Traditional, modern ballet combine for a sesquicentennial treat
Ballet Kelowna leaps into Canada’s sesquicentennial with the presentation of 150 Moves, a collection of works designed to showcase the talent and artistry of Canadian influence in classical and contemporary dance
Shows are scheduled for Feb. 3 and 4 at the Kelowna Community Theatre. The anticipated performance will feature Ballet Kelowna’s own company dancers and up-andcoming artists from Vancouver’s Arts Umbrella Dance Company and Alberta Ballet II, the educational and outreach arm of Alberta Ballet.
“Ballet Kelowna’s mandate is to encourage, promote, and develop Canadian dancers and choreographers,” said Simone Orlando, Ballet Kelowna’s artistic director and CEO. “Our official season opening performance, 150 Moves, is a gala-style program that does just this.
“I think audiences will be surprised and incredibly impressed by the visual feast on stage. The performance involves more than 30 performers, and the energy and athleticism of these dancers is sure to inspire and make one proud to be Canadian.”
Named for Canada’s birthday, 150 Moves is a mixed program of four distinct works choreographed by renowned Canadian artists.
Denouement, originally commissioned by Karen Kain – artistic director of the National Ballet of Canada (NBoC), was created by Matjash Mrozewski to celebrate the talents of NBoC dancers.
Doppeling, created by Ballet Kelowna’s Orlando for Ballet BC in 2009, has been described by The Georgia Straight as “a gender-bending vision of doppelganger ballerinas breaking loose.” The work has also been called “edge-of-your-seat” fun.
Orlando notes, “Dancers from Arts Umbrella were part of the original Ballet BC cast, so their participation in Ballet Kelowna’s presentation of Doppeling is in keeping with how the piece was initially conceived and staged.”
A special addition to Doppeling is guest artist Jera Wolfe. This acclaimed dancer, who calls Kelowna home, has performed around the world with his skill across dance disciplines that include hip-hop, breakdance, jazz, and classical ballet.
The Fiddle and The Drum, a poetic work born of a vision shared by Canadian musical icon Joni Mitchell and Jean Grand-Maitre, Alberta Ballet’s artistic director, reflects Mitchell’s concerns about today’s world. Excerpts from this contemporary ballet will be performed by Alberta Ballet II.
Tickets are on sale now at balletkelowna.ca