Our History

North Pointe Ballet was founded in 2016 by Artistic Director Janet Dziak with the mission to make classical ballet accessible to everyone in our community.

After retiring as a professional ballerina with the Saint Louis Ballet, Janet Strukely-Dziak returned to her hometown in Lorain County to teach and choreograph for other arts organizations. During this time, she developed a passion for making the arts accessible to under-served populations. She was particularly inspired to begin her mission with the special needs community as a result of her personal encounters with Autism within her own family. Ms. Dziak decided to use her experiences as a professional dancer and her passion for serving those with special needs to start a non-profit. She dedicated her focus to developing programming that served the community.

2016
NPB Begins
North Pointe Ballet first contracted professional dancers in Fall 2016 to produce its first annual production of The Nutcracker.

The company began touring to schools, libraries, retirement homes, and other community sites with its workshop performances, in addition to implementing its sensory-friendly programs for dancers of diversability and audience members with unique sensory needs.
2017
Non-Profit Status
NPB gained non-profit status in January 2017.

2017
2018
Partnerships Launch
NPB began a partnership with Murray Ridge School to provide performance experience to students with special needs.

NPB offered El Centro de Servicios Sociales in Lorain complimentary tickets to NPB performances at The Lorain Palace Theatre.
2019
Partnerships Grow
In Fall 2019, NPB began on-site dance education classes for youth of minority ethnicity in partnership with Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center in Cleveland & El Centro in Lorain.

2019
2020
Outdoor Performances
NPB’s first free, outdoor “Ballet in the Park” performance took place at Lakeview Park in partnership with Lorain County Metro Parks. These performances have continued to be a cornerstone piece of NPB’s accessible programming.
2021
NPB Plants Roots
NPB moved into its physical office space in Berea, utilizing the studio space of the Baldwin Wallace University Community Arts School in the same office building.

NPB also underwent a cultural audit to ensure all performances and programs reflect the organization’s values.

2021
2022
Preparing for the Future
NPB entered into a strategic planning process in 2022 to build our organization up for a stronger future.

Our History

North Pointe Ballet was founded in 2016 by Artistic Director Janet Dziak with the mission to make classical ballet accessible to everyone in our community.

2016

2017

2017

2018

2019

2019

2020

2021

2021

2022

Learn More About North Pointe’s Beginnings