Thanks to a generous grant from The John M. and Bernice Parrott Foundation, the Quinte Ballet School of Canada (QBSC), founded in 1972, has purchased the land that their Palmer Road dance facility in Belleville sits upon from the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB).
The purpose-built 23,000 square foot building, owned and operated by QBSC, opened in 2002 after an extensive capital campaign by staff, board and volunteers. It contains 5 spacious dance studios, 1 large double studio/performance space, student lounge and library, student lunch room, change rooms, music library and accompanist office, physiotherapy and first-aid room, wardrobe production and storage, set and prop storage, staff lounge and administrative offices.
The 1.5 acres on which the QBSC facility sits had been leased to the dance school by HPEDSB for the past 13 years. Their 99 year lease contained an option to purchase the land. The ability to exercise this option was recently made possible by funding from The John M. and Bernice Parrott Foundation in the amount of $128,475. The Parrott Foundation has supported QBSC initiatives in the past, as well as numerous worthwhile projects in the Belleville area. The Quinte Ballet School Board’s decision to purchase the land was led by QBSC Board Treasurer and local developer and builder, Boyd Kalnay. “This strategic move by the school has been under discussion by both Boards for some time” comments Kalnay. “Owning both the land and the building falls in line with the QBSC strategic planning process we are undergoing as we move towards increased stability for the school and sustainability for the future.”
Leslie Miller, HPEDSB Superintendent of Business Services states, “The relationship between the school board and Quinte Ballet School has been mutually beneficial. We are pleased to see Quinte Ballet School continue to progress with its programs and priorities.”
Benefitting on both sides by their long-standing relationship, the ballet school has brought hundreds of out-of-town students to Belleville to study dance, some from as far away as Japan. Most take their academics at Centennial Secondary School or Sir. John A Macdonald Public School, thereby providing increased enrolment for both schools. In turn, the HPEDSB awards academic credits to secondary school dance students for their ballet classes at QBSC. This academic partnership has been a success and will continue on into the future.