Moving Schools

Moving Schools connects Ballet BC with young people and educators at a time when arts opportunities in public education are increasingly limited. Through workshops, resources, and shared experiences, students encounter dance not only as an art form, but as a way of exploring ideas, expressing themselves, and imagining future possibilities—including careers in the arts.

Current Initiatives

  • Ballet BC Annex is our junior company comprised of pre-professional dance artists who tour annually across British Columbia. The program brings high-quality contemporary dance directly to students and audiences in regions with limited access to live performance. Each presentation is paired with a Q+A and/or movement workshop. Since 2021, Ballet BC Annex has presented over 50 performances across the province, reaching more than 10,000 students and supporting the company’s commitment to accessible arts education.
  • In-school workshops bring company artists and guest educators into classrooms for movement-based learning experiences tailored to different age groups and contexts. Programming is partially subsidized for public schools and offered on a limited paid basis for private schools. Workshops support creativity, physical literacy, reflection, and exposure to professional dance practice.
  • Student and Community Dress Rehearsals offer free access to Ballet BC opening day dress rehearsals at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for schools and community groups, including seniors and equity-deserving populations. These rehearsals are accompanied by study materials that support reflection and discussion around contemporary dance. The program is designed to reduce barriers to attendance and build familiarity with live performance in a supportive environment.

 

If you are an educator or community organizer interested in more information about these programs, please reach out to outreach@balletbc.com.

"Ballet BC's workshops were great. Perfect blend of creative movement, technique, scaffolding dance steps, and teaching choreography from Ballet BC repertoire. My students loved the teacher’s energy and enthusiasm and were able to push themselves creatively with his guidance."

— In-school Workshops participating educator