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 - 2017
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.

NPB gained non-profit status in January 2017.

2018 - 2019
Partnerships Launch

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

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.

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 - 2022
A New Chapter

NPB entered into partnership with Baldwin Wallace University Community Arts School, utilizing their studio spaces for rehearsal.

NPB entered into a strategic planning process in 2022 to build our organization up for a stronger future. NPB then undertook its first cultural audit to ensure all performances and programs reflect the organization’s values.

Annual Report 2022

2023
Community Appearances Solidify

While NPB has always performed in community spaces, NPB began its annual performances at community events such as Night to Shine in Westlake and Firefish Arts Festival in Lorain.

NPB also re-launched its second weekend of Nutcracker performances, now at Berea-Midpark HS Performing Arts Center.

Annual Report 2023

2024

Annual Report 2024

2025

Annual Report 2025

2026
A New Home

NPB moved operations onto Baldwin Wallace University campus, utilizing the Community Arts School’s brand-new state-of-the-art studio spaces for rehearsals in the Kleist Center for Art & Drama.

Learn More About North Pointe’s Beginnings

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As a nonprofit organization, NPB thrives on the generosity of its supporters and patrons. Join us in expanding dance accessibility in Northeast Ohio.
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