York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) continues to build strong partnerships with Canada’s leading arts institutions.
This May, York will mark its third year collaborating with the The National Ballet of Canada (NBOC) through the YOU dance initiative, the company’s signature community engagement program.
YOU dance is designed to introduce young people to the world of dance and ignite a deeper connection to the performing arts. During the event, hundreds of elementary school students from local communities will be invited to York’s campus to attend live performances by the National Ballet’s RBC Apprentice Programme.
Zinger. Photo courtesy of The National Ballet of Canada.
Students will not only watch the performances, but also take part by asking questions and engaging with some of the country’s leading dance artists.
Adding to the excitement of this year’s event is Charlize Greaves, a third-year Dance student at AMPD, who has been selected to perform her original choreography.
"This opportunity makes me feel seen and trusted as an artist,” Greaves says. “Through the creative process of my piece, Mechanoids, I learned a lot about who I am as a creator, and I’m grateful that my artistry can now be understood, witnessed, and celebrated by others.”
Greaves credits AMPD for giving her the tools to grow not only as a choreographer, but as a creative professional. “Studying in York’s Dance program has allowed me to experiment and rediscover myself as an artist. This program is filled with so many passionate and talented artists who inspire me daily and encourage me to strive for greatness.”
“Understanding who I am or want to be was extremely beneficial for my choreographic journey,” she adds.
The opportunity for Greaves to showcase her work is a shining example of how AMPD students are stepping into the spotlight through meaningful industry relationships.
“This is an incredibly important relationship between NBOC’s YOU dance and the University,” says AMPD Professor Syreeta Hector, who is spearheading the collaboration alongside Lisa Robinson, Senior Manager of Education and Community Engagement at the National Ballet of Canada.
"We are so excited to return to York University for the third time with The National Ballet of Canada's YOU dance residency during the week of May 5," Robinson says. "It’s a true pleasure to be on campus and in the beautiful Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre, sharing the joy of dance with students and the wider community. We’re especially thrilled that, alongside other inspiring community dance pieces, this year’s community performance includes a work by Charlize Greaves from York’s Dance program. This collaboration reflects the shared passion for dance education and outreach, and we look forward to exploring future programming possibilities together."
The event will serve as a vibrant celebration of the arts, and a meaningful week of dance and connection.
Cover image: Apprentices at YOU dance Residency at York University. Photo by Bruce Zinger. Courtesy of The National Ballet of Canada.