Ballet BC just launched its 2014/15 season, continuing the Company’s focus on collaboration to maintain a relevant and meaningful place for ballet in the 21st century.
Artistic Director Emily Molnar says: “Our 29th season marks a milestone in our development with 30 compelling and versatile new works added to our repertoire since 2009. The 2014/15 season underscores our commitment to bringing excellence and innovation in dance to Vancouver audiences. The upcoming season features three unique Ballet BC programs that include four World Premieres and two Ballet BC premieres by international dance makers, as well as the return of two audience favourites. As part of next season, we are also thrilled to present the premiere performances of Miami City Ballet in Vancouver in an evening of work by acclaimed choreographer George Balanchine and, for the holidays, Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet in its gorgeous production of Nutcracker. Our vision is to work as a collective force in making art that brings together ideas, shaping the future of dance in Vancouver and beyond.”
Here’s a look at 2014/15’s season:
[Ballet BC dancer Livona Ellis]
Program 1
Ballet BC: No. 29 | November 6 to 8
An evening of work that features a World Premiere by the thrilling new voice of Spanish-born choreographer Fernando Hernando Magadan, the Ballet BC premiere of An Instant by Vancouver-born choreographer Lesley Telford, and the reprisal of the explosive audience favourite A.U.R.A. by Jacopo Godani set to the dynamic electronic acoustic score by German duo 48nord.
Program 2 (Add-on performance)
Royal Winnipeg Ballet: Nutcracker | December 12 to 14
Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet returns with its heart-warming version of Nutcracker, a production full of surprises that includes traditional Canadian scenes such as a snowy pond hockey game and a battle on Parliament Hill. Sumptuous sets and costumes with Tchaikovsky’s glorious score make this holiday classic sparkle.
Program 3 (Add-on performance)
Miami City Ballet: Balanchine | February 19 to 21, 2015
Ballet BC presents Miami City Ballet in its premiere performances in Vancouver in a full evening of masterworks by George Balanchine, a pioneer of contemporary ballet in the mid-20th century. The three works include Serenade, a milestone in the history of dance, the bold and breathtaking Symphony in Three Movements to Stravinsky’s music and Ballo della Regina to Verdi’s ballet music from Don Carlos.
Program 4
Ballet BC: Trace | March 26 to 28, 2015
Featured on this triple bill is a World Premiere by Italian choreographer Walter Matteini with his deeply human and accessible work, the Canadian premiere of William Forsythe’s workwithinwork, a complex, dynamic piece that bows to the classical yet demands the risk of the unconventional and the return of the audience favourite Petite Cérémonie by French dance maker Medhi Walerski.
Program 5
Ballet BC: Rite | May 7 to 9, 2015
This interdisciplinary evening in two parts features World Premieres inspired by The Rite of Spring. In a hallucinatory homage to Stravinsky’s provocative orchestral work, Emily Molnar collaborates with internationally renowned Vancouver-based designer and Creative Director of Bocci, Omer Arbel, alongside Jeremy Schmidt, a member of the band Black Mountain. In addition, choreographer Gustavo Ramirez Sansano reimagines The Rite of Spring for the full company to the complete orchestral score of Stravinsky’s groundbreaking music, rediscovering the raw, percussive score from a 21st century perspective.
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.
Ballet BC is grateful to Platinum Season Hotel Sponsor Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel for its continuing generous support. Photos by Michael Slobodian.
