BEN BLOCK

Stories & Testimonials

BEN BLOCK

St. Catharines, ON
Stiltdancing, Moko-Jumbie, Carnival Performance
Career Pathway: Web Development, AI engineering, and creative use of AI

Ben Block is the founder and Artistic Director of Higher Ground, a stiltwalking and performance company based in Toronto. With over 25 years of experience in stiltwalking and performance arts, Ben has performed internationally, trained performers, and appeared in numerous dance shows. He is a five-time National Moko-Jumbie Champion in the Trinidad and Tobago Carnivals, has travelled across Canada and internationally for events, and has worked on major productions such as Cirque Du Soleil’s “Luminato” and “The Lord of the Rings” stage show.

BEN’S STORY

“After a knee injury during a performance in Trinidad, I transitioned from stiltwalking to web development. With the help of the DTRC Retraining Grant, I was able to go back to school, which opened doors to a new profession. The DTRC supported me during a difficult time, helping me find a new career path while still allowing me to stay connected to the arts. As a web developer, I’ve worked on multiple projects, including revamping the DTRC’s own website, bringing my unique perspective as a former performer to help make the site more accessible and user-friendly. The DTRC’s support has been instrumental in helping me establish a fulfilling second career.

The DTRC has been a life-changing resource for me. After my injury, I was unsure of what my future held, but with their support, I was able to transition to web development and start a new career. Their services gave me the tools and confidence I needed to succeed in a completely new field while still honoring my background as a performer. Recently, I have also been exploring AI training, using tools for video, images, voice, and editing, which has expanded my creative possibilities even further, as web development evolves.

DTRC helped me transition from a physically demanding performance career to a sustainable profession in web development and AI engineering, offering vital financial and emotional support along the way.”

DTRC’S SUPPORT

Counselling
Career Exploration Grant
Retraining (Study) Grant
FTS I & II Subsistence (Parallel & Post-Performance Pathway) Grants

National Office

The Lynda Hamilton Centre
Suite 303
1000 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M4W 2K2

Phone: 416-595-5655

nationaloffice@dtrc.ca

Office Hours:
By Appointment Only – Please contact nationaloffice@dtrc.ca

*Wheelchair accessible

BC Office

The BC office runs as a virtual office and is open on a part-time basis, according to a variable schedule.

bcoffice@dtrc.ca

Regional Reps

British Columbia
Mika Manning
bcrep@dtrc.ca

Alberta
abrep@dtrc.ca

Manitoba
Eugene “GeNie” Baffoe
mbrep@dtrc.ca

Atlantic
Sydney Ewert
atlantic@dtrc.ca

Toll-free: 1-800-667-0851

Territory Acknowledgment

We acknowledge the lands, waterways, languages, and Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island – First Nations, Inuit and Métis – who have been living on these lands since time immemorial. As we carry out our work, digitally and in person across many distinct territories, we offer our recognition and respect to all the peoples and places that are connected through our engagement together. We, at the Dancer Transition Resource Centre, commit to the ongoing work and learning required of all of us to address past and persistent harms. We continue to deepen our understanding and we welcome dialogue as we strive to move into better relations with Indigenous peoples and with the land.