On June 1, 2024, Canada’s National Ballet School welcomed more than 3,700 guests to the third annual NBS Block Party.

Canada's National Ballet School's BLOCK PARTY is Toronto's premier community event celebrating diverse dance forms and the many ways they enrich our lives.


Guests roamed the sprawling NBS campus, participated a plethora of games and family-friendly activities, joined a variety of diverse dance workshops and enjoyed working rehearsals and pop-up performances throughout the day. A true hub for families, friends and neighbours!

 

And, thanks to the generosity of sponsors, partners and donors, the Block Party was entirely free to the public! 

 

Did you know Canada's National Ballet School is a national charity?

 

The NBS Block Party is the keystone event of Dancing Opens Doors, NBS’ three-year fundraising initiative spanning from 2022-2024. DREAM BIG, the final year of Dancing Opens Doors, is raising funds to support NBS’ annual programs and immediate areas of greatest need and potential—making dance more accessible to people and communities across Canada and beyond. Donations to this ongoing campaign help NBS open doors through dance, making initiative like Block Party possible.

 

Take a look at the 2024 NBS Block Party photo album on Facebook to see some of the photos we captured from the event.

 

Check out photos from the 2024 Block Party!

Take a look at the 2024 NBS Block Party photo album on Facebook to see more of the photos we captured from the event!

 

Photos by Celeste Cole, Abha Sikka, and Naguiba Kerba Photography.

 

Had a great time at the NBS Block Party on June 1?

Had a great time at the NBS Block Party on June 1?

Consider making a donation, of any amount, so that you can join us as we discover, live and share the power of dance.

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Event Features

It was a jam packed day of fun and excitement for the whole family! Free admission - made possible by the generosity of sponsors, partners and donors.

  • Free dance workshops and pop-up performances

  • Live DJ, retro games and fun house obstacle course 

  • Face painting, pointe shoe decorating, and giant community colouring mural

  • Mobile scavenger hunt and self-tour

  • Creative movement space for toddlers and kids

  • Drag Queen Storytime with Baby Bel Bel and Lucy Flawless

  • Drop-in student rehearsals in the Betty Oliphant Theatre

  • The Shoe Room: Dance Market featuring Bloch

  • Block Party BBQ and Patio Bar, featuring elle cuisine

  • More than 500 prizes and giveaways

  • Mystery Box Experience: a unique fundraising activation where everyone is a winner!

 

 

Dance Workshops & Pop Up Dance Performances

Sixteen FREE all-ages and levels dance workshops, and eight pop-up performances were offered throughout the day.

Baby Bel Bel

Drag Queen Story Time

 

 

Bartira Barreto

Family Ballet workshop

Dance Migration

Brazilian Dance with Monika Duddy

 

  • 11 years of Samba Training

  • Over 500 professional performances with Dance Migration

  • Paraded in Carnival Rio de Janeiro 2019 with Rocinha and On-stage festival Afro-Brazilian/Samba productions: Salsa on St. Clair, Latin Sparks, Brazil Fest, and more.

  • Presented creation of Carlinhos do Salgueiro, Director of Rio's Top Samba School

  • Trained with Brazilian Masters such as: Carlinhos do Salgueiro, Mayara Santos, Patrick Carvalho, Irineu Nogueira, Rosangela Silvestre, Alex Coutinho, Alyson Bruno, and more!

Deanne Hupfield

Fancy Shawl pop-up performance

Edz Gyamfi

Dancehall workshop

Edmund “Edz” Gyamfi better known by his stage name Edz Gyamfi, is a Ghanaian-Canadian dancer and choreographer from Ottawa, Ontario Canada. His main dance styles consist of Hip Hop, Dancehall & Afro Dance. Edz is currently apart of TDSB Partnership program, Peel district school board along with OLI (Outside Looking In) which has him traveling and teaching youth in remote northern indigenous communities. All in part of focusing on the importance of dance education through movement, history and culture.

