TRURO - While it was only a site visit to the Normal College on Monday, the artistic director of Ballet Jorgen is interested in talking to parties involved to explore the options.
Bengt Jorgen visited the facility briefly and called it a "wonderful building."
"A lot of players are interested in that facility and it could turn into a dance and performing arts facility," Jorgen said shortly after his visit. "It's a wonderful vision."
Jorgen said it's too early to confirm whether or not the national company would use the Normal College as a Nova Scotia home, but he will continue looking into the option.
"I'd like to talk to the various players about our options, and see what the financials are like. I wasn't turned off by the visit."
Truro-Bible Hill MLA Lenore Zann has had a vision of brining a dance company to the Normal College since 2009 and pitched the idea to Jorgen a couple of months ago. She had been in contact with Jorgen through successful visits with the company to the Truro area and knew Jorgen was looking for a home in the province.
"It really is a wonderful vision and I hope we can be a part of that vision if that is what the people want," he said.
During Jorgen's visit, he spoke with Mayor Bill Mills, Margot Begin-Gillis of the Truro Dance Academy, officials with the Nova Scotia Community College including Truro campus principal Kevin Quinlan, as well as representatives from the province's Department of Community Services, affordable housing.
Zann hopes Truro is used as a pilot site for affordable housing with the department of community services. She has spoken with the deputy minister about the possibility of including some affordable housing in the form of lofts of studios in the Normal College.
Zann was pleased with the visit and the prospect of Jorgen continuing talks with the various players in the community.
"It went very well," she said. "We'll see what happens."
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