The Volunteer Committee, The National Ballet of Canada

History

In 1949, Sydney Mulqueen, Pearl Whitehead and Aileen Woods had a shared vision of establishing a national ballet company for Canada.

Their vision and determination inspired Celia Franca to come to Canada from England and become Founding Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, leading to the company’s first performance at the Eaton Auditorium on November 12, 1951.

With the additional support of an energetic group of volunteers, The Ballet Guild was formed in 1951. In its heyday, the Guild had branches throughout Southwestern Ontario, Quebec and even Buffalo. Local Guilds sponsored the National Ballet’s appearances, even providing lodging and hospitality for company members on tour. The branches also provided scholarships to dancers within the company and at Canada's National Ballet School.

While the network of local Guilds did not survive, in 1972, the Toronto branch evolved into The Volunteer Committee, The National Ballet of Canada.

Throughout the years, the Volunteer Committee has led many money-raising projects including art shows, an annual ballet gala and Paper Things (a destination stationery and gift shop in Yorkville for over 50 years), to name a few.

The Ballet Boutique

Today, the Volunteer Committee’s main project is the Ballet Boutique.

Launching in 1974, the initial boutique sold items made by the volunteers themselves. Today, the Ballet Boutique has evolved into an integral part of the theatre experience and is open during all the performances of the National Ballet at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.  

Operated by a dedicated team of volunteers, 100% of proceeds from every purchase directly supports the creation of new productions for the National Ballet. The Ballet Boutique is your first stop for National Ballet-branded merchandise, ballet-themed gifts, jewellery and an array of whimsical items, curated for the ballet-going audience.

Please stop by and visit the Ballet Boutique at your next performance!

The Team

Seventy-five years on, The Volunteer Committee continues to be a community of ballet enthusiasts with a shared passion for supporting creative excellence at the National Ballet. This dynamic team of volunteers is responsible for the management and operations of the Ballet Boutique, including, all buying, merchandising, inventory and retail sales.

At this time, we are not seeking new volunteers, however you can check back here in the future should opportunities to join our team become available. Thank you for your interest in volunteering at The National Ballet of Canada.

Build a Ballet Fund

Since 1976, The Volunteer Committee of The National Ballet of Canada has been dedicated to the expansion of the company’s repertoire, helping to fund original new works and acquisitions of major international works.

Productions The Volunteer Committee Helped to Fund

Top Photo: Volunteer Committee Members Mrs. Lindsay, Nanette Cassels, Aileen Woods, Mrs. Harris, Sydney Mulqueen, Dorothy Watkins and Pearl Whitehead, c.1950s.