Outreach

The Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada is committed to fulfilling its vision to enrich the hearts and minds of audiences and enhance the communities in which we perform. Wherever we tour, we offer master classes, workshops, residencies and pre-show chats. The value of exposure to the arts for children is well documented. It enhances academic performance, creative and critical thinking. The arts help young people to understand their world and experiences in different ways, and to develop problem-solving and communications skills.

In Atlantic Canada the Ballet Theatre fills a gap in the region by providing extensive outreach to children. We hope that these programs will ultimately generate a broader participation in all aspect of the arts. The commitment and significant support or our corporate sponsors allows us to to expand the horizons of hundreds of children across Atlantic Canada year after year.

Spotlight on Kids

It is this belief, that all children should have the equal opportunity to experience the arts. that inspired the Spotlight on Kids program. Wherever it tours in Atlantic Canada, the Company makes available free-of-charge, blocks of seats to children who would not otherwise be able to attend a ballet performance. For many of the children and young people who benefit from this program, our productions are their first experience attending a live performance in a theatre.

Professional Education Program

Established in 2003, the Aliant Professional Education Program extends the scope of training for aspiring young dancers in Atlantic Canada. The company offers Master Classes and dance workshops to ballet students in cities, towns and rural locales throughout the Atlantic Region. Until the inception of this program, these opportunities were only available in the large centres across the country. The classes are offered while the company is on tour, or by arrangement with the company at the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada studios in Moncton, New Brunswick.

We are most fortunate to have a strong professional company in our region, especially one that embraces our young people and their schools so generously.

—Barbara Dearborn, Head School of Dance,
Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Nova Scotia.

 

This Ballet Theatre can bring a sense of community. Theatre brings people together.

—Igor Dobrovolskiy, Artistic Director,
Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada