Ballet School Features Historic Details, Rooms With a View

Although it's been more than two years since Canada's National Ballet School opened its facilities at the Jarvis Street campus, the school only officially opened its doors to event planners this month. Four main event areas are now available for private bookings under a new initiative launched by administrative director Jeff Melanson and director of business development Arlen Bartsch.

With several architectural accolades under its belt, including a 2007 award from the American Institute of Architects, the National Ballet School is a mix of historical buildings and new structures. The largest of the event facilities is Currie Hall, a former Quaker Meeting House on Maitland Street, which holds as many as 130 guests for dinners and 220 for receptions. The hall has a distinctly traditional feel, with dark wood trim details and arched windows. A fully equipped kitchen is also part of the venue, which was renovated last fall.The Celia Franca Centre—a glass building with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the street—is the newest addition to the Jarvis campus, and includes a café and main reception area. The eight large studios are minimalist classrooms consisting of barres, windows, and mirrors (plus an ever-so-slightly springy floor). The centre also has a rooftop terrace, constructed of wood and metal beams, that looks onto the street. The ballet school students' performance venue, the Betty Oliphant Theatre, has 297 seats and a large stage.

The Northfield House—formerly home to Ontario premier Sir Oliver Mowat and, later, the CBC—has been restored with new furniture and technology. The boardroom seats 40 for meetings, with teleconferencing features, wireless Internet, and fax services available.