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“With this program, we’re tackling that barrier and saying ‘how can we bring these youth in and expose them to styles of dance while also helping them learn about their culture and others, and how they can come together through dance,’” says Samson.
And instructors learn, too.
“The ballet instructor and I both
take part in each other’s classes,” says Nepoose. “We want students to know that we’re learning with them and they’re not alone. It’s new and exciting and they’re all willing to try and just get out there.”
Now in its third iteration of offerings, the program launched in 2023 thanks, in part, to a $3,200 grant from Edmonton Community Foundation that helped pay for instruction and equipment (including ballet slippers and hand-made moccasins for each student).
“That partnership is important,” says Samson. “We were really lucky that we were able to receive funding from the Edmonton Community Foundation for that pilot program. Both Alberta Ballet and the ISCA are looking to continue and grow the program, so the more funding we receive, that’s essential for us.”
Since its first round of classes, the program has been able to offer two more sessions — one in Calgary and another in Edmonton — as well as increase the size of classes from 18 to 40 and increase the age eligibility for youth.
“Because of the success of that first class, we’re running the program again and we’ve opened up the
age groups. It’s now eight-year-old students all the way up to 14 years old,” Samson says.
That change is for good reason, too, because, as Samson points out, the programs popularity has surged alongside its size.
“When the ISCA opened up the registration for the program, it filled in about 30 minutes,” she says.
30 LEGACY IN ACTION
“We want students to know that we’re learning with them and they’re not alone.”
— Christie Nepoose