On this week’s Insights podcast, Don and David welcome Susan Chalmers-Gauvin, the founder and CEO of Atlantic Ballet of Canada. This is an impressive entrepreneurial story. Founded in 2001, Susan and creative director Igor Dobrovolskiy built the only professional ballet company east of Montreal through grit and determination. Now, the company is internationally recognized and performing around the world including an upcoming tour in Australia. The ballet company has a $3 million annual budget and supports dozens of artists and creative workers every through its direct payroll and contract workers.

Not content with being just another dance company, Susan and Igor have used Atlantic Ballet as a platform for many social issues ranging from raising awareness of domestic violence to the challenges facing new immigrants to Canada. Atlantic Ballet has a strong commitment to Indigenous culture through its Mawiamalga’tijig/Mawokahtine Intercultural Indigenous Dance Program and other initiatives. 

Just finishing its sixth year, the innovative Ballet by the Ocean brings professional dance to a wider audience and enhances the company’s role as a tourism asset.

Don, David and Susan also discuss the broader importance of investing in arts and culture and its role in strengthening communities across Atlantic Canada.