Ballet Forward - Acting for more equitable dance

Ballet Forward is a major national project designed to mobilize Canada's youth to help the ballet world move forward in the areas of equity, reconciliation and the fight against racism, particularly racism directed against black people. Implemented over two years and funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage's Youth Take Charge program, this project is led by Canada's National Ballet School, in collaboration with several partners including the École supérieure de ballet du Québec.

Systemic change driven by young people

At the heart of this project is a Youth Assembly, made up of some thirty members aged 7 to 30, selected from across the country. These committed young artists take part in discussions, actions and content production to rethink the foundations of ballet, based on their own experiences and a profound desire to transform the milieu.

Their mandate is ambitious :

• Promote equity in ballet practices and institutions
• Contribute actively to the process of reconciliation
• Denounce and combat systemic manifestations of racism, particularly anti-black racism
• Imagine and implement sustainable change in the dance milieu

The Youth Assembly is called upon to design awareness-raising content, organize guest learning sessions, document project progress, and lead dialogues with their local and artistic communities. These initiatives are designed to reach out nationally, and create an inspiring model with international potential.

The École supérieure's committed involvement

At the École supérieure de ballet du Québec, two students, Héloïse and Victoria, were selected to sit on the Youth Assembly. Committed, curious and change-makers, they are taking part in this transformative movement through various activities, including moderating public discussions and designing content for social networks.

Last April, they hosted a live discussion with choreographer Rhodnie Désir, Creative Director of RD Créations. This sincere and inspiring dialogue addressed the obstacles she has encountered, the levers of resilience she has mobilized, and the scope of her artistic approach, imbued with meaning and commitment.

A forward-looking vision of ballet

Through Ballet Forward, the art of choreography becomes a lever for social mobilization. It is a call to institutions to listen to and integrate the voices of youth, in a spirit of dialogue, empowerment and co-construction.

Because ballet, to remain alive, must reflect the diversity of our society and open up to new ways of being transmitted, taught and experienced.