Our one-of-a-kind Artistic Health Department supports all aspects of our students' health and wellbeing. We are committed to developing confident, self-aware dancers capable of fully exploring their artistic potential.
Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) has a long history of supporting dancer wellness. As far back as the 1980s, NBS explored initiatives with the understanding that, as an arts education and training organization, we have the responsibility of supporting student health and wellness, especially given all the demands of Olympic-calibre training. A formal Artistic Health department was formed in 2020 and, building on evidence-based practices, NBS continues to evolve how we support students/dancers in mind, body and spirit.
In 2023-24, we implemented periodization training and a robust healthy dancer screening that includes follow up supports to optimize each dancer’s potential and to prevent injury. NBS students have access to a comprehensive health support system. This full-circle of support enables each student to thrive as a dancer by receiving tailored treatments and exercises suited to their individual needs.