NBS' Outreach Program is designed as a passport for sharing the School's resources within the many communities in which it operates. In so doing, it provides gathering places for our individual and collective souls to explore, experience and enjoy the world of movement at many levels and in many forms.
Open Classes (National Audition Tour)
Taught by NBS faculty as part of the National Audition Tour, Open Classes focus on linking travelling sequences to give participants a dynamic sense of dance and performance.
Workshops Across Canada
Each year members of the ballet staff travel to Drummondville, Quebec, Nanaimo, British Columbia and St. John's, Newfoundland, to work in elementary schools with teachers, pre-school teachers, university music students, choirs, students with special needs and other community groups in a series of movement workshops appropriate to their needs and interests.
Performances
Students from our Professional Program have been invited to perform as guests with various dance companies and youth programs in such roles as sugar plum fairy and cavalier from The Nutcracker. In turn, we hold open auditions for high school students who wish to perform in The National Ballet of Canada's annual production of The Nutcracker.
Special Workshops
Our costume department provides a number of high school-age students the opportunity to explore the job of costumer during a week-long workshop entitled "What do you need to know to work in costume for theatre?" During this event students get a "hands-on experience" as they learn the basics of design, and use the wardrobe equipment to make an item.
International Dance Day
The celebration of International Dance Day is full of events which encourage and involve the community in numerous ways. We seek to share the joy of movement with open classes and a project called "Real Men Dance", a series of classes for men of all ages, with special classes for fathers and sons.
Ongoing Activities
Throughout the year, we hold open classes and tours of the facility. This fall the National Ballet School and National Ballet of Canada began an extensive Outreach project called YOU dance which introduced over 7000 students (grades 4, 5, 6) and teachers to the world of dance through movement workshops and interactive performances.