’s evolving Ballet’s illustrious Artistic Director, John running this event. learning difficulties and/or large gaps We were lucky to have a community wind professional ballet dancers to flourish in needs. Neumeier and the Royal Ballet’s Resident in their education prior to their arrival at band come and play a concert for us their careers, I have long been conscious Choreographer, Wayne MacGregor. Following the Student Council’s annual NBS. We continue to have a strong and —sadly, Ellie Rugg-Gunn, our Assistant this shift was essential for NBS to stay on Looking externally, NBS graduates picnic, another multi-age community- dedicated team of academic teachers Residence Head and one of the performers the cutting edge of global ballet training continue to find professional dance Since a passion for performing is inherent building event, was our biennial Fashion who are committed to the highest levels has now returned to the UK. We are now standards. I am deeply grateful to NBS’ employment—which counters today’s in all enrolled in the Professional Ballet Show. Under the leadership of Ros Goss, of artistic and academic success of all thrilled to welcome Suzzette Patten in Academic Principal, Neil Walsh, and his anxiety that there are “no jobs”. While Program, this report will conclude with a it featured socially relevant fashion our students. colleagues for the creative thinking which more patience and resilience are required summary of the 2011 Spring Showcase. the same role. developed a plan to accommodate three within the job search (with the average The repertoire included Balanchine’s daily dance classes, instead of two (an time line between 12- 24 months after Scotch Symphony, brilliantly staged by Our Summer School students increased additional 7.5 hours of training per week). graduation from academic high school), Lindsay Fischer with invaluable support the Residence population to 170. When Best of all, NBS students will continue alumni are now dancing in with the from Raymond Smith; excerpts from they weren’t in dance classes we kept to complete Grade 12 with the credits Alberta Ballet, the Dutch National Ballet, the second act of La Bayadère, thanks them busy and happy with activities necessary for post-secondary programs, in Copenhagen, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, to the gifted Sergiu Stefanschi and Vera both in and out of Toronto. Both the full exactly as over the past ten years. Geneva, Hamburg, Madrid and with The Timashova; Sabrina Matthew’s year and Summer School Residence National Ballet of Canada. Happily for compelling and dynamic Ein von Viel programs are focussed on supporting The 2011/12 implementation of this revised NBS, all are eager to maintain close ties danced by a duo of men and women a dancer’s lifestyle by ensuring they are schedule is already showing exciting with the School. A profoundly moving who were expertly coached by Sabrina safe, healthy and happy. Through various results. I truly appreciate NBC Artistic example was Demis Volpi’s (now Stuttgart herself; and Nacho Duato, out of profound activities, students are able to experience Director Karen Kain’s insight for Ballet based) decision to contribute his respect for NBS artist Shaun Amyot, the city and participate in activities that immediately understanding the benefits prize for the choreographer considered allowed Shaun to stage Jardi Tancat. are fun and promote a healthy sense of of weekly Company repertoire classes most promising by the 2011 Erik Bruhn The diversity of repertoire danced so self-esteem. with NBC Ballet Masters Lindsay Fischer Competition Jury, to NBS to support beautifully by the students was a powerful and Mandy Jayne Richardson. While future dancers—just as he had been testament to the commitment, dedication the two organisations are independent supported. and talent of all at NBS. of each another, links of this nature strengthen both. Mavis Staines Artistic Director & Co-CEO

TO THE POINTE FALL 2011 CANADA’S NATIONAL BALLET SCHOOL 4 5 Career Planning Report Report from the Teacher

