Client Profile: National Ballet School
Established in 1959, Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is one of the world’s foremost ballet training institutions for aspiring young dancers and teachers. Dedicated to advancing the art of ballet, NBS develops dance professionals in a student-centred environment by incorporating innovation and evolving practices with the finest teaching techniques.
Attracting students from across the country and around the world, NBS is the only ballet academy in North America to provide elite dance training, advanced level academic instruction and student residence all on one site. The school’s progressive curriculum, with emphasis on the physical and emotional well being of the student, has put NBS at the forefront of dance training internationally.
The Project
To ensure continuous evolution of standards and programs with other state-of-the-art facilities, Project Grand Jeté was born. Located in downtown Toronto, the $100 million expansion project brings together new construction and existing heritage buildings.
The ambitious project involved the development of a new state-of-the-art dance training centre, the restoration of two heritage buildings for academic classrooms and administrative offices, and the refurbishment of existing buildings as enhanced and expanded residence facilities.
The Solution
NBS was able to secure a $15 million loan from Infrastructure Ontario to help finance a portion of the award winning Project Grand Jété. The project began construction in June 2003 and construction is now complete.
“Infrastructure Ontario funding was essential to the completion of our project and for helping Canada’s National Ballet School make the transition into its new campus. We would not hesitate to work with Infrastructure Ontario again.”
Jeff Melanson, Executive Director & Co-CEO
The Result
Along with other developments in the area, NBS’s Project Grand Jeté contributes to the intensification of the urban fabric and the revitalization of the Jarvis Street precinct. The architectural interplay between the restored heritage elements and the dynamic contemporary pieces gives bold expression to dance and celebrates ballet’s historic origins while embracing the future of this constantly evolving art form.
As a world leader in the training of ballet dancers and teachers, NBS offers community outreach programs, designed to expose young audiences to classical ballet.
Students are accepted on the basis of merit alone, with financial assistance available depending on family means. By taking advantage of Infrastructure Ontario’s affordable long-term Loan Program, NBS was able to save valuable funds to assist with students’ financial needs.
For more information on Canada’s National Ballet School, please visit their website at www.nbs-enb.ca.