The Board of Directors of the Quinte Ballet School of Canada is pleased to announce that Desirée Botting will assume the position of Artistic Director effective July 1, 2025. Ms. Botting’s wealth of knowledge of all aspects of the school is truly remarkable.  “Desirée is an experienced teacher, dancer, choreographer, and arts manager,” said Christina Taylor, Chair, Board of Directors. “As the Quinte Ballet School of Canada enters its 54th year, it will be in very good hands.”

A resident of Brighton, Ms. Botting is an alumna of the Quinte Ballet School of Canada    Upon completing the Professional Training Program under Founding Director Brian Scott, she completed the Cecchetti teacher training program. While rooted in strong ballet technique, Quinte Ballet School of Canada’s program provides a well-rounded curriculum, ensuring students develop versatility across multiple dance styles. This comprehensive training prepares graduates to audition for top post-secondary dance institutions and professional companies worldwide.

Ms. Botting has worked at the Quinte Ballet School teaching both in the Professional Training Program and in the Assemblé Dance Program (recreational) for seventeen years. She has been a mainstay of our administration team as Registrar, responsible for the professional students in their homestay and was the liasion with Centennial Secondary School and other schools where students attend.  She has organized and attended the auditions in cities across the country where prospective students live, and was the friendly face who greeted the new students and their nervous parents.    She has been wardrobe mistress and has been stage manager.   She has been the studio manager and a valuable resource at board meetings.  She became the Assistant to the Artistic Director Catherine Taylor, and a year ago, the Assistant Artistic Director.

Quinte Ballet School of Canada is a non-profit charity that is committed to teach, promote and present the joy of dance at both the professional and recreational levels. Faculty and staff are dedicated to creating an inspiring and supportive environment that nurtures talented young people towards a career in the dance industry, along with providing a variety of classes on evenings and weekends for people of all ages who love to learn and to dance. For more information about QBSC visit www.quinteballetschool.com