For immediate release
EDMONTON, AB – Alberta Ballet is teaming up with Edmonton’s Africa Centre to champion inclusion and inspire future generations this Black History Month. Youth aged 7-13+ within Africa Centre’s network have been invited to participate in a beginner ballet program designed to foster creativity, confidence, and self-expression.

Timed to coincide with Black History Month, the program aligns with this year’s theme, Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations. The initiative encourages youth of African descent to explore the arts, embrace new opportunities, and build a strong foundation for their future in creative spaces and beyond.

"Children and youth of African descent, especially newcomers, often face barriers to the arts," says Salome Asea, Africa Centre’s Director of Programs and Accountability.

"This six-week program with Alberta Ballet offers over 40 youth of African descent a unique opportunity to explore ballet—whether it's experiencing it for the first time, overcoming financial barriers, or seeing themselves represented.”  

This ethos aligns seamlessly with the work of Alberta Ballet’s community division which strives to reduce barriers and inequalities in arts access and it concludes with a unique highlight. It culminates with a special Movement Workshop with the dancers of world-renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem, who are performing in Edmonton on February 21 and 22.

“Representation matters,” said Taryn Samson, Director, Community Programming for Alberta Ballet. “Dance Theatre of Harlem has been a trailblazer in positioning ballet as a space for all identities. We’re thrilled to help connect Edmonton’s Africa Centre to support this shared vision of uplifting the next generation in new creative journeys.”

Through this partnership, Africa Centre youth will participate in:

• 6-Week Beginner Ballet Program (January 11 – February 15, 2025): Funded by Alberta Tourism and Sport’s Every Kid Can Play grant, this class introduces foundational ballet techniques.

• Movement Workshop with Dance Theatre of Harlem (February 19): A rare opportunity to learn directly from DTH artists, offering a glimpse into the discipline and artistry of ballet.

   

Media Advisory 
Media are invited to Movement Workshop with Dance Theatre of Harlem on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 11455 87 Ave NW, Edmonton AB.

To RSVP or request interviews, email Communications@AlbertaBallet.com no later than Tuesday, Feb. 18 for the Movement Workshop at the Jubilee Auditorium.

Media Contacts
Alberta Ballet                                                           
Kim Bradley, Communications Advisors                
Communications@AlbertaBallet.com  

Africa Centre - Edmonton
Rahma Dalmar, Communications Manager
Communications@AfricaCentre.ca

About Alberta Ballet Community: Alberta Ballet Community is a division of Alberta Ballet and offers free, accessible dance classes to underserved youth ages 3-16, promoting physical, mental, and social health outcomes through the joy of dance. Programs are designed to be inclusive and welcoming, fostering creativity and self-expression in community spaces across Alberta.

About Africa Centre: The Council for Advancement of African Canadians in Alberta (CAAC), operating as Africa Centre, is the largest pan-African charitable organization in Western Canada. Since 2006, Africa Centre has served as a community hub, offering programs and services that promote economic, social, cultural, and educational development. We deliver these services with cultural awareness and competency, supporting families in our diverse community.