North Pointe Ballet’s Dance and Diversity Initiative was developed in 2017 as a commitment to increase the diversity of our company and student performers. The initiative stems from the belief that everyone in the audience should be able to see someone on the stage that resembles them.

The Dance and Diversity Scholarship was created to provide training and performance opportunities to dancers of color and began in 2017 with two scholarship recipients. To date, we have provided thirteen scholarships to dancers of color. Scholarship recipients receive training with the cast and choreographers, mentorship from trainees, shoes and tights as well as complimentary tickets for performances.

In addition to providing scholarship and performance opportunities, North Pointe Ballet has committed to presenting diversity and inclusion training to all cast members and their families. This training consists of discussing the difficulties that people of color have faced over the years and are currently facing. It also addresses the bias and discrimination that has existed over time for ballet dancers.

In 2020 North Pointe Ballet will offer scholarship opportunities for our Nutcracker Tea and Sugar Plum Fairy Camp. Two scholarships will be awarded for our Nutcracker Tea. Recipients will be provided in person training and participate in a show at the The 8820 and will be given two tickets to the performance. Applicants for the Nutcracker Tea Scholarship must be ages 8-12. In addition there will be two scholarship opportunities to attend Sugar Plum Fairy Dance Camp. Recipients will be provided tuition to attend the two day dance camp and will receive their own photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Applicants for the Sugar Plum Fairy camp will be 6 or 7 years old. For more information regarding our scholarship opportunity, please contact Samantha@northpointeballet.org.