Canada Ballet Presents Innovative Dance Education Programme

Through September 30th, 2007, dancers and educators from The National Ballet of Canada and Canada's National Ballet School will offer movement workshops and master classes to young people in local schools, community organizations and ballet schools across western Canada.

"TD Waterhouse is proud to contribute to Canada's culture by supporting The National Ballet of Canada and its performances in Western Canada," said Bill Hatanaka, Group Head Wealth Management, TD Bank Financial Group. "We're excited to play a part in bringing the magic of dance to life for young people, not just on the stage but in their communities and schools as well. Supporting innovative arts programs for youth is an important investment in tomorrow's great performers."

TD Waterhouse has designated $300,000 in support of the 2007 and 2009 western Canada tours undertaken by the National Ballet. The support of the western Canada tour and the outreach programming is just one aspect of TD Waterhouse's relationship with Canada's leading classical ballet company. TD Waterhouse also sponsors the National Ballet's production of The Nutcracker, the perennial family favourite. In addition, TD Waterhouse underwrites Nutcracker Story Time, which enables the National Ballet to offer children an interactive telling of the magical story before every performance.

In Class Workshops

These specially designed workshops are for children ages 8 –14. Dance Educator Megan English will lead workshops assisted by Graham Kotowich and Christine Cecchini, post-secondary students from Canada's National Ballet School. Through movement exercises, demonstrations and photographs, children will learn about the world of ballet and interact with actual dancers.

Master Classes

Master classes will be taught by luminaries of The National Ballet of Canada and represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for ballet students. Artist-in-Residence Rex Harrington will teach in Victoria, First Soloist Stacey Shiori Minagawa will teach in Saskatoon, Principal Character Artist and Ballet Master Tomas Schramek will teach in Calgary and Principal Artistic Coach Magdalena Popa will teach in Vancouver. -- www.national.ballet.ca