Dance

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Edmonton, AB. As an Operations Associate, you will support the day-to-day operations of Ballet Edmonton, ensuring the organization runs efficiently. Responsibilities include coordinating administrative tasks, assisting with event logistics, providing customer service, supporting staff and performers, and handling various operational duties as required to ensure seamless organizational functionality.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Operations, with experience in managing and streamlining workflows effectively.
• Strong Interpersonal Skills and Communication abilities to collaborate with team members, stakeholders, and clients.
• Excellent Analytical Skills to evaluate processes, solve problems, and support effective decision-making.
• Customer Service expertise, with a focus on delivering positive experiences and addressing inquiries promptly.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Experience in arts administration or nonprofit organizations is an asset.

Roles & Responsibilities

Performances, Events & Box Office / Front of House

• Oversee all performance and event operations to ensure exceptional patron experience.
• Build, manage, and maintain the technical backend of BE’s digital ticketing system (TicketSauce).
• Communicate with ticket holders and respond to patron inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Monitor weekly box office performance and prepare post-show ticketing reports
• Lead all Front of House operations during performances, resolving ticketing or patron issues as needed.
• Organize lobby operations, including ticket tables, raffle sales, signage, and volunteer station setup.
• Coordinate volunteer schedules, training, and onsite support.
• Manage VIP and complimentary ticket lists and ensure accurate distribution to community partners and stakeholders.

Volunteer Management

• Recruit, schedule, and coordinate volunteers for performances, fundraisers, and special events.
• Develop and deliver volunteer training materials and onboarding processes.
• Maintain volunteer profiles and ensure accurate record-keeping.
• Coordinate volunteer appreciation initiatives, including post-event communications and invitations to performances.

Artistic Administration

• Secure music licensing, rights, and permissions for the Artistic Director and visiting choreographers.
• Work with the CEO and Artistic Director to draft and manage artistic and production contractor agreements.
• Liaise with artists to collect and store bios, headshots, and marketing collateral.
• Communicate with presenting partners (tour presenters, guest appearances) to share marketing assets and logistical information.
• Maintain and update the season calendar.
• Track artistic contracts and ensure royalties, payments, and reporting are current.
• Assist the CEO with work permit applications as required.
• Maintain dancer file administration as needed.
• Manage registration, inquiries, and communications for the Summer Dance Intensive

Fund Development & Sponsorship Support

• Assist in planning and coordinating fundraising events and donor engagement activities.
• Maintain donor records and process manual donations accurately.
• Ensure thank-you letters and donor acknowledgements are current and properly issued.
• Set up and manage new fundraising campaigns as required.
• Secure raffle licences and submit AGLC compliance reports.
• Liaise with sponsors to collect marketing collateral and fulfil sponsorship requirements.
• Review sponsor agreements to ensure completion, filing, and prompt payment.
• Track sponsor deliverables and ensure recognition requirements are implemented.
• Coordinate sponsor activation at performances and events (lobby tables, booths, signage, etc.).
• Prepare and distribute sponsorship fulfillment reports.

Accounting & General Administrative Support

• Work with the CEO to process payroll, ensuring accuracy in vacation tracking and other details prior to approval.
• Provide support with budget tracking and the preparation of financial reports.
• Manage and update organizational online platforms, apps, and databases.
• Maintain the company’s project management/task tracking platform and ensure proper file management practices.
• Track invoices and collaborate with the CEO and Bookkeeper to ensure timely authorization and payment.
• Support additional administrative, operational, and artistic projects as required.

Outreach

• Manage the day-to-day operations of Ballet Edmonton’s Art Connects program.
• Maintain relationships and coordinate logistics for all community programs, including (but not limited to) Art Connects, Barre Fit, Summer Dance Intensive, Invited Dress Rehearsals, and In-Studio Presentations.
• Contribute to the ongoing expansion and development of BE’s outreach vision and programming.
• Play a key role in shaping long-term strategic direction for Ballet Edmonton’s community engagement initiatives.

Tour Management

• Work with the CEO, Artistic Director, and presenting partners to develop touring schedules, timelines, and logistical plans.
• Book and manage all travel arrangements including flights, trains, ground transportation, and charters for dancers, artistic staff, and production crew.
• Prepare and distribute travel itineraries, tour books, and day-to-day touring communications.
• Manage per diems and meal planning, ensuring accommodation of all dietary and medical requirements.
• Ensure compliance with baggage restrictions, costume/production equipment transport needs, and group travel protocols.
• Support additional touring needs as required, collaborating closely with artistic and production leadership.

Please submit your resume and cover to Les Sereda at les@balletedmonton.com no later than December 9, 2025.

Diwali is one of the major religious festivals celebrated by those who practice the Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism faiths. It is a celebration of light, hope and community and brings a message of triumph over darkness. The arts traditionally play a major role in cultural expression for this festival, which is often depicted through vibrant paintings, intricate rangoli designs, and illuminated sculptures.

This year, Diwali falls on October 20, 2025 and is celebrated annually for five days. To coincide with the festival, communities across Alberta will commemorate the occasion with a number of events that incorporate the arts. Below is a sampling of what is available:

Edmonton

Sufi Night: Diwali Bash – Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Zillionaires Lounge & Bar (6256 99 Street)
Featuring live Sufi performances by Neha Batra and Abhishek Patyal.

Chamak Diwali 2025 South Asian Cultural Festival – Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Union Hall (6420 99 Street)
Featuring live performances from Mikey Singh.

