Dancers File Class Action Lawsuit Against Winnipeg Ballet Over Abuse Allegations

Macleans reports that a certified class-action lawsuit has been filed against the Winnipeg Ballet.

Dancers allege teacher and photographer Bruce Monk pressured dancers to post half-clothes or nude for photos between 1984 and 2015. Macleans reports the stories form a patter in which dancers were told they would be posing for headshots or portfolios but were then coerced into posing in states of undress.

Dancers also claim the photos, meant to be kept private, were made for sale online.

Macleans writes that in his statement of defence, Monk denies all the allegations, which have not proven in court.

More than 60 women, all former dancers, have joined the class-action seeking 75 million in damages from Monk and the Winnipeg Ballet.

Founded in 1939, Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet holds the double distinction of being Canada's premiere ballet company and one of the oldest ballet companies in North America. Versatility, technical excellence and a captivating style are the trademarks of Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, qualities that have garnered both critical and audience acclaim. RWB's superlative standards keep the Company in demand around the globe as it presents more than 150 performances every season across Canada and in the United States, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, Japan, Asia and Mexico. Under the artistic direction of André Lewis for 18 years, the Company is said to have never looked more resplendent, more assured, and more ravishing.

Read the full report here.