Archives

Overview

In operation since 1975, the National Ballet Archives was created for the collection and preservation of materials that best serve to illustrate the founding and development of The National Ballet of Canada, and to assist, whenever possible, research and scholarly work in dance. Archival holdings document the history of the company from 1951 to the present, and include press clippings, programmes, posters, photographs, videos and costumes, as well as materials referring to dance in general, both in Canada and internationally. The Erik Bruhn Library and Archive Video Collection provide a valuable reference resource, featuring over 2500 items pertaining to dance and related subjects such as theatre, music, scenography, choreography and anatomy.

Make a Donation

The Archives and the Erik Bruhn Library continues to develop thanks to the generous support and donations from staff, artists and the public. If you would like to help preserve the company’s history, we gratefully accept donations of materials, as well as to our Education and Outreach Fund. You may forward a cheque payable to The National Ballet of Canada, Endowment Foundation to:

The Walter Carsen Centre for The National Ballet of Canada
470 Queens Quay West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 3K4
Please note Education & Outreach on your donation.

Help Make History

The National Ballet Archives and the Erik Bruhn Library contain thousands of items that tell the stories of The National Ballet of Canada. The Archives' many collections continue to develop thanks to generous gifts. If you would like to help preserve the company’s history, we gratefully accept donations of National Ballet related material including: 

• letters
• memoirs/reminiscences/diaries
• scrapbooks
• photographs/photo albums (labeled)
• professional papers
• films/videos/audio tapes (labeled)
• costumes/costume items
• footwear

To make a donation of dance-related material please call the Archives at 416 345 9686 x365 or email archives@national.ballet.ca.  

Book an Appointment

Members of the public can become life-long members of the Archives and enjoy the privileges of borrowing our materials (some conditions apply). Students, teachers and researchers are invited to visit the Archives and the Erik Bruhn Library for resource materials on dance in Canada and The National Ballet of Canada. Digital access to many of the company's varied collections is provided through The Helen G. Balfour InMagic Database available on site at the Walter Carsen Centre. Please note research space is limited, and all visits are during business hours and by appointment only. The National Ballet of Canada Archives provides access to and use of its materials free of charge.

To arrange a research appointment, please call the Archives at 416 345 9686 x365 or email archives@national.ballet.ca.