Innovative ARISE Campaign is a Resounding Success

Despite the cancellation of the School’s 2020 and 2021 galas—the signature fundraising event, which has met, on average, 40% of the School’s annual fundraising needs in a single evening—NBS remained committed to providing student financial assistance, ensuring that every gifted young dancer continues to have the chance to pursue their dream.

Inspired by the resilience of our student body, we created ARISE—a brand-new, innovative fundraising campaign. Through a four-month digital programme of student stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses and special performance access, ARISE brought donors into the heart of NBS during a unique moment of history.

The campaign culminated in the public release of a four-part short documentary web-series by filmmaker Martin Edralin that introduced audiences to three PBP students and provided an inside look at the students’ journeys to NBS and their training during the pandemic.

The ARISE campaign exceeded goals by fundraising $600,000. The immensely successful campaign is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration and the strength and generosity of our community.

Watch the 4-part documentary web-series, ARISE, by filmmaker Martin Edralin. 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 perseverance and training during the pandemic.