On May 31, 2025, the National Ballet School will transform Jarvis Street into a celebration of dance and community — and anyone can come.
There are several different ways you can join in on the action, from experiencing a performance to taking a class or workshop, and more. The variety, and all-inclusive theme, is the point.
NBS Block Party
It all takes place from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the National Ballet School’s downtown campus at 400 Jarvis Street, and, weather permitting, along the block on the street.
Among the offerings:
- Drop-in introductory dance workshops for all ages in NBS’ award-winning studios
- Behind-the-scenes ballet rehearsals featuring NBS students on the Anna McCowan-Johnson Stage at the Betty Oliphant Theatre
- Pop-Up Dance and Music Performances by Guest Artists and NBS Students
- All-day Creative Movement Space for Kids (6 and under)
- The Shoe Room Dancewear Sale, featuring Bloch dancewear
- Festival games, face painting, family-friendly activities, food
Workshops are drop-in and free, with no prior experience required. There will be 16 workshops with leading Toronto dance artists, including:
- Afrofusion with Zahra Badua
- Queer Conscious Movement with Sid Ryan Eilers
- Hip Hop with Edz Gyamfi
- Powwow with Nichole Leveck
- Haitian Folk with Emilie Jabouin
- Classical Chinese with Tia Lu
It will be the first NBS Block Party for the School’s new Artistic Director, Margaret Tracey, who spoke to LvT about the free event.
Margaret Tracey, Artistic Director of Canada’s National Ballet School: The Interview
It shouldn’t really take a splashy special event to get people on their feet and dancing. The concept that dance is an integral part of what it means to be human lies at the root of the endeavour.
“One of our core beliefs here as dance educators is that dance has been around as long as human have existed,” says Tracey. “It’s a non-verbal form of communication that is embedded in our DNA.”
It’s Eurocentric culture that has tended to try and marginalize dance as an esoteric, non-essential activity.
“In our modern Western culture we have disconnected so much from the idea that dance can be as normal as walking,” Margaret points out. “It is a vital part of what it means to live in our skins as humans.”
Dance For Everybody
“The genesis of this was, coming out of COVID, and really wanting to open up our doors to the community in the most celebratory manner,” Tracey explains.
“They want to ensure that everyone can see themselves reflected in the space of dance.”
That includes, literally, everyone from young children, who might take in a beginner’s class, to seniors, in an environment that is both multicultural and intergenerational.
“I am beyond excited,” Tracey says. “This annual celebration, it really reflects our commitment to making dance more accessible as well as more inclusive.” She says they want to open the doors to all aspiring dancers, regardless of age or physical abilities.
“The idea is to inspire a love of ballet and dance.”
Along with lessons, there will be performances by the city’s next generation of uber-talented young people to showcase the School’s work.
Join The Party: Register Online
Last year’s NBS Block Party was a huge success, and they’re looking to build on it this year.
“It was 3,700 people attended,” she reports. “Our goal is to reach 4,000 this year. We’re hoping the weather gods agree with us,” she adds.
Margaret notes that, even if the clouds do open up, the National Ballet School has extensive indoor facilities where the fun can still take place.
“There’ll be something for everyone.”
The event is family-friendly, free, and also a proud affiliate of Toronto Pride, incorporating elements like a queer conscious movement workshop, among others.
- Find more details, and register, [HERE].
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