Arise in support of Canada's National Ballet School


Join Canada’s National Ballet School on a special journey of perseverance, passion, and sharing the power of dance like never before.

Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) presents ARISE, a brand-new initiative addressing a unique need, at this unique moment. ARISE shares stories of resilience and innovation—from studios and stages to digital environments—in order to inspire support for NBS programs that help more people experience the life-changing power of dance. 

With a gift of any amount, you can champion the creation and expansion of NBS’ world-class programs and open doors for dancers across Canada and around the world. 

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Watch the ARISE documentary web-series

Watch the 4-part documentary web-series, ARISE, by filmmaker Martin Edralin. The web-series shares a detailed look—through the eyes of Olympic calibre dancers-in-training—into this unique moment in history. Meet Jane, Marley, and Wesley, three Professional Ballet-Academic students at Canada's National Ballet School. Watch each episode and get an inside look at their journeys to NBS and their training during the pandemic.

Episode 1: Dancing in Frame


A behind-the-scenes look at the resilience of Canada's National Ballet School's Professional Ballet-Academic Program students and teachers as they weather the ups and downs of training during a pandemic.

Episode 2: No Ordinary Path


NBS students and their parents share unique stories of how the students’ early passion for dance sparked a journey to professional ballet training at Canada’s National Ballet School.

Episode 3: A Home Away From Home


An endearing episode of home movies and candid interviews about how students and their parents adapted to make NBS a home away from home.

Episode 4: Reflections for Tomorrow


A visual homage to the NBS campus, set to student musings on a challenging year and the imminent return to the studio and stage.


ARISE logo

NBS gratefully acknowledges the generous supporters of ARISE

View acknowledgements


Meet the Filmmaker: Martin Edralin

Martin Edralin is a Filipino-Canadian documentary and narrative filmmaker based in Toronto. His work has been recognized with prizes including a Canadian Screen Award; the Grand Prize at Clermont-Ferrand – the world’s most prestigious short film festival; special jury prizes at the film festivals of Locarno and South by Southwest; and nomination for a Heritage Toronto Public History Award. His films have also been official selections at TIFF, Sundance, and BFI London.

 
dancers perform in Arise.

Learn more about the inspiration for ARISE

The name ARISE references a choreographic work of the same name, created by Jera Wolfe for NBS students in 2019, which explores how support for one another enables us to rise up and face challenges in our lives. This powerful choreographic work reflects themes that are a driving force in NBS’ long-term evolution: partnership, community, collaboration, and creating strong foundations through dance from which everyone can pursue their full potential. 

Watch a full performance of Jera Wolfe's Arise, as part of Canada's National Ballet School's Fall in Love with Ballet series. Click the link below to explore performances, watch interviews, and access creative activities for the whole family. 

Explore NBS' Fall in Love with Ballet series