Esprit de Corps hero image Photo Credits

Bridgett Zehr and Aleksandar Antonijevic in Chroma. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann.

Turnout

About Us

Access the world’s best dance

Turnout is an exciting group of young professionals that is building the future of The National Ballet of Canada. Turnout members receive rare access to the dancers and artists who are creating some of the most imaginative and innovative dance works in the world.

Join Turnout and be among today’s young leaders in arts discovery and support. Connect and socialize with some of Toronto’s most passionate art lovers, vibrant personalities and leading influencers from the cultural and professional worlds. Attend specially designed events offered only to Turnout members to enhance an appreciation of great dance.

An annual fee of $600 includes the Friday Night Theatre Experience ($340) and a Turnout donation ($260) – and earns you the very best access the arts world has to offer. Your charitable gift helps build the future of the National Ballet by supporting the RBC Apprentice Programme to train young dancers.

See Apprentices  

 

 

For more information, please email:
turnout@national.ballet.ca 

Events

Turnout events are designed for members to explore the exciting world of dance and socialize with like-minded arts enthusiasts. Throughout the year, Turnout offers opportunities to watch rehearsals, meet the dancers, engage with the creative and production artists, attend special workshops and come behind the scenes to experience the energy and excitement of Canada’s premier dance company. 

Friday Night Theatre Experience
Your Friday Night Theatre Experience includes a ticket to three National Ballet performances, plus a complimentary drink in the Rotman Terrace at intermission with the opportunity to network with other Turnout members.

Giselle 
December 7, 2012 

The Four Seasons & Emergence
March 22, 2013

Pur ti Miro & No. 24 & The Man in Black & Theme and Variations
June 21, 2013

 

Turnout Behind-the-Scenes Events 

Turnout at the Barre 
February 5, 2013

Turnout Tour and Rehearsal 
May 29, 2013

Dress Rehearsal: Carmen
June 4, 2013

 

And many other special benefits.

Please note events and dates are subject to change.

Cabinet

Turnout Cabinet

The Turnout leadership is a committee of volunteers who have initiated this new group to celebrate the help young arts patrons develop a passionate relationship with the National Ballet.

Melanie Dowhaniuk - Co-Chair
Allison Freeman - Co-Chair

Jonathan Renna, First Soloist - Honorary Co-Chair
Krista Dowson, Corps de Ballet member - Honorary Co-Chair

Lindsay Cook
Kerri Craddock
Stephanie Daub
Martine Mangion 
Joel Stevens 
Jonathan Voigt

 Frequently Asked Questions


 

How is Turnout structured? 
Turnout offers the best access to the world of dance:  a subscription to three National Ballet performances plus admission to behind the scenes events. Turnout members may enjoy these opportunities to meet the artists and learn more about the National Ballet alongside other young professionals. 

What is unique about the Turnout subscription?
Turnout members are being offered the best value, saving 40% off the regular subscription price, and are seated with other members of Turnout in the Orchestra level.  At intermission, members can network and socialize together with a complimentary drink.

What happens if I join after the first ballet of the subscription?
If you join Turnout after the December 7 performance of Giselle, then the National Ballet will provide performance tickets to the remaining ballets in the package on a case by case basis.

If I already have a subscription, can I still join Turnout by contributing the donation portion of the membership fee?
Yes. If you already have a subscription, you can donate $260 to the RBC Apprentice Programme to join Turnout and receive all event invitations and Turnout recognition.

What does my membership support? 
The donation portion of the Turnout membership supports the RBC Apprentice Programme.

The RBC Apprentice Programme is the National Ballet’s primary means of developing young dancers. Graduates of this programme fill the ranks not only of the National Ballet, but also of respected dance companies worldwide. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, the National Ballet is able to provide talented young dancers with the performance experience and mentoring they require to excel as professional dancers.

When is a good time to join Turnout? 
Anytime! A Turnout membership is valid for one year, with renewal at the anniversary of joining. Turnout members will be invited to all events within that year, even if it crosses the National Ballet’s performance seasons.

What if I want to bring a guest?
If you wish to bring a guest to a performance, we can place you and your guest together for that performance. Call Audience and Donor Services (416 345 9595) to purchase the extra ticket. You may have to exchange your seat in order for you to sit with your guest.

If you wish to bring a guest to an event to help introduce friends to Turnout, then please indicate your desire when you RSVP.

How do I pay?
Your Friday night subscription must be paid in full at the time of purchase. You can pay by cheque or credit card. You can pay your charitable contribution in full or in monthly instalments.

How can I do more?
There are many ways to get more involved! 

  • Tell your friends about Turnout and encourage them to join you for an event or performance.
  • Sign up for Ballet News and like Turnout on Facebook.
  • Attend the Ballet Talk prior to each performance (45 minutes before each performance).  
  • Volunteer for Turnout by joining the Turnout Cabinet or becoming an ambassador. 

What is the difference between a working rehearsal and a dress rehearsal?
A working rehearsal takes place in the studios of the National Ballet’s home – The Walter Carsen Centre. The dancers may still be learning the choreography or working to perfect it. The dancers usually rehearse to piano accompaniment.

The dress rehearsal is the last full rehearsal before a performance. It takes place on stage at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, with full sets, costumes, makeup and orchestra. It closely approximates the performance so that everyone can see how all the elements of the production are working together.

Why are some events paid while others are free?
Some events incur costs and therefore the National ballet, as a registered charity, must charge a nominal fee to recover expenses. We do this to maintain fiscal responsibility to our donor family, to keep fundraising costs to a minimum and to ensure that your full donation supports the young dancers in the RBC Apprentice Programme.

Is there a dress code for the Four Seasons Centre?
We encourage you to wear whatever you're comfortable in. You may enjoy dressing up for a night out at the theatre; you may come directly from work or you may  feel most comfortable in a nice pair of jeans. Feel free to make your own choice so that you can best enjoy your performance experience. 

 

Join Now

Join Turnout now to access the world’s best dance

An annual fee of $600 helps you access the world's best dance and  helps to build the future of The National Ballet of Canada. In appreciation of your generosity, Turnout offers you opportunities to access the very best the arts world has to offer. In addition, you will receive a tax receipt for the Turnout donation ($260).


Core purpose – why we exist
 

To help build an exciting and sustainable future for The National Ballet of Canada.

Vision – where we are going, and how we’ll know we’re there
Turnout's vibrant community will make The National Ballet the arts destination for young people in Toronto. 

Mission – what we do every day to get there
We inspire the next generation of Toronto arts supporters to build a passionate relationship with ballet.



Download the donation form 

Find Us on Facebook

To join Turnout, please email:
turnout@national.ballet.ca