Empowering Youth in Canada to address Equity, Reconciliation and Anti-Black Racism in Ballet

"Art has always been an expression of the human experience. But when an art form fails to respect the dignity of others, it fails as an art form." – Planning committee of the 2022 Addressing Racialization in Ballet Symposium

To strengthen the language of ballet and make it more relevant and accessible, the delivery and the creative process of ballet must resonate with and reflect the full diversity of our society. Canada’s National Ballet School’s (NBS) Ballet Forward will empower and mobilize youth across Canada to address equity, reconciliation and anti-Black racism in ballet (and dance).

Ballet Forward is a two-year, youth-led project that is made possible with funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage’s (DCH) Youth Take Charge program. Ballet Forward will enable youth to inspire change, as NBS and its partners provide mentorship and resources, as well as support and institutionalize the evolutions young people propose.

Through Ballet Forward, young people will work to:

• Advance equity, contribute to reconciliation and address anti-Black racism in ballet  

• Hold ballet institutions accountable for systemic racism in the art form

• Create the change needed in the art form

• Lead national dialogues, setting an example for a model with global potential

Lead evolutions in ballet

If you are passionate about making ballet and the arts more inclusive and accessible to all Canadians, apply to be one of 30 Youth Assembly Members. The Youth Assembly will lead an initiative to mobilize 3,000+ young people ages 7-30 across Canada to engage in dialogues and actions in their communities to address inequities in ballet and to advance the evolution of the art form.

As a Youth Assembly Member you will:

• Lead dialogues and actions in your community/region to advance equity in ballet

• Connect and collaborate with young leaders from across Canada

• Work alongside mentors, experts in dance and community partners

• Mobilize a 3000+ strong, national youth-led movement through in-person and online events

With dance as a foundation for connection and collaboration, Youth Assembly Members will be encouraged to examine and understand the cultural impact and significance of ballet on a global scale. As you collaborate with other youth to identify necessary evolutions in the art form, you will be a part of equity-informed actions leading to systemic changes.

The responsibilities of a Youth Assembly Member may include, but are not limited to:

• Attending a minimum of 1-2 meetings per month (virtual and in-person)

• Developing social media content and promotional materials to mobilize youth

• Planning and hosting 3-4 Learning Sessions with guest speakers

• Disseminating pre- and post-surveys for Ballet Forward activities and events

• Documenting and record-keeping the progress of the overall project

Download Flyer

Click the image below to download the Ballet Forward Youth Assembly flyer and share with your community!