Ballet BC just announced the repertoire and performance schedule for its upcoming 2013/14 season, continuing to focus on collaborating with both choreographers and dancers in order to maintain a relevant and meaningful place for ballet in the 21st century.
Artistic Director Emily Molnar says, “We’re excited about the 2013/14 season which demonstrates our commitment to bringing audiences’ excellence and innovation in dance. Our new season comprises three distinct Ballet BC programs that include seven World Premieres by dance-makers from around the world, the return of two audience favourites by choreographers Johan Inger and Wen Wei Wang as well as a collaboration with Turning Point Ensemble. In addition, we are presenting Alberta Ballet’s critically acclaimed tribute to the music of Sarah McLachlan in Fumbling Towards Ecstasy and the return of its spectacular production of The Nutcracker.”
[Darren Devaney]
Here’s a brief look at the upcoming season.
Program 1/October 17 to 19
Ballet Company: Ballet BC
Tilt: An evening of work featuring World Premieres by international dance-makers Jorma Elo and Ballet BC’s Artistic Director Emily Molnar plus the reprisal of the surreal audience favourite Walking Mad by Johan Inger.
Program 2 (Add-on performance)/November 14 to 16
Ballet Company: Alberta Ballet
Fumbling Towards Ecstasy: A full-length work based on the music of Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan tracing the deeply spiritual odyssey of a woman’s life from first romantic encounter to mature love.
Program 3 (Add-on performance)/December 28 to 31
Ballet Company: Alberta Ballet
The Nutcracker: Alberta Ballet’s sugar-plum version of the traditional holiday classic with spectacular sets, costumes, and the glorious Tchaikovsky score played live by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Program 4/February 20 to 22, 2014
Ballet Company: Ballet BC
Grace Symmetry: Ballet BC and Turning Point Ensemble collaborate in a dynamic celebration of music and dance, featuring In Motion by Wen Wei Wang and two World Premieres by Kevin O’Day and Medhi Walerski.
Program 5/April 24 to 26, 2014
Ballet Company: Ballet BC
UN/A: Three vibrant voices in contemporary ballet offer riveting, intelligent choreography filled with wit and theatricality, featuring World Premieres by Cayetano Soto, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, and Gioconda Barbuto.
All performances will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Season ticket renewals are now on their way to subscribers. Single tickets will go on sale August 1.
[Connor Gnam]
Combining classical integrity with a contemporary sensibility, Ballet BC is a company of 17 talented dancers from Canada and around the world committed to the ballet of today. Solidly grounded in the rigour and artistry of classical ballet, with an emphasis on innovation, Ballet BC presents a distinct and diverse repertoire of the most sought-after Canadian and international contemporary ballet choreography.
For more information, visit Ballet BC’s website, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
All photos by Michael Slobodian.