The Career Planning office in the Celia to make the important life and career When students enter NBS’ Post Secondary Training Program Franca Centre is located next to the main decisions they face. It’s the aim of the Program, Career Planning becomes a The 2010/2011 graduating class of the TTP students once again supported the bulletin board, or information central, for Career Planning office to provide a safe main focus and individual meetings are Teacher Training Program included students International Dance Day flashmobs by students in the Professional Ballet Program. place for each student to bring up any frequent. During this past year, as the from the program for Professional teaching both routines to the NBS Recently there has been a significant shift questions or ideas they may have regard- students had finished their academic Dancers, Three-Year program students community. Thanks to all of those who in the students’ awareness of how valuable ing the important transition from student studies, there was more freedom to plan and Joint Program students from both participated in teaching and dancing and the Career Planning service is to their to Professional Dancer. While it is the auditions and travel so that no opportunities and Simon Fraser helping spread your love of dance. entry into the Professional Dance World. hope of many Grade 12 students to find were missed. In these challenging economic University. They came from Denmark, the employment soon after their graduation, conditions, with less movement within the Philippines, Korea, and Canada. Incoming New this year was the Ideas Exchange The Career Planning office begins work- we stress that this is quite rare and that a professional dance community, the aim students came from Brazil, Israel, the which was held during the 2nd week of ing with all PBP students on an individual Post Secondary Program year is beneficial is to be as strategic as possible. This first USA, and from coast to coast in Canada. July. This program was designed as a basis in Grade 11, when students are on many levels. Post Secondary training job is always the most difficult to get, and NBS’ links with York University and Simon hybrid of past offerings, melding the best given a list of questions that will help is often closely linked to companies of despite these conservative conditions, Fraser University continue to strengthen of former programs into one 5-day seminar. with a total of 8 students (about 25%) Teachers from all over Canada, the USA, them decide which types of companies choice. NBS prides itself on the fact that NBS’ alumni remains entirely successful coming from these two post-secondary and abroad attended and were able to they would best be suited to when they each student is assessed individually and in this quest. institutions. All graduating students found observe Summer School classes during are ready to audition. These one-on-one that all decisions are made in that student’s employment quickly, be it locally or over- weekdays and participate in 2 hours of with a ballet class with Robert McCollum meetings give the counselors a chance to best interest. If a student is better served Recent NBS graduates obtained new seas. Of note are Kelly Summers, currently pedagogical discussion with NBS faculty (Ballet Bob), head of the Adult Ballet get to know the students and appropriately in seeking employment through the Post positions for the 11/12 season in the working Bermuda, and Anne Marie Ludwig Carina Bomers and Laurel Toto. Irene Program at NBS, followed by several assess each student’s knowledge of the Secondary Program at one of our Partner following professional companies: The who has a full time teaching job in Dowd presented lecture/demonstrations sessions with Irene Dowd, Carina Bomers, dance world. While some students have Schools, they are encouraged to consider National Ballet of Canada, The Royal Singapore. Emma Wilkinson, a returning each day focusing on turn out in the hip and Laurel Toto. This program was so well a clear idea of where they would like to that option. If applicable, auditions are Ballet of Flanders, the Dutch National student originally from Edmonton, Alberta joint. On Saturday, July 16, Teachers were received that plans are in the works to end up, others are overwhelmed by the arranged and facilitated. Ballet, the Royal Danish Ballet, Deutsche won the Carole Chadwick Award. invited to spend a full day at NBS starting continue the Ideas Exchange next July. number of professional dance companies. Ballett am Rhein (Dusseldorf), the Hamburg In such cases, the student is given specific Partner Schools where 2010 NBS grads Ballet’s National Youth Ballet, Compania assignments, allowing them to form their continued their studies included the Nationale de Danza (Madrid), Ballet Junior met these young people and their families This year’s Tour will involve dance students own opinions about companies and choreo- Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, l’École de Genève, Ballett Kiel, Ballet Jorgen, National during last year’s National Audition Tour, across Canada in Open Classes with graphers that would be of potential interest. Supérieure de ballet du Québec Alberta Ballet, Ballett Theater Dortmund, it has been particularly moving to have our exceptional teachers and musicians, (Montreal), the National Ballet Academy Ballett Staatstheaters Schwerin, Dans- followed them from that exhilarating yet dance teachers in Teachers’ Workshops The Career Planning process accelerates (Amsterdam), the Palucca Schule groep Amsterdam, Washington Ballet, Audition Tour naturally apprehensive initial meeting to with colleagues and NBS staff, and of in Grade 12 when the students are (Dresden), Academy of Dance Mannheim, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Cincinnati this point. Certainly we are ever mindful of course children with their families in the encouraged to arrange meetings as the Central School of Ballet (), Ballet, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. the leap of faith parents take in supporting Audition Classes that make up the first their child in this passionate exploration of step of our two-stage audition process. As needed to supply the support required School and the an art form they themselves may not have always, we hope to reconnect with alumni Hamburg Ballet School. imagined as central to the well-being of and their families and to this end I’m thrilled their beloved son or daughter. to suggest friends contact Tess McLean, our Alumni representative, to arrange a Since 1972 I have looked forward each mutually convenient time to visit the Tour. fall to meeting young dancers and their Please don’t hesitate to be in touch with families on our National Audition Tour. Tess at [email protected]. This year, however, I have the satisfaction of seeing the Tour in the exceptional ca- While I’ll be celebrating fall by raking the pable hands of my colleagues, Alexander up the golden oak leaves that carpet our Gorbatsevich and Ashleigh Powell as I back yard, a task my husband reminds retire from my administrative duties to me he has managed since ’72, I’ll certainly enjoy a more relaxed schedule of teaching be thinking of everyone participating in As we settle into the school year it is and family time. I will always cherish the the 2011/12 National Audition Tour most always a joy to see NBS’ new students many friends I’ve made across this vast fondly and looking forward to hearing all finding their rhythm, scooting confidently country, thanks to the Tour, and am always about it! through the halls, mingling with friends in overjoyed to hear how our students are the Mona Campbell Square, and progress- doing, whether in the world of dance or in Deborah Bowes ing in leaps and bounds in the studios. remarkable careers and other pursuits. Former Manager, Junior School For those of us privileged enough to have and National Audition Tour

