Ballet Victoria cuts ties with choreographer

Ballet Victoria has severed ties with Bruce Monk, a Vancouverborn choreographer, photographer and dance instructor, following renewed media attention to his dismissal from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in 2015.

A statement from Ballet Victoria sent to the Times Colonist said: “To ensure the integrity of the company, Bruce Monk will no longer be involved with Ballet Victoria.” Monk did not respond to an email request for comment.

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet fired Monk in 2015, when he was the subject of a Winnipeg police investigation. The investigation was opened after several women alleged Monk took nude photos of them while they were underage dancers at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. No charges were laid.

Monk is also the subject of a civil suit and a proposed classaction lawsuit filed by former Royal Winnipeg Ballet students.

None of the allegations has been proven in court.

Ballet Victoria artistic and executive director Paul Destrooper worked with Monk at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet from 1990 until 2001, and was never aware of any inappropriate behaviour or allegations, said the statement from Ballet Victoria.

Monk came to Ballet Victoria in 2008 as a guest choreographer, the statement said. When criminal allegations were made, all involvement between Monk and Ballet Victoria was suspended, the statement said. “When the investigation was concluded and no charges were forthcoming, the working relationship was resumed.”

In late 2016, Monk began to work on small contracts as a lighting and production designer for Ballet Victoria, and volunteered in the office and as a driver, the statement said. “Ballet Victoria cares for the physical and emotional health of all artists, staff and volunteers,” it said. “All adhere strictly to a zero tolerance policy for any harassment, bullying or discrimination of any sort.”