Daily Inspiration: Meet Janet Dziak

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Dziak

Hi Janet, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The following link is to a 4 min video that offers a good description of my story: https://youtu.be/OnCwdyU7G98

I grew up in Northeast Ohio and went on to a performing career as a dancer with the St. Louis Ballet and as a guest artist for other companies. After moving back to the area to settle down and start a family, I was fortunate enough to be able to bring my son, who was later diagnosed with Autism, to dance experiences where he felt safe and could enjoy them in his own way, surrounded by people who accepted him. I thought that other families deserved that same opportunity. I drew on my professional experience and personal connections to bring together a group of people who were committed not only to making ballet accessible to those with sensory needs, but to other groups and individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience ballet. NPB is now in its 9th season of full length productions and community engagement programs as a non profit organization with the mission to make classical ballet accessible to the community.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We experience challenges similar to other arts organizations, including securing funding to sustain operations, small staff serving in multiple roles under limited capacity, and surviving a pandemic. Often, we still feel the need to prove “legitimacy” as a business when society commonly accepts ballet as a hobby. What has been smooth and constant are the amazing team of people who are passionate, committed, and incredible talented and who continue to support each other in our quest to fulfill our mission of making ballet accessible.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in ballet. NPB is known for performances that are family friendly, easy to understand, as well as our sensory-friendly performances and community engagement initiatives. I am most proud of how far we’ve come in such a short amount of time, and how we’ve built a reputation for being “The Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker” and recognized as such in our community. I think there are a lot of dance companies who are making efforts towards inclusivity. Perhaps what sets us apart is that we have consistently been committed to our mission while still upholding a high level of professionalism.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are too many people to list! NPB would not be who we are without the amazing team.

Our founding leaders were Melaina McConnell, Elizabeth Radachi, and Jessica Cameron, who helped get us off the ground and brought energy needed to gain momentum. Our founding board members were Jane Christyson, Kevin Lumby, and Colleen Longville who helped NPB get functional as a non-profit.

Along the way, Marlee Floyd, Samantha Hovanic, Kristie Culp, Eric Stapelberg, and Laura Hankey, have kept our operations running smoothly, with Leanna Ruegg taking a big role in the sustainability of programs.

There are SO MANY talented artists– including dancers of all abilities, scenic designers, costumers, lighting and sound technicians–who have made the quality of our productions and programs such that patrons keep wanting to come back.

Foundations, funders, and sponsors who took a chance on a small non-profit helped us impact those who we could not reach without their support.

There are also SO MANY families, volunteers, board and committee members who give time and resources to help NPB, without whom we could not operate at this level. NPB could also not exist without my family. I have to acknowledge Terry and Jeannette Strukely, who nurtured a love of the arts throughout my entire life and who also continue to support me and my career every step of the way. I also would not have been able to do any of this without my husband, Josh, and two children, Lucas and Natalie, who have picked up the pieces when I dedicate long hours to NPB, and who inspire me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://northpointeballet.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northpointeballet/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northpointeballet/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@northpointeballet1658