Jörgen Dance

== Canada’s Ballet Jörgen == Canada’s Ballet Jörgen (CBJ) is a Canadian ballet company that has been a proponent of diversity in classical ballet for over three decades. Founded by Bengt Jörgen, C.M., a visionary and trailblazer in the Canadian dance scene, the company has been instrumental in bringing diverse dancers to Canadian stages, breaking barriers in a traditionally homogeneous art form. === History === Canada’s Ballet Jörgen was established with a commitment to inclusivity in ballet, an art form that has historically been less accessible to dancers of color, particularly Black dancers. Since its inception, CBJ has been at the forefront of fostering a sense of belonging within the company, showcasing dancers of various ethnicities, body types, and backgrounds. The company has been lauded for its early years of original creative works, touring, and staging of the Nutcracker across Canada. === Notable Dancers === Among the distinguished alumni of Canada’s Ballet Jörgen is Candace Veecock, a Black ballerina who began her ballet training nearly 40 years ago. Veecock's journey with CBJ started at the age of 17, and she performed with the company for five years. Her tenure at CBJ saw her involved in the development of original choreography, including the company's first Nutcracker, and she toured extensively, contributing to the company's outreach program. Veecock's career highlights include performances in Swan Lake Act II, The Nutcracker, and with Toronto's Ballet Creole. === Transition and Legacy === After her ballet career, Candace Veecock pursued academia and became Dr. Candace Veecock, an Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics/ELT and Director of Teaching at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China campus. Her story reflects the broader narrative of