Open Space

Overview

The National Ballet of Canada’s Open Space programme provides approximately 2,000 hours of free studio space each year at The Walter Carsen Centre to dance artists in Toronto. By sharing the National Ballet’s studios with the local dance community, Open Space aims to support a wide variety of dance genres and disciplines. Dance artists at any place in their career working on movement research, a new creation or further developing an existing work are all encouraged to apply. We encourage applications from IBPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ artists.

The selections are made by an advisory committee made up of the National Ballet’s Artistic Producer, Creative Action Alyssa Martin, Co-Artistic Director of Mix Mix Dance Collective Ashley Colours Perez and dance artist, choreographer and educator Irma Villafuerte. The advisory committee changes each season and, in the past, has included Natasha Powell, Danah 'Legendary Mother Maldita Siriano' Rosales, Esie Mensah, Nova Bhattacharya, Zahra Badua, Kieran Heralall, Alysa Pires, Rodney Diverlus, Hanna Kiel, Kevin A. Ormsby and Anisa Tejpar.

Artists have the option of applying for full days in our studio (eight hours) or half days (four hours). Also, an Open Space bursary will provide successful applicants with $180 for each full day or $90 for each half day spent in the studio.

Details

• Open Space is available for periods of five to seven days or ten to 14 days
• The dates often do not follow a typical Monday to Friday schedule
• The studios will generally be available from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays and 3:00 to 7:00 pm on weekends
• There is a cap of 20 participants per group
• All participants must sign a waiver and release form
• We expect that all participants will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19

Studio Space

• The studio spaces available for Open Space are those used by the National Ballet for rehearsals and therefore only non-marking footwear is permitted. Due to the sprung floor and vinyl surface, any footwear that creates high impact in a small area (i.e. stiletto heels) is not permitted as it could permanently damage the floor
• Sound equipment and pianos are available for rehearsal purposes
• No A/V or large equipment or set pieces permitted in the studios
• No overnight storage permitted

Application Deadlines

Important Dates for Studio Space in November and December 2024 and January 2025

• Applications Open: August 28, 2024
• Application Deadline: September 20, 2024
• Successful applicants will be notified by October 16, 2024

Important Dates for Studio Space in February and March 2025

• Application Deadline: November 13, 2024
• Successful applicants will be notified by December 6, 2024

Important Dates for Studio Space in May and June 2025

• Application Deadline: February 13, 2024
• Successful applicants will be notified by March 7, 2025