Emerging Dance Critics Programme #11 The National Ballet of Canada and The Dance Current October 9, 2014… The National Ballet of Canada today announced the launch of Emerging Dance Critics (EDC), a programme to foster a new generation of dance critics and writers. Created in partnership with Canadian dance magazine The Dance Current, the programme will provide a forum for aspiring dance writers and assist them in developing the tools required to write about and review ballet authoritatively. A select group of emerging dance writers will be invited to attend and review performances by the National Ballet beginning with Manon, which opens the 2014/15 season on November 8, 2014, followed by Nijinsky, November 22 – 30, 2014. Recently retired arts critic John Coulbourn will mentor the EDC participants throughout the reviewing process. The Dance Current will provide one-on-one editorial mentorship and publishing exposure to the EDC participants. The reviews will be edited by The Dance Current Editor Kate Morris and will be posted in a column dedicated to the EDC programme. The National Ballet and The Dance Current will offer EDC participants workshops focusing on critical writing, editing and effective interviewing skills. The National Ballet will also grant access to the company’s rehearsal studios, allowing participants to observe the rehearsal process and gain deeper insight into the ballets. The Dance Current is Canada’s dance magazine – in print and online – cultivating dance literacy, fostering discourse and providing the broadest possible public with access points into dance art and culture. Manon is presented by Chloé Fragrances. BMO presents Nijinsky. Lead philanthropic support for Nijinsky is provided by The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation, an anonymous friend of the National Ballet, The Volunteer Committee of The National Ballet of Canada and The Producers’ Circle: John & Claudine Bailey, David Binet, Susanne Boyce & Dr. Brendan Mullen, Gail Drummond & Bob Dorrance, Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, Kevin & Roger Garland, The William & Nona Heaslip Foundation, Rosamond Ivey, Hal Jackman Foundation, Anna McCowan-Johnson & Donald K. Johnson, O.C., Judy Korthals & Peter Irwin, Judith & Robert Lawrie, Mona & Harvey Levenstein, Joan & Jerry Lozinski, The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, C.C., Julie Medland, Sandra Pitblado & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Lynda & Jonas Prince, Susan Scace & Arthur Scace, C.M., Q.C., Sandra L. Simpson and Noreen Taylor & David Staines, O.C. The Dance Current gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Canada Council for the Arts; the Ontario Arts Council; the City of Toronto through the Economic Development & Culture Department; the Government of Canada – Department of Canadian Heritage, through the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages; and the Government of Ontario through the Honourable Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. – 30 – For more information, please contact: Catherine Chang Senior Communications Manager 416 345 9686 x302 [email protected] national.ballet.ca Brittany Duggan Managing Editor The Dance Current 416 588 0850 [email protected] thedancecurrent.com Christine Achampong Publicity Coordinator 416 345 9686 x332 [email protected] national.ballet.ca