CATALYST

CATALYST is a partnership program between Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre (TMBT) and Dance Canvas. The program strives to elevate the beauty, power, and reach of the ballet art form by supporting Black female dance students as they advance toward professional ballet careers.

Black female dancers are historically underrepresented in professional ballet companies. This lack of representation is the result of systemic barriers to access and harms not only individual dancers, but the entire profession by limiting ballet’s talent pool and potential audience. To counter this, CATALYST provides talented Black dance students with high-level technical training, mentorship, and career development—all on full scholarship.

Program participants take part in rigorous technical ballet training at the Terminus Ballet School, integrated into the current curriculum, and receive career planning and professional and personal mentorship through Dance Canvas. This holistic combination of coursework, mentorship, and financial support is vital to eliminating barriers. It offers essential empowerment to young Black ballet dancers as they move forward toward professional ballet careers and onto professional stages.

Applicants must be 14 years of age and placed in TBS Level 4 or the Professional Training Program. The evaluation process requires dancers to attend at least one month of classes during the school year or two weeks of Terminus Ballet School’s Summer Intensive Programs. In addition, dancers will need to complete the CATALYST application form. Please contact c.welker@terminus-mbt.com to request a copy.

If you would like to be considered for the 2025–2026 school year, please fill out our placement request form below.