Alberta Ballet Classes Support Youth Mental and Physical Health in Partnership with Calgary Centre for Newcomers

  • Press Releases

July 25,2023
For Immediate Release
CALGARY, AB - Media are invited for photo and interview opportunities at the final class of a six-week program partnership between Alberta Ballet and the Centre for Newcomers (565 36 St. NE #125) on Saturday, July 29 at 2:40pm.

Since June, Alberta Ballet has offered a free beginner ballet class every Saturday for immigrant youth ages 10-13 onsite at the Centre for Newcomers in northeast Calgary. Live piano music accompanies each class while youth learn the basics of ballet in a fun and welcoming environment.

The program aims to support newcomer youth and their families as they navigate the challenges of settling into a new community. Alberta Ballet beginner classes provide youth a space to express themselves, strengthen self-confidence, socialize, learn about Canadian cultural activities and support their physical and mental health at a time when they can feel vulnerable, anxious or homesick.

The classes are offered for free at the Centre for Newcomer facility where newcomers can access a variety of other services including English language training, career development, and financial literacy support. This partnership supports newcomers at a time when funding cuts are threatening services for new Canadians. With the number of immigrants expected to rise in Calgary in the coming year, partnerships with organizations like Alberta Ballet will be essential to support new Canadians.

MEDIA INVITE DETAILS
Where: Centre for Newcomers, 565 36 St NE #125, Calgary
When: Saturday, July 29, 2023
2:40pm – Video and photo opportunities of class in session
3:00pm – Interview availability with:

  • Taryn Klassen (she/her), Director of Open and Provincial Programs & Head of Junior School
  • Noel Bahliby, Director of Youth Department, Centre for Newcomers
  • Youth participant of program
  • Parent/Guardian of youth participating in program

-30-

About Alberta Ballet

Alberta Ballet ignites the curiosity and imagination of people in communities across the province, and beyond, by championing their stories and experiences through dance training, creation, and performances. Through both the originality of its programming and the talent of its classically-trained dancers, Alberta Ballet has become a world-class arts organization Albertans are proud to call their own.
Learn more about Alberta Ballet Classes for all ages at: albertaballet.com

About Centre for Newcomers

The Centre for Newcomers provides training programs and collaborative support services for thousands of immigrants and refugees each year to promote full integration, cultural diversity, community participation and citizenship. For more information, visit centrefornewcomers.ca

Alberta Ballet Media Contact

Kim Bradley
Alberta Ballet Communications Advisor
Kimb@albertaballet.com
c: 587-999-0306

Other News

Francesco Ventriglia Imageby Damiano Mongelli 1
Press Releases

Alberta Ballet Names New Artistic Director

Francesco Ventriglia named as new Artistic Director of Alberta Ballet
Alberta Ballet 0029
Press Releases

Ballet meets powwow dancing through dynamic new partnership

Press Releases

Alberta Ballet Begins Search for New Artistic Director

23 24 Cover Alexandra Gibson Eluvier Acosta
Press Releases

Alberta Ballet Announces 2023/24 Season

Highlights include Hamlet, Der Wolf, Doña Perón and The Sleeping Beauty FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2023  CALGARY, AB – Alberta Ballet is excited to announce its ambitious new season, filled with fairy tales and romance, heroes and tragedies that we know will inspire Alberta’s love of dance. The season kicks off with guest company, Ballet Hispánico in a complex and moving portrait of Argentina’s most controversial first lady, Doña Perón, in September, followed by the anticipated return of Alberta Ballet’s highly successful family favourite, The Sleeping Beauty around Halloween. Christmas 2023 will see the return of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, before Beijing Dance Theatre arrives in Canada for the long anticipated Alberta premiere of Hamlet. Spring will be welcomed in with another family classic, Hansel and Gretel, featuring the charm of old-fashioned black and white movies. We wrap up the season with a double-header of the 1913 classic, The Rite of Spring and a darker remake of The Little Red Riding Hood, called Der Wolf. “We’ve selected productions with vivid characters and grand adventures – bringing artists, sets, music and storytelling from across the world. We've also reached into our repertoire for some Alberta-infused interpretations. Several works include collaborations with today’s most prolific choreographers; works that I know our artists will elevate,” said Alberta Ballet’s Artistic Director Christopher Anderson. “Creativity is the seed of artistic expression, and creativity will resonate throughout our 2023/24 season. Brimming with bold and daring productions, this new season will captivate your imagination. The ambition around next season is what makes 2023/24 stand out. We are striving for new heights with a goal of matching our artistic expression on stage to our audience’s incredible enthusiasm for dance,” To learn more about the season’s lineup, you can visit the 2023/24 season brochure. You can find high resolution images in the Media Kit. -30- About Alberta Ballet   Alberta Ballet ignites the curiosity and imagination of people in communities across the province, and beyond, by championing their stories and experiences through dance training, creation, and performances. Alberta Ballet develops lasting connections and a passionate following in the province, the country and abroad. Through both the originality of its programming and the talent of its classically-trained dancers, Alberta Ballet has become a world-class arts organization Albertans are proud to call their own.     Media Contact:  Kim Bradley  Communications Advisor  communications@albertaballet.com c: 587-999-0306 
2 K5 A0005
Alberta Ballet

23/24 Full Year and Fall Sessional Classes Registration Now Open!