Library Display Shines a Spotlight on 50 Years of Dance at
Quinte Ballet School of Canada
Quinte Ballet School of Canada (QBSC) is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special exhibition of dance memorabilia, photos, pointe shoes and costumes on display at the John M Parrott Art Gallery at the Belleville Public Library until June 30, 2022. Volunteers Alanna Kalnay and Donna Kelly combed through QBSC’s extensive archives and wardrobe to select memorabilia that shines a spotlight on 50 years of dance at QBSC.
The display includes Nutcracker and Spring Showcases through the ages with colourful costumes from Holiday Dance and programs and photos of alumni from the Professional Training Program who danced various roles in QBSC’s two annual productions. Photos of the many teachers that Founding Artistic Director Brian Scott invited to teach at the school are featured in the display along with Brian Scott’s Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal that recognizes his dedicated contribution to the community. Former students will recognize in the photos many studios that QBSC called home over 50 years.
One of the contributors to QBSC’s 50th anniversary library display is Helen Kelly, an original member of the Belleville Branch of the National Ballet of Canada established in 1956 before the school started. The Guild approached the National Ballet to recommend a ballet teacher and Brian Scott came to Belleville and soon the Quinte Dance Centre was established in 1972. The school moved to larger quarters three times before settling in a new facility at 196 Palmer Road built for the school in 2002. A strong corps of volunteers, mostly parents, maintained, fundraised for and operated the school that grew very quickly. Photos and programs from QBSC’s many fundraising galas are on display at the Art Gallery.
The month of June has other 50th anniversary celebratory moments for QBSC including Artistic Director Catherine Taylor’s 10th anniversary video by Drew Berry launched at the Dance of Spring performance at the Empire Theatre on June 11, 2022 at 6:30pm. The Dance of Spring performance by QBSC’s students in the Professional Training Program also features a new video created by QBSC’s seven graduating students. Dance of Spring presents ballet highlights from The Sleeping Beauty, original choreography of many dance styles – jazz, modern, hip hop and flamenco dance to the music of Bolero. Reserved tickets to Dance of Spring are available at The Empire Theatre at 613-969-0099 or online at www.theempiretheatre.com.
Following the June 11th performance of Dance of Spring is QBSC’s 50th anniversary special fundraising event – Ballet & Bubbly – The Afterparty at Venue 1906, 34 Victoria Avenue in Belleville. Guests will raise a glass of ‘bubbly’ in celebration of QBSC’s 50th and reconnect with past Board members, homestay families, staff, alumni, supporters and meet student performers.
Quinte Ballet School of Canada is a non-profit charity that is committed to teach, promote and present the joy of dance at both the professional and recreational levels. Faculty and staff are dedicated to creating an inspiring and supportive environment that nurtures talented young people towards a career in the dance industry, along with providing a variety of classes on evenings and weekends for people of all ages who love to learn and to dance.
Volunteer Donna Kelly helped create the special exhibition of dance memorabilia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Quinte Ballet School. The display is at the John M Parrott Art Gallery at the Belleville Public Library until June 30, 2022. (Photo: submitted/Quinte Ballet School of Canada)
