Ballet Kelowna is returning to one of their favourite venues to perform their new spectacle, Innovation, at the Golden Civic Centre on Friday April 11.
“Golden is one of our favourite audiences of all time, we have a tremendous relationship,” said David LaHay, the company’s artistic director. “It’s always nice to come back and see familiar faces.”
Innovation is helping Ballet Kelowna launch their second decade on the scene, and is featuring Canadian choreographers and composers.
“What I’ve tried to do is incorporate some amazing Canadian choreography. We have a great history of dance here, and a lot of this work I believe should have had a life beyond its premier,” said LaHay.
The show boasts six classically trained dancers, who have had fun broadening their styles for the new production. An entire production with so few dancers puts a lot of pressure on the performers, but LaHay says that’s what Ballet Kelowna has come to be known for.
“Redux Continuum is one of our dances, using the music of local jazz composer Neville Bowman. He actually created an original score for the piece. The dancers have had a lot of fun with that one,” he said. “It really adds another flavour and context to the show.”
LaHay is also excited about the company’s performance of Etude, by one of Canada’s greatest choreographers, Kay Armstrong.
“It was such a landmark performance when it originally opened in 1949,” he said.
Ballet Kelowna has already begun touring with Innovation in several locations around British Columbia, and has also had the pleasure of performing in front of several schools in the Okanagan area.
“We’re really happy with the reception, the audiences have been enjoying it so far,” said LaHay.
Tickets for the ballet are available at the Art Gallery of Golden. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
“Golden audiences already know that we have something for everyone. But if you’ve never seen one of our performances, just come with an open mind,” said LaHay.
