Leadership, Empowerment, Action, Dance
LEAD—Leadership, Empowerment, Action, Dance—is a free workshop led by professional artists and community mentors that engages participants aged 16-25, who identify as women, two-spirit and/or genderqueer, to take on leadership roles in their community.
LEAD (Leadership, Empowerment, Action, Dance) is a free program led by professional artists and community mentors that empowers individuals who identify as women and nonbinary+ ages 16-25 to invest in their leadership practice. Co-presented by Canada's National Ballet School, Dance Saskatchewan, Ballet Edmonton, Bella Dance Academy and Halifax Dance, LEAD Regional Workshops use dance as a foundation from which to explore and invest in the unique leadership potential of each participant. Through active workshops, dance classes, facilitated discussions, and peer networking, LEAD empowers youth to connect their dance practice to questions of equity, belonging and social justice, supporting them in taking on leadership roles now and into the future.
The LEAD partners acknowledge the historical and contemporary failings of our art form including persistent, systemic inequities. We commit to honouring and celebrating the unique, intersectional identities of each of our contributors and participants while striving towards a culture of humility, integrity and respect. We strongly encourage application from individuals whose identities have been marginalized within leaderships structures including those who identify as LGBTQ2S+, Black, Indigenous and/or people of colour. Our application process intentionally embraces those traditionally excluded from leadership roles in the arts, highlighting the importance of specialized spaces that empower young individuals to explore and nurture their creative potential.
“I learned how dance connects people…This program took different parts of my life that I value, intertwined them and showed me how I can make a difference.”
- NBS LEAD Participant
Through this workshop, participants will:
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Participate in movement classes led by professional artists who represent diverse styles and practices
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Collaborate and communicate with peers
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Learn how community arts initiatives can be a catalyst for positive change in their community
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Further develop their leadership, communication, and social and emotional skills
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Learn about available online tools and supports
LEAD 2024 Regional Locations:
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LEAD Toronto - Hosted by Canada's National Ballet School - February 17 - 18, 2024
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LEAD Halifax - Hosted by Halifax Dance - March 3, 2024
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LEAD Edmonton - Hosted by Ballet Edmonton - March 27 – 28, 2024
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LEAD Saskatoon - Hosted by Dance Saskatchewan - February 16 – 19, 2024
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LEAD Yellowknife - Hosted by Bella Dance Academy - April 6 – 7, 2024