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