Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Former ballet student alleges sexual assault in suit against RWB, teacher


A former dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet is suing the company and a former teacher she alleges sexually assaulted her in the 1990s.

The 35-year-old woman accuses former dance instructor and photographer Bruce Monk of sexual assault, child exploitation and human trafficking, among other offences, in a statement of claim filed in the Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench on Nov. 22.

The woman suffered "mental distress, emotional pain and suffering" and is seeking $300,000 in general damages, the suit states. She is also suing for an unspecified amount in special damages, as well as an additional $100,000 in punitive, aggravated and/or exemplary damages.

The woman, who is now a mother of three, was a teenage member of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's professional division from 1991 to 1998 who went on to earn a degree in dance with the Winnipeg School of Contemporary Dancers.

The suit states the woman was an "elite ballerina" who was forced to abandon a career in dance because of what Monk put her through.  (more...)


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