National Ballet School hosts auditions in the Sault

NEWS RELEASE CANADA'S NATIONAL BALLET SCHOOL ****************************** Canada’s National Ballet School announces 2011/2012 national audition tour and open class dates Canada’s National Ballet School is pleased to announce that the 2011/12 nation

NEWS RELEASE

CANADA'S NATIONAL BALLET SCHOOL

****************************** Canada’s National Ballet School announces 2011/2012 national audition tour and open class dates

Canada’s National Ballet School is pleased to announce that the 2011/12 national audition tour (NAT), which includes open classes and auditions, will commence in both Nanaimo, BC and Sault Ste. Marie, ON on November 1.

This year’s NAT, which is presented by Sun Life Financial, will visit 20 cities across Canada before concluding in Toronto, ON on February 12, 2012.

Auditions for the Professional Ballet Program, which offers full-time dance training, academic education and residential care for students in grades 6-12 and full-time dance training to post-secondary students (post-secondary program), take the form of a specially designed ballet class where dancers are assessed for quality of movement, co-ordination and overall suitability for the demands of classical ballet.

The minimum age to audition is 10, and no prior ballet training is required for students aged 12 and under.

Open Classes are offered by NBS artistic staff as an outreach component of the National Audition Tour.

These classes are for junior and senior dance students regardless of their intent to audition for the full-time program.

Designed for young dancers who are eager to explore movement, these classes give participants a dynamic sense of dance and performance.

NBS also offers a full and part-time Teacher Training Program to high school dance majors, professional dancers seeking a career change and practicing ballet teachers who would like to enhance their knowledge and teacher skills.

Entrance into the Teacher Training Program is by DVD audition submission only. Information detailing the application process is available on NBS’ website www.nbs-enb.ca

“Sun Life Financial is delighted to continue its support as presenting sponsor of the national audition tour. We have always believed in the importance of the arts and investing in our communities. By supporting the national audition tour we are promoting access to arts experiences and fostering the next generation of performing artists in Canada,” states Linda MacKenzie, assistant vice-president, Philanthropy at Sun Life Financial.

“Each year NBS' national audition tour is a top priority. Auditioning dance students aspiring to enter our full-time Professional Ballet Program, while also sharing NBS’ belief in the power of dance to connect Canadian communities from coast to coast, are vital to the School's ongoing evolution. As well, reconnecting annually with dance teachers while visiting their studios provides an opportunity for my colleagues and me to recognize their invaluable work. I am equally grateful for the support and assistance of Sun Life Financial and their contributions to the NAT,” said Mavis Staines, NBS artistic director and co-CEO.

From the more than 1,000 young dancers who audition each year, approximately 150 are chosen to participate in the second-stage assessment, a four-week summer school held at NBS’ state-of-the-art training facilities in July.

NBS continues to make its website the key source for information on all its programs, projects and initiatives.

The school’s Facebook page now boasts upwards of 2,400 fans, and its YouTube channel more than 30 videos.

NBS is also on Twitter, and can be found under the handle @sharing_dance.

Registration for open classes and auditions will open in September, check NBS’ website, www.nbs-enb.ca for details.

National audition tour 2011/12 cities and dates

Drummondville, QC - Thursday, September 29, 2011 (in conjunction with outreach initiatives)

St. John's, NL - Sunday October 23, 2011 (in conjunction with outreach initiatives)

Sault Ste. Marie, ON - Tuesday November 1, 2011

Nanaimo, BC - Wednesday November 2, 2011

Sudbury, ON - Thursday November 3, 2011

Vancouver, BC - Friday November 4, 2011

Ottawa, ON - Saturday November 5, 2011