TO THE POINTE FALL 2011 CANADA’S NATIONAL BALLET SCHOOL 6 7 Associates Program Report

The 2010/11 year was another full and Another exciting AP performance busy one for the Associates Program. opportunity was the annual Teacher December brought the annual Repertoire Training Program Choreographic Work- Demonstration, when students present shop Presentation. On February 27, after work for their parents. This is an oppor- only a few weeks of rehearsing, more tunity for families to see the pieces that than 50 AP students performed original have been studied during the past 12 works created uniquely for them by NBS’ weeks of rehearsing. TTP students.

December also brings the first of two Continuing NBS’ new tradition of flash- Parents’ Days, when parents come in and mobs, we partnered with local schools observe classes and have a chance to Church Street Public School and Adult Ballet Report watch their children hard at work in their Beaumonde Heights Junior Public School classes. to perform a flashmob for young dancers NBS’ Adult Ballet Program continues to only (ages 15 and under) at the Ontario receive positive feedback from students December’s third event is NBS’ continued Science Centre in May. The routine was a Community Engagement Report at all levels, and the 2010/2011 year was participation in The National Ballet of huge success, with over 300 kids show- a very successful one. Classes increased Canada’s annual holiday favourite, ing off their moves to k-os’ Crabbuckit, year over year resulting in the need to The 2010/11 year began with terrific NBS artistic faculty, in a joint project with tional videos to organize their own flash . This performance with k-os himself in attendance to watch! add extra Introduction classes in Term 3 activities in September, when members of Grades 2 and 3 teachers at Church Street mob—a testament to the effectiveness of opportunity allows AP students to see in July, 2011. Extra efforts were made this the NBS artistic faculty took their annual Public School in Toronto, taught creative our website. first-hand how a professional company The year culminated with the AP Closing year to keep class sizes to no more than trip to Drummondville, QC. In partnership dance classes and guided classes incor- operates. Roles filled by AP program Demonstrations. Our youngest AP 25 students. NBS’ Adult Ballet population with Teacher Training Program alumna porating dance as an instrument for the In April NBS hosted a day for The students in 2010 included Lambs, Mice, dancers, those in primary one, performed numbered over 700 students indicating Maryse Blanchette, they conducted open Social Studies curriculum. Subsequently, DAREarts Foundation, an organization Chefs, Guards, Courtiers and a diverse for family and friends in Studio 5A. The the strength of word-of-mouth marketing classes for elementary, high school and pupils from Church Street came to NBS bringing together Grade 6 students. They set of roles in the Battle scene—the scene rest of the AP students showcased their and the program’s popularity! CEGEP dance students. NBS faculty con- to shoot a video of their performance. This participated in a day-long adventure into where the toy Nutcracker doll grows to be hard work with performances in the Betty ducted, also in Drummondville, two series final video product will help determine dance: participants learned two dance life-size and then, along with Misha and Oliphant Theatre—and their families had Adult Ballet participants were involved in of teacher’s workshops—one for beginner how we can use our expertise to teach routines (one of which was the Crabbuckit Marie, leads a battle against the dogs, the opportunity to enjoy our plush new the 2010 Nuit Blanche celebration, per- teachers and one for veteran teachers. the teachers and thus create a broader dance) and attended a talk by NBS’ rats, cats and mice. All told, more than seats! forming a work choreographed by NBS reach with our programs. then-costume designer Natalie Leung. 145 AP students were part of the 2010/11 alumnus Matjash Mrozewski, set to The While faculty members were active in Nutcracker performances. This year the Overall 2010/2011 was a wonderful year Waltz of the Flowers from Tchaikovsky’s company performed another work that for the Associates Program and we Cultural Days in Drummondville, NBS We staged two flashmobs involving the Finally, NBS hosted workshops at a dance The Nutcracker. The performance was involved NBS students, Alice’s Adventures look forward to continued success in opened the doors of the community at large—and were thrilled festival for twelve participating TDSB such a success that the dancers were in Wonderland. AP students played the 2011/2012! Theatre to visitors interested in watching to draw in people from as far away as schools towards the end of the school invited to reprise it at the Toronto Eaton role of Hedgehogs and performed ballet classes. Also as part of Culture Waterloo. One flashmob for adults used year. Participants used our studios to Centre as part of their holiday celebra- exceptionally. Days, hour-long ballet classes for choreography from Matt Mrozewski to rehearse and requested NBS comment tions in December, 2010. students aged five to twelve and adults music by Joel Plaskett and was performed on the pieces they were creating for the were taught. on April 29, International Dance Day. festival. April, 2011, brought about another flash- The other was for young dancers, 8 to mob performance, this one also choreo- During our week in Newfoundland, spon- 16 years old and choreographed by NBS We’re thrilled to continue to be involved graphed by Matjash Mrozewski and set sored by Kittiwake Dance Theatre, we faculty member Courtnae Bowman, to in so many different ways with education to the song Penny For Your Thoughts by Joel Plaskett. The performance took taught dance at St. Theresa’s Elementary Crabbuckit, by k-os, and performed at the groups and look forward to strengthening place in the newly-named David Pecaut School and provided a workshop at Ontario Science Centre. Courtnae later our partnerships with these organisations. Square in downtown Toronto. The result- Memorial University for student teachers choreographed a version of her piece for ing video has been posted on YouTube in the Physical Education program. We special needs students at Sunny View and has had over 13,000 views! also conducted two workshops for pre- Public School, which was performed by service teachers (education students who NBS Associates Program students and We look forward to continuing to engage are studying to be teachers) in a course pupils at Church Street Public School. A all Adult Ballet students, both new and titled Specialty Areas in the Curriculum. high school in Ottawa used our instruc- returning, as we keep the program suc- cessful and thriving.

TO THE POINTE FALL 2011 CANADA’S NATIONAL BALLET SCHOOL 8 Canada’s Leader on the World’s Stage BMO Financial Helps Dreams Come True With NBS graduates and former students The cornerstone of NBS’ philosophy is associated with leading dance institutions that no talented child should be denied around the world, the School is one of access to training in our Professional Canada’s most important cultural Ballet Program based on their back- ambassadors. An impressive number of ground or finances. Today, over 70% NBS alumni are shaping the dance world of the children we invite to attend NBS both nationally and internationally as are able to because of the contribution Artistic Directors, performers and of generous donors like BMO Financial teachers. Highlights include: Group. In fact, BMO has been a major

partner in helping us to provide financial • 16 NBS alumni set the standards for support for more than two decades. dance as Artistic Directors of major companies in the United Kingdom, BMO’s latest relationship with NBS is as BMO supports a variety of charitable Nada Ristich, Director, Corporate Germany, Holland, Spain as well as a Student Partner, supporting five special initiatives with education and the arts as Donations for BMO Financial says, “BMO closer to home in Canada. students who represent diverse back- key beneficiaries in hundreds of towns Financial Group and NBS share the • Additionally, NBS alumni are delight- incredible impact on the art form globally.” grounds from across Canada. This group and cities across Canada. NBS students common core value of providing equal ing audiences in Denmark, Finland, That’s an achievement to be proud of, as of talented young dancers are seeing also hail from all corners of Canada—as access to opportunities. We are delighted Hong Kong, Japan, Scotland, South well as a comfort to the young dancers their dreams to dance at the highest level well as from around the world, all coming to be a partner on an initiative that helps Africa , Switzerland and the USA who set off every year after graduation come true thanks to BMO’s contribution. to Toronto to attend this internationally- these children attend NBS—children who performing with prestigious to either continue their training or accept BMO’s latest investment in NBS builds acclaimed school. It is with the strong otherwise might have been able to pursue companies like the Dutch National positions abroad. Shaun Amyot and on a strong history of support including support of organizations like BMO that their dreams.” Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet and Raymond Smith, who work with the as a major donor to Project Grand Jeté, they are able to do so. Stuttgart Ballet. graduating class and Post Secondary which helped realize our dream of world- • NBS alumni are sharing our dance Program students, guide young dancers leading new facilities on Jarvis Street and curriculum as teachers in China, in the very important next steps of their as Presenting Sponsor of the Sugar Plum Denmark, Germany, Holland, Italy careers. Their transition from student to Fair, a fundraising event held until 2007, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and professional is eased by the assistance which raised money for the NBS the USA. they are provided by NBS and its global Scholarship Fund. networks—including NBS alumni While the majority of the School’s student connections made across countries and body is Canadian, NBS also attracts generations. Mavis Staines was herself numerous students from around the an early NBS export as a dancer with the world. This year alone, students in the Dutch National Ballet following her NBS to Launch New Website Professional Ballet and Teacher Training successful career as a first soloist with Sharing Dance is a new website with Programs hail from Argentina, China, The National Ballet of Canada. tools to help you learn a dance routine. Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Germany, Sign up for a free Sharing Dance account Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Singapore, Equally impressive is the international to gain access to a library of dance Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, the United leadership role that NBS has forged in instructional videos offering a variety of Kingdom and the USA. The integration creating global dialogues around the dance styles and experience levels. of international students enriches the future of ballet. Assemblée Internationale, experience for all involved and helps to a student-centered dance festival was Canada’s National Ballet School has been Sharing Dance aims to build an extensive prepare graduates for a future that may the highlight of NBS’ 50th anniversary a leading force in the world of dance for Canadian dance community and involve living and travelling abroad. celebrations in 2009/2010, when NBS more than 50 years. This success is the encourages all members to post photos hosted 12 international partner schools result of the collective achievements of and videos of their rehearsal process and As Mavis Staines, NBS Artistic Director for a week of shared classes and each individual child—talented youth who finished product. Your friends, family and and Co-CEO says, “the ballet community collaborative performances. Deemed pursued their dream through NBS training fellow dancers can admire your progress, in nearly every major city in the world is hugely successful and profoundly and continued to thrive both at home and cheer you on when you face obstacles, influenced by the strong presence of NBS important by all participants, NBS will abroad. NBS donors support the and laugh at your funny stories. alumni. The collective achievements of once again play a leading role in education of individual students year our graduates as they make their own convening the world’s ballet schools for after year—it is this legacy of commitment The site launches in early 2012, joining is individual marks in the profession have a second Assemblée Internationale in that has helped ensure NBS’ position as free and easy, visit www.sharingdance.ca enabled NBS as an institution to have an the near future. Canada’s leader on the world’s stage. and sign up for the e-newsletter, launching in 2012.

TO THE POINTE FALL 2011 CANADA’S NATIONAL BALLET SCHOOL 10 11 He has the ability to be the best dancer in the world. You have the ability to help him do it.

NBS students have the talent and passion to In 2011 the need in our community is at its make dancing their professional aspiration. highest ever. For students in the Professional They are invited to the School because they Ballet Program, a professional dance career Founders possess exceptional raw ability, enormous is an elusive dream made real through an Celia Franca, CC, LLD, DCL, DFA potential and a compulsion to transform their NBS education. Betty Oliphant, CC, LLD, DLitt dance into something astoundingly beautiful. Artistic Director & Co-CEO Mavis Staines, C.M., DHumL They leave with a desire to share that which Providing training for the talented, regardless they perfect with the rest of the world. of means or background is NBS’ top priority. We invite you to join an esteemed community Talent is the sole entry criterion for the of supporters by becoming a donor today. To the Pointe Professional Ballet Training Program and all ISSUE 53 FALL 2011 students, upon acceptance, are subsidized Every student has the talent to achieve Editor through fundraising efforts regardless of greatness. You can make sure that they do. Joanna Gertler financial means. In many cases 100% tuition Donate now. subsidy is required. Contributors Shaun Amyot, Deborah Bowes, Joanna Gertler, Katharine Harris, Bob McCollum, Jeff Melanson, Great dancers aren’t born, they’re made. 416.964.3780 x2125 Tess McLean, Susan Leslie-Berkis, Angie Seto, [email protected] Mavis Staines, Laurel Toto, Neil Walsh Photos Cylla von Tiedemann, Jöel Bénard, www.nbs-enb.ca Sian Richards, Karri North

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Canada’s National Ballet School gratefully acknowledges the contribution of the Government of Canada through the Departments of Canadian Heritage and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada; the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Arts Council; the City of Toronto through the Culture Division; and the British Columbia Arts Council.

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