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An Update from Barry Hughson, Executive Director
17 mai 2022

Calley Skalnik. Photo par Karolina Kuras.

Throughout the pandemic, all of us at The National Ballet of Canada have been deeply moved by the support, loyalty and generosity of our ballet family. Thank you for standing behind us in our commitment to sharing the beauty and power of ballet with you.

You made it possible for us to support our artists, create art, and connect in meaningful ways with our audiences and the broader community. Still, we were mourning the loss of live performance, the ability to gather in person, and the exchange of energy that buoys us all. In this unprecedented time, we learned the true value of the performing arts and the role they play in uplifting and bringing our community together.

Artists of the Ballet in Angels' Atlas. Photo par Karolina Kuras.

It was simply incredible to return to the stage in novembre 2021, a wonderful moment to come together for ballet. I had the pleasure of welcoming audiences back to see how strong the company looked, to be moved by the power of ballet, and to participate in a shared human experience.

For over two years, we were reactive to circumstances – we made and re-made plans and came up with even more contingency plans. Today, we feel optimistic that we are at a turning point and we can envision a brighter future. I look forward to working with Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director, to implement her vision and reimagine our future.

Cornell Wright, Board Chair, Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director, and Barry Hughson, Executive Director, prior to Sharing the Stage at Harbourfront Centre, 2021. Photo par Karolina Kuras.

The generosity of our community of support will be critical to helping the National Ballet emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever. Here are four ways that your charitable gift will help:

• The most immediate priority is to build the company back up to pre-pandemic levels. We are looking to hire 15 dancers and 7 musicians. This is an extraordinary opportunity to bring new energy, excitement and talent into the company.
• Hope’s vision is to present the best of classical ballet while also exploring new works and new voices. Through commissions and the acquisition of existing ballets, Hope is eager to introduce audiences to diverse artists who are propelling ballet forward.
• We need to reconnect in-person with children and students through our educational programming. Your generosity funds our activities with schools to ensure that they are accessible to children and students. Through our return to live programming, you will help inspire future artists, audiences and innovators.
• We are here to serve our community and it is integral that we reflect its diversity. We want to celebrate the strength of many voices and experiences and provide a welcoming and inclusive space. By expanding our Sharing the Stage and CreativAction initiatives, we will better integrate ourselves with the local dance community and engage with more Canadians.

Your passion and commitment will be vital to this journey as we move from resilience and recovery to re-affirm our unique position in dance. With your support, we will continue to inspire with movement and music and re-imagine how our artform can enrich the lives of more Canadians.

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