Esie Mensah

Afrofusion workshop

Esie Mensah is an award winning choreographer, director, dancer, movement director, educator, and TEDx speaker. Her mastery of storytelling is as diverse as her experience. From working with megastars like Rihanna, Drake, Janelle Monae, Nelly Furtado and Arcade Fire to historic brands like Holt Renfrew, Coca-Cola, TIFF, Art Gallery of Ontario, Shaw Festival, Toronto Raptors, and more. A member of the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers as well as a two-time Dora nominated artist, Esie’s immense knowledge expands across theatre, dance and film allowing her to transform movement into a physical language that propels her as a storyteller and storykeeper. She recently made her directorial debut with Marcia Johnson’s play Serving Elizabeth at Theatre Aquarius which critics said was a “triumph” and “a wonderfully clear production”. Her work has been present in Shaw Festival’s 1837: Farmers’ Revolt, Russian Play and Victory, Soulpepper’s MaRainey’s Black Bottom, Musical Stage Company’s production Caroline, or Change and Dixon Road and Canadian Stage/ Luminato Festival’s film New Monuments. Her own original creations include Akoma, ZAYO, Doranominated Shades, and The Journey. Her recent films: A Revolution of Love is a film inspired by the racial reckoning of 2020, and TESSEL is a national call of healing supported by 19 dance organizations from across Canada and co-commissioned by Fall For Dance North and Harbourfront Centre.

House of Hunniez

Street Dance pop-up performance

House of Hunniez is an all female dance crew that originated in 2017. This sisterhood came together to support and encourage each other to work towards something bigger than themselves. Collectively they specialize in locking, popping, hip hop, and dancehall. They are very passionate abou t the commercial world and street dance world and hope to bridge both with their crafts. You can find the Hunniez teaching at local studios throughout the GTA regularly or facilitating their art in live stage performances, TV and film, and in the community.

Ian Parsons

Adult Ballet 16+ workshop

Ian is a double graduate of NBS: from both the Professional Ballet Program, as well as the Teacher Training Program for Former Professional Dancers, both with distinction. He was also the recipient of the distinguished Betty Oliphant Award, which is awarded to the most promising teacher upon graduation.

 

As a professional dancer, Ian has danced with The National Ballet of Canada and Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, working with choreographers such as James Kudelka, John Neumeier, Jiri Kylian, and Jean-Christophe Maillot. He also appeared in the feature film of Les Misérables, as Hans in the Olivier Award nominated revival of Cabaret in London’s West End, and as Assistant Dance Captain/Swing in the UK/European tour of Cats.

 

As a teacher, Ian has been a faculty member of Performers College (London), as well as the School of Ballet Theatre UK. He has also been a guest teacher at The London Studio Centre, The Chantry School of Contemporary and Balletic Arts, and at the famed Danceworks and Pineapple Studios in London, England.

 

Ian has been a member of the Artistic Faculty at NBS since 2018, teaching daily ballet classes, Pas de Deux, and as a repetiteur for Spring Showcase and The Nutcracker.

 

Kevin Ormsby

Afro Caribbean

Lopa Sarkar

Bollywood workshop

Lopa Sarkar is a visionary leader bringing together arts, education, and entrepreneurship, with a proven track record of shaping innovative programs and initiatives. From pioneering the Education and Outreach Program at Canada's largest theatre to spearheading national initiatives in London , England that bridge business and education, Lopa has consistently championed diversity and inclusivity in the creative industries. With a passion for coaching, she guides leadership teams in renowned arts organizations and mentors creative entrepreneurs, persistently fostering creativity, inclusivity, and innovation. Learn more about Lopa at www.lopasarkar.com

 

 

Lucy Flawless

Drag Queen Storytime

Madison Noon

Powwow workshop

Madison Noon is a Nehiyaw Iskwew (Cree) from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and a member of the Thunderchild First Nation. She just completed her final year as a Dance Major at Toronto Metropolitan University. With 14+ years of experience, she is well trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip hop, and powwow jingle dress dancing. She has represented Team Canada and competed at the Hip Hop Championships in Copenhagen. Madison has also been featured in music videos and commercials, and is known in her community and inspiring Indigenous youth.

NBS' Community Dance Team

Creative Dance workshop for all ages

Rajvi Dedhia

Bollywood pop-up performances

Rajvi Dedhia is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, singer, and social media influencer. Originally from India, she moved to Toronto in 2021 to pursue a career in the performing arts. She has performed on numerous stage and TV shows and has over four years of teaching experience. Rajvi is trained in various styles, including Ballet, Bollywood, Contemporary, hip - hop, Jazz, salsa, and more. She has also achieved excellence in RAD ballet and ISTD modern and jazz examinations. As a social media influencer, she shares her passion for dance online, offers Bollywood dance workshops, and provides social media management services.

Ravyn Wngz

Honeysuckle: A Movement Meditation Experience workshop

Ritmo Flamenco

Flamenco pop-up performance

No family lives the flamenco tradition more fully than the Scannuras. They are Canada's preeminent flamenco family, pursuing their art form with authenticity and excellence. Since 1995 they have enthralled audiences in dance and music festivals worl dwide in venues across North America, Europe a nd the Middle East. Renowned flamenco guitarist and composer Roger Scannura has recorded over 11 CD’s of original flamenco music. Artistic Director Valerie Scannura has received acclaim for her numerous sel f - p roduced concerts while teaching at her Toronto based school as well as guest teaching at many professional dance schools. Their performance company has received acclaim for their passion and originality, garnering rave reviews for their authentic brand of flamenco that is “bred in the bone”. You can find out more about them at www.ritmoflamenco.net and www.rogerscannura.ca

 

Rosie Harbans

Jazz workshop

SPURS

Line Dancing workshop

Young Dancer's Program

Sharing Dance Choreography pop-up performance

Zachary Cardwell

Contemporary workshop

Zahra Badua

Afro Fundamentals workshop

Dancing Opens Doors—DREAM BIG

Did you know Canada's National Ballet School is a national charity?

 

The NBS Block Party is the keystone event of Dancing Opens Doors, NBS’ three-year fundraising initiative spanning from 2022-2024. DREAM BIG, the final year of Dancing Opens Doors, is raising funds to support NBS’ annual programs and immediate areas of greatest need and potential, and celebrating the immeasurable legacy of NBS’ Artistic Director Mavis Staines as she approaches her retirement in June 2024.

 

JOIN THE PARTY. BECOME A BLOCK PARTY SUPPORTER TODAY!

To learn more about sponsorship and support opportunities, including recognition and benefits, for the NBS Block Party or Dancing Opens Doors: DREAM BIG, contact:

 

Chelsea Ireton, Director, Donor and Alumni Engagement

cireton@nbs-enb.ca 

416-964-3780

 

Click here to view the NBS Block Party Sponsorship Package

2024 Block Party Supporters

NBS’ Block Party is a true community hub for families, friends and neighbours – made possible by the generosity of sponsors, partners and donors. Thank you

Block Party Champions

Workshop Contributors

Block Party Benefactors

Alpine Building Maintenance Inc.
Bloch Canada
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Pomp & Circumstance

Event Partners

All Creatures Great and Small | Art Gallery of Ontario | Baskin Robbins | The Blake House | BonBon Vintage Collective | Brittany N Bros | Chair-man Mills Corporation | Chandan Fashion | Chubb | Civello Salon & Spa | Cottage Life | Cowbell Brewing | Davina's Swim House | De Mello Coffee | Downtown Cobourg | Eatertainment | Elizabeth Grant Skin Care | elle cuisine | Eterna Health | Fall for Dance North | Ratika Gandhi | General Assembly Pizza | Govan Brown & Associates Ltd. | The Grange of Prince Edward | Grüvi | Hilary & Bradley Hennick | Jiffy | Karma Co-op | The Keg Mansion | Labelle Wines | Let’s Talk Books | local | Miss J Lash Lounge | The National Ballet of Canada | The Old Spaghetti Factory | POORNA Wellness | Ripley's Aquarium of Canada | Roncy Packs | Scaramouche Restaurant | Soulpepper | Spark Toys | Stratford Festival | Sweat and Tonic | Teachers on Call - Tutoring | Anisa Tejpar | Tonic Blooms | Toronto Society of Architects | Toronto Symphony Orchestra | Toronto Zoo | Zitto Zitto Taverna | Anonymous (2)

Thank you to the generous supporters who have made an important contribution to Block Party through

Dancing Opens Doors Presenting Supporter

Dancing Opens Doors Lead Supporter

Community Champions

For a full list of Dancing Opens Doors: DREAM BIG Supporters, visit DREAM BIG.

Donor listing as of May 30, 2024. Full listing will be posted summer 2024.

* Fondly remembered