Calgary

Utsav – Diwali Fest by Indian Society of Calgary – Saturday, October 18, 2025 (7555 Falconridge Blvd NE)
Featuring music, dance, and artistic expression from renowned local and international talents.

Diwali Fest 2025 – Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Genesis Centre (7555 Falconridge Blvd NE)
Featuring cultural performances, music, and dance.

Central Alberta

Diwali Night 2025 – Hindu Cultural Society of Central Alberta – Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Festival Hall (4214 58 St), Red Deer
Featuring an evening of cultural performances, music, and a DJ.

Northern Alberta

Diwali Milan 2025 – Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Syncrude Sports and Wellness Centre (9908 Penhorwood St), Fort McMurray 
Featuring Bollywood music and activities/showcases.

Southern Alberta

Gujarati Diwali Celebration – Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre (101 Exhibition WyS), Lethbridge
Featuring a night of music and dance.

As the Dance Individual Project Funding | Alberta Foundation for the Arts approaches on March 1, 2026 and Arts Development Consultant Jodie Vandekerkhove is providing two free webinars for those interested in applying.

AFA Individual Project grants can provide up to $18,000 to support the development of individual Alberta dance artists, students, instructors, choreographers, designers, arts administrators, or an ensemble of artists by providing funding:

• to pursue training,
• to develop a specific artistic work
• to pursue research, or
• to pursue marketing activities. 

Jodie will be providing tips and other useful information to apply for all project types, helping you develop your funding application and increase your chances of success.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 6 pm link below:

Webinar link

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 6 pm link below:

Webinar link

Paul Reich, seen above with the Atlantic Ocean in the background, on tour with Les Ballet Jazz de Montréal in 1984. Photo supplied from Paul Reich's personal collection.

After 28 years of service with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Paul Reich has retired from his position as Arts Development Consultant – Dance.

Paul’s remarkable career with the AFA has been defined by his unwavering dedication and deep commitment to the arts community across Alberta. His impact has been especially felt in the dance sector, where his support and mentorship have helped countless individuals and organizations benefit from access to AFA supports and services. Paul’s extensive knowledge and passion for the arts have shaped the AFA in meaningful ways, and his legacy will continue to inspire us.

Paul Reich performing in the Alberta Ballet production of "Coppelia" in 1985 at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Photo supplied from Paul Reich's personal collection.

In the lead up to his retirement, we sat down with Paul for a brief Q&A interview below.

Tell us about your career as a dancer: What type of dance was your primary discipline, where did you train, where did you typically perform, and do you have any performances that were highlights that you would like to share? 

Like many dance kids, I started in jazz where there was maybe two boys in the class. As I progressed, I was told that if you want to become “professional” I must take ballet. This guidance was not received with much understanding or enthusiasm. Regardless, my teacher shipped me off to an audition at the School of Les Grands Ballet Canadiens where I was accepted into a class with 25 other boys. A bit of a change for a kid from a small town. The intense physical demands of daily training in a French language environment felt like I had landed on the moon. 

Paul Reich performing for the Alberta Ballet in 1986 at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Photo supplied from Paul Reich's personal collection.

Turns out it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I had the opportunity of going on to become a member of Ballets Jazz Montréal and later the Alberta Ballet and Ballet North. Touring and performing for audiences in many parts of the world was the most rewarding part of the job. I am grateful to my first teacher for mentoring me in the right direction.

Through my years as Ballet North’s General Manager and here at the Arts Branch, I have tried to follow this example of supporting young dancers and all artists when they needed it the most. I always felt that I owed a debt of gratitude, and I hope I have repaid in some small way the opportunities created for me through the efforts of my teachers and the dance community pioneers in Canada.

Looking back on your AFA career, what moments stand out as the most personally meaningful?

Having the opportunity of working with a like minded team that have a passion for the arts has been a real privilege. I have been very lucky in that regard.

Paul Reich performing with Ballet North in 1987 with dance partner Sandy Croft. Croft went on to become Artistic Director of Cirque du Soleil's production of Mystère and Oh in Las Vegas. Photo supplied from Paul Reich's personal collection.

How have you seen the arts sector evolve during your time, and what changes have been most surprising or inspiring to you? 

I continued to be so impressed by how organizations continually adapt to very challenging circumstances. COVID-19, the post-pandemic period has had such a significant impact on the arts community. How artists and organizations come up with creative structural shifts in operations and program delivery is nothing short of amazing and I have the upmost respect for arts administrators, in particular, that shoulder much of this responsibility. 

What advice would you give to emerging artists or arts professionals entering the field today? 

For young artists, search out the best training you can find and learn from anyone and everyone that is more advanced. Young professionals can be successful if they stay open-minded to any opportunity and seek collaborations that help them grow. Improving technically and artistically is a one step at a time process. Madame Ludmilla Chiaraff, OC, founder of Les Grands Ballet Canadiens gave me the best advice, “Everyone is on their own schedule.” This advice proved very helpful over the years both in my professional and personal life.

Can you share a project or initiative you’re especially proud of, and what made it so significant to you?

It was a very satisfying experience to increase the number of participating schools in the Artists & Education program from 120 to 320 with many schools located in very rural areas. This meant an additional 60,000 students could partake annually in hands-on arts workshops across a range of arts disciplines. As a kid from a small town, that felt good.

Paul Reich performing in the Alberta Ballet production of Spanish Pas de Deux - Nutcracker with dance partner Barbara Moore in 1986. Photo supplied from Paul Reich's personal collection.

Paul Reich at his retirement party on October 3, 2025.