REMINDER: Call for nominations — Joysanne Sidimus Ballet Grant
March 23, 2026
The Hnatyshyn Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2026 Joysanne Sidimus Ballet Grant until Monday April 13th!
Jeremy Blanton with Joysanne Sidimus, by Amleto Lorenzini. Courtesy of The National Ballet of Canada.
This $10,000 grant is awarded annually to an exceptional Canadian ballet dancer who is approaching the end of their training, and preparing to launch their professional career. Students and apprentices are eligible.
Eligibility criteria
Candidates must be:
Entering, within one year following the nomination deadline, (A) the final or penultimate year of a full-time ballet program at a qualified Canadian post-secondary educational or training institution, (B) a full-time professional training program of one year or less, or(C) a full-time apprenticeship with a professional ballet company;
Canadian citizens or permanent Canadian residents (holders of study permits or temporary resident visas are not eligible);
Nominated by their institution;
At least 16 years of age at the time of the nomination deadline.
Who can submit a nomination
Canadian ballet schools and companies are invited to nominate exceptional emerging ballet students and apprentices who are entering or will be continuing, in 2026-2027, a professional training program or apprenticeship.
Nomination process
An institution may submit up to two candidates per year.
To nominate a candidate, please download and fill out the nomination form available on our website (see link below). The form must be submitted by email to director@rjhf.com along with a letter of nomination of one page. Eligible nominees will be invited via email to submit their documentation to SlideRoom once their nomination is received. Candidates will have until May 7 to submit their application.
We encourage institutions to consider candidates who express financial need and/or who identify as part of a group that is underrepresented in Canadian ballet.
Evaluation
A panel of advisors appointed by the Foundation will adjudicate the performance work of the nominees. The recipient of the grant will be notified this summer.
Please consult the full guidelines for this program at the link below.
Guidelines & nomination form
