type

  • Feature Article
  • Podcast
  • Research

theme

  • Instant Activity
  • Food Literacy
  • Outdoor Learning
  • Physically Active Learning
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • Cross-Curricular Learning
  • Models-Based Approach
  • PHE Community
  • Healthy School Communities
  • Fundamental Movement Skills
  • Dance Education
  • Digital Literacy
  • Health Education
  • Financial Literacy
  • Physical Education
  • Sex Education
  • Educational Leadership
  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Teacher Education
  • Mental Health
  • Substance Use
  • Truth & Reconciliation

Search Results

SORT BY:

Canada’s National Ballet School presents the 2020 NBS Sharing Dance Choreography

February 23, 2020
dancers in a dance room

Previously published in Volume 85, Issue 4

Abstract
Embracing themes of community and collaboration, the latest NBS Sharing Dance Choreography continues its tradition of helping Canadians engage with meaningful themes through dance.
 

Sharing Dance Day 2020 | Music

Canada's National Ballet School (NBS) knows that the artistry and physicality of dance helps kids develop skills and confidence, while fostering a love of movement, emotional intelligence and creativity. This transformative power of dance lies at the heart of NBS’ drive to create an annual piece of choreography—the NBS Sharing Dance Choreography—in collaboration with Canadian artists. 

This year’s NBS Sharing Dance Choreography embraces themes of community, collaboration, partnership, and support. It is a meaningful opportunity for individuals to reflect on the role of those themes in their own lives. 

Choreographed by Jera Wolfe—an award-winning choreographer and performer of Métis heritage and an Associate Artist with Red Sky Performance—the piece is now freely available for people to learn across Canada. NBS offers digital resources including step-by-step instructional videos, lesson plans, a seated adapted version of the choreography, and downloadable music to help even the newest dancers get involved. 

The choreography is inspired by Wolfe’s Arise, a moving choreographic work created for 110 of NBS’ Professional Ballet/Academic Program students and performed at NBS’ Spring Showcase to sold-out audiences. Wolfe adapted the piece, retaining its original energy and vitality, into the NBS Sharing Dance Choreography. 

Sharing Dance | Canada's National Ballet School

Reflecting on the inspiration for Arise and the process of adapting it for communities across the country, Wolfe says, “there will always be challenges in life. I have realized that what defines me is not necessarily my failures or accomplishments, but how I rose to face them. We will all have great challenges to overcome in our own lives, everything from personal, political, to environmental. Only by collaborating, supporting and caring together will we be able to arise to face these challenges.”

“[The Sharing Dance Choreography] shares that same focus and energy. It’s almost like a breath from Arise,” says Wolfe.

Released during NBS’ 60th anniversary year, this year’s choreography is a poignant representation of those relationships that sparked the growth of NBS Sharing Dance Fest from local celebration to nation-wide movement. Made up of a series of Sharing Dance Day events—hosted in schools, communities and as grassroots gatherings—NBS Sharing Dance Fest celebrates the power of dance, while also providing an opportunity for all who learn the choreography to perform it together wherever they are.

Today, the annual NBS Sharing Dance Fest engages tens of thousands of Canadians. From classrooms and extra-curricular programs to community centers and retirement facilities, people of all ages and abilities learn and perform original choreography that celebrates movement, music, and themes that resonate throughout the country.  

Ten years ago, NBS artistic staff members could not have anticipated the initiative’s nation-wide expansion when it began as a flash-mob in honour of Canada’s National Ballet School’s 50th anniversary. Since then, collaborative partnerships with communities of teachers, dancers, researchers, programmers and many others have been the key to the initiative’s momentum and growth. 

Sharing Dance | Canada's National Ballet School

“It is amazing to feel the momentum of these programs and to experience their impact across the country,” says Ashleigh Powell, Head of Community Dance at Canada's National Ballet School. “We are grateful to the many teachers, volunteers and committed community actors who have been a part of this growing movement. The power and relevance of dance is demonstrated so clearly by the dedicated people who bring our programs to life every day.”

Learn more about this unique choreography AND register to access the choreography resources at no cost.

Recent Posts

a kid in a swimming pool using a pool noodle
Pool Noodles: Inexpensive, Versatile, a Great Teaching Tool
[ Feature Article ] Pool noodles are some of the most versatile and affordable pieces of equipment you can use to enhance any physical education program. They are not only fun but also serve a variety of purposes, from improving physical literacy to fostering teamwork and creativity. Whether you are developing game skills or introducing new challenges, pool noodles are an excellent tool for engaging students of all ages.
Authored by: Dr. John Byl
wooden blocks with faces drawn on them
Creating a Mindful Community: How Parents, Teachers, and Students Can Work Together to Promote Mental Health
[ Feature Article ] Mental health is a critical aspect of a student’s overall well-being, and emphasizing the importance of mental health aligns with the “Living Well” facet of the Canadian Physical and Health Education Competencies (Davis et al., 2023). Creating a supportive, mindful environment that engages teachers, parents, and students can make a world of difference.
Authored by: Brenna Wyman
child catching a balloon
Balloons: Adding Accomplishment, Joy, and Challenge for Physical Education Students
[ Feature Article ] Balloons are an often-overlooked gem in the world of Physical Education (PE). Not only are they inexpensive, but they stay afloat for much longer than most balls, giving students ample time to strike, catch, and improve their coordination. Balloons are also versatile and offer a fun way to develop physical literacy while playing games that are engaging for students of all ages.
Authored by: Dr. John Byl
A woman engages with a group of individuals in a library setting, fostering discussion and collaboration among them.
Emerging Scholars – Where are they now?
[ Feature Article ] Since 2015, PHE Canada’s Research Council has honored graduate students with the Emerging Scholar Award for excellence in teaching, research, and leadership. As the 2025 Research Forum approaches, past recipients shared how the award shaped their careers, their proudest recent work, the value of staying connected to the Council, and advice for future scholars.
Authored by: Martha Gumprich
children playing soccer outdoors
Connecting Communities Through Movement: There’s Strength in Numbers
[ Feature Article ] During the early days of the pandemic, I pitched my idea to the administration at Larkhall Academy: an initiative designed to keep our school community engaged in movement. This initiative would be simple enough for anyone—students, staff, or community members—to participate in, and it would take very little time to complete. I named it Time to Move.
Authored by: Jody Worthman
1 teacher and 8 students behind her
The True Sport Experience: A values-based tool for educators
[ Feature Article ] Can you tell us a little about The True Sport Experience and what inspired the development of this resource? The True Sport Experience is a three-volume resource designed for educators working with...
Authored by: Sarah Bennett