Artists of Alberta Ballet

Ballet BC presents Alberta Ballet in Fumbling Towards Ecstasy at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from November 14 to 16 for three evening performances, featuring the music of Canadian icon Sarah McLachlan.

Choreographer Jean Grand-Maître and an outstanding design team will bring Sarah McLachlan’s music to life in this riveting ballet dedicated to women. Alberta Ballet’s portrait of the Grammy, Juno, and Gemini Award-winning artist traces the deeply spiritual odyssey of a woman’s life from first romantic encounter to mature love.
 
Grand-Maître says, “We adopted the title from one of Sarah’s most highly acclaimed albums. But I felt an immediate affection for it since I believe it succinctly describes my personal dance vernacular as well. If Sarah’s characters do find ecstasy but not necessarily without a struggle, so do my imagined swirling, dancing figures.”
 
Sarah McLachlan has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and has raised more than $7 million for charities. The ballet features music from McLachlan’s repertoire, including Hold On, Ben’s Song, Dawn to the Rhythm, Bring on the Wonder, Vox, Ice, Into the Fire, Illusions of Bliss, Good Enough, Building a Mystery, Mary, Ice Cream, and the title song, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy.

Artists of Alberta Ballet
[Artists of Alberta Ballet in Fumbling Towards Ecstasy; photo by Don Lee]

According to Ballet BC’s Artistic Director, Emily Molnar, “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy follows Alberta Ballet’s tributes to the music of Canadian legend Joni Mitchell and England’s superstars Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin. This exciting portrait of a living musical icon is a compelling exploration of a woman’s journey to emotional maturity.”
 
The ground-breaking creative team includes fashion designer Paul Hardy, a personal favourite of McLachlan, with scenic designs by Scott Reid, original video projections by Adam Larsen, soundtrack by Claude Lemelin, and lighting design by Pierre Lavoie

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy Starring the Alberta Ballet

Dates: November 14 to 16, 8 pm
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $31.50 to $90.00 (plus service charges); available online or via phoning Ticketmaster at 1.855.985.2787 (855.985.ARTS).

About the Alberta Ballet

Alberta Ballet is Canada’s second largest ballet company. Since its formation in 1966, with its cutting-edge repertoire and talent led by Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître and Executive Director Martin Bragg, Alberta Ballet has remained at the forefront of the national and international arts scene. One of the only arts organizations in Canada to call two cities home, Alberta Ballet is proud to be a community leader both on and off the stage.

About Ballet BC

Combining classical integrity with a contemporary sensibility, Ballet BC is a company of 18 talented dancers from Canada and around the world that is committed to the ballet of today. Solidly grounded in the rigour and artistry of classical ballet, with an emphasis on innovation and the immediacy of the 21st century, the company presents a distinct and diverse repertoire of the most sought-after Canadian and international contemporary ballet choreography.

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