Dancers from British Columbia and Alberta will come together in a tour-de-force display of artistry as part of Ballet Kelowna’s tribute to Canada’s 150th.
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, Feb. 3 and 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Kelowna Community Theatre.
Born and raised in Kelowna, dancer Desire Bortolussi has been with Ballet Kelowna for five seasons and is dancing in 150 Moves.
“I grew up dancing in Kelowna,” she said.
Her favourite work of 150 Moves is Dénouement, which she was learning choreography for when Capital News pulled her out for an interview.
“It’s really challenging, the choreography,” she said.
Ballet Kelowna has six full-time dancers, three men and three women, which she enjoys.
“You get more individual attention, but there’s added pressure,” she said.
The anticipated performance will also feature up-and-coming artists from Vancouver’s Arts Umbrella Dance Company and Alberta Ballet II.
“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.
Dénouement, 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 at the prestigious Eighth International Competition for the Erik Bruhn Prize.
Doppeling, created by Ballet Kelowna’s Simone Orlando for Ballet BC in 2009 and mounted again in 2011, has been described as a cleverly-constructed theatrical romp which provides mesmerizing commentary on conformity and individuality.
“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,” said Orlando.
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.
An alumnus of Canada’s National Ballet School and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Wolfe was a finalist in season three of So You Think You Can Dance Canada.
Tickets start from $44.25 for adults, $38.25 for seniors and $26.75 for students/children.
Visit Ballet Kelowna's website for more information and to purchase tickets.