Canada’s National Ballet School’s Board of Directors announced that, after 35 years of inspiring leadership, Mavis Staines will retire next year in June 2024 from her position as Artistic Director and CEO. Mavis is only the second Artistic Director of the organization since its founding in 1959, building an immeasurable legacy within and beyond the School—as a leader, an educator, a mentor, a role model, a colleague, and collaborator.
“Under Mavis’s leadership, NBS has grown to become a pre-eminent dance training institution and a world-impacting arts organization. NBS graduates have become leading dancers, choreographers and arts executives and have leveraged their NBS experiences to make meaningful contributions globally in a broad range of professions beyond dance,” said Ed Ogonek, Chair of NBS’ Board of Directors. “Throughout a life-spanning career, Mavis has consistently chosen the enduring power of compassion and kindness as the hallmarks of her inspirational leadership style. She is an innovative and trailblazing leader who tackles challenges with systemic change in mind.”
Her deep-rooted beliefs in the power of dance and the strength of relationships have been key drivers at NBS of how ballet is practiced and how the life-changing benefits of dance are made accessible to all.
“I have spent most of my life in the world of ballet and dance. The opportunities I have been afforded to realize systemic changes in ballet education, and to share dance as broadly as possible have been profoundly rewarding on every level,” said Mavis. “With each year, my privileged role has led to the work becoming evermore meaningful. I continue to be inspired daily by the students, my colleagues, and the outcomes we have collectively achieved. Outcomes reflecting values that are championed by our cherished community of alumni, supporters and partners. Going forward, watching the School’s ongoing evolution will be deeply exciting and, when suitable, I look forward to contributing in new ways to NBS’ continued growth.”
To read the full announcement and learn more about Mavis’ rich and immeasurable legacy, visit https://www.nbs-enb.ca/…/canadas-national-ballet-school…