Canada’s National Ballet School’s Free Summer Block Party

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Event name: Canada’s National Ballet School’s Free Summer Block Party
Event location: 400 Jarvis Street
Event date: Saturday, May 31
Event time: 11:00am-5:00pm
Cost: Free/$0
Website for more info: https://www.nbs-enb.ca/new-now/nbs-block-party/

Gather your family and friends and join thousands from the community to celebrate dance at Canada’s National Ballet School’s (NBS) annual Block Party! The free public event will take place on Saturday, May 31 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at the School’s iconic campus in the heart of Toronto. Now in its fourth year, the Block Party has grown into a cornerstone of the City’s cultural calendar, offering an unparalleled entertainment experience.

The NBS Block Party promises to give the Toronto community an all-access pass to the joy and magic of dance across the campus and energize the 400 Jarvis Street block with fun, family-friendly festival programming such as dance workshops for all ages and skill levels, pop-up dance performances, a live DJ, games, and more!

This year’s event marks the School’s new Artistic Director, Margaret Tracey’s, inaugural Block Party. “As I prepare to attend my first Block Party at Canada’s National Ballet School, I’m filled with anticipation and joy,” said Tracey. “This annual celebration reflects our commitment to making dance more accessible and inclusive, opening doors to all aspiring dancers. Whether you’ve danced before, or this is your first experience, we hope to inspire a love of ballet and dance in everyone who takes a workshop with one of the expert teachers or watches a performance by some of the city’s most talented artists. I’m truly inspired to witness this vibrant event firsthand and be part of a community that embraces and shares the transformative power of dance.”

“NBS Block Party has set a new benchmark for community engagement in the arts,” said John Dalrymple, Executive Director of Canada’s National Ballet School. “By designing inclusive programming that caters to a diversity of abilities and interests, the Block Party serves as a powerful vehicle for promoting healthier, happier, and more connected communities.”

At the heart of the NBS Block Party lies an unwavering commitment to accessibility. The event is designed to welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, offering activities and performances that reflect Toronto’s rich cultural tapestry.

Join supporters, community members, dancers, NBS alumni, families, volunteers, partners and

more for the following:

   Drop-in introductory dance workshops for all ages in NBS’ award-winning studios

   Behind-the-scenes ballet rehearsals featuring NBS students on the Anna McCowan-Johnson Stage at the Betty Oliphant Theatre

   Pop-Up Dance and Music Performances by Guest Artists and NBS Students

   All-day Creative Movement Space for Kids (6 and under)

   The Shoe Room Dancewear Sale, featuring Bloch dancewear

   Festival games, face painting, family-friendly activities, food, and more!

The NBS Block Party is proud to partner with Toronto Pride as a 2025 Affiliate Event

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