Donor Spotlight

What was your first experience of ballet?

I participated in lessons until I was 19 and always found ballet to be challenging, fun, and frankly, inspirational. I remember seeing my first full length ballet in Glasgow, Scotland and when the lights went down and the overture started, I felt an incredible sense of anticipation and excitement. I still feel that today! I know how hard dancers work to achieve endless perfection in their art, and I get particular joy watching the choreographic efforts by so many of the dancers I watch frequently.

How do ballet and The National Ballet of Canada enrich your life today?

I truly look forward to every performance. For me, it’s a multigenerational event, as my 84-yearold mother (who drives in from London, Ontario), my sister, my daughter and now my daughterin-law all have season’s tickets. Every one of us loves the National Ballet, and we, like all of the company, are feeling sad about not being able to share the dance experience right now.

When my family immigrated to Canada in 1970, we started attending performances – ballet brought me some stability in what was a difficult move for me as an adolescent. Now, thanks in part to wonderful people like Linda O’Leary who chairs Esprit de Corps, I get great pleasure at following the Corps de Ballet – the “heart” of any great company. I respect the precision and constant hard work required by all the dancers, but I feel particular empathy for the Corps – it’s a tough gig! That being said, our Corps members are part of a wonderfully inclusive and supportive environment, so they have an advantage from the outset.

What prompted you to become a donor and a volunteer?

I do not believe that the arts are supported to the degree they should by various governing bodies, so all the more reason to help financially if you are able. Wherever possible, I will always ensure that anyone willing to listen hears from me about how lucky we are in Canada to have a resource as rich as the National Ballet. The company is well positioned to survive this pandemic with the outstanding leadership of Karen Kain and Barry Hughson. The two of them and all the artistic and administrative staff are to be commended for remaining positive and forward thinking during this time.

How did you come to sponsor a dancer through Dancers First?

I had been considering supporting a dancer for a long time. I thought a lot about the qualities that I wanted to support. Our decision to support Corps de Ballet member Alexander (Alexi) Skinner was quite easy – he really stood out for me when I saw him perform in Chroma and Angels’ Atlas (my favourite piece in last year’s repertoire). He has such an ease about him, but I recognize how hard he works and how committed he is to his art. He is a beautiful, lyrical and strong dancer. On top of that, he is such a kind and generous individual. I am only sad that I have not had the opportunity to watch him perform since we made the decision to support him. But that moment will come soon and I, along with Alexi’s family and friends, will be vigorously cheering for him.

What do you hope your support for the company will accomplish, particularly during this challenging time?

At this stage of the pandemic, I first and foremost hope that all the National Ballet team and supporters stay safe, get vaccinated, and that life will go on. Life may be a lot different, but I know the power of dance will serve as a vehicle where we can all be healed and reenergized. The sheer beauty of the dancers, the choreography, the music, and the costumes will all serve as a healing tonic from which we will all benefit.

Alexander Skinner is sponsored through Dancers First by Anne & David LeGresley.

Anne LeGresley. Photo by Gary Beechey. Alexander Skinner. Photo by Karolina Kuras.