Spain, Russia, England and then home to Canada – no passport required, as Ballet Kelowna wraps up its first decade of artistic excellence with Passages, a performance that takes the audience on a journey around the world.
The trip begins in Spain with the pas de trois from Paquita, a story of a beautiful Gypsy girl, who falls in love with a French nobleman, and the clash of social classes that ensues.
It’s on to England and Journey Out of Darkness, a performance that moves us from sorrow to hope, loss to salvation. Britain also brings a touch of whimsy with Five for Frank, choreographed by Kelowna Ballet’s own artistic director David LaHay.
The journey ends in Canada with a reprisal of Double Variations, the co-choreographed work by two of Vancouver’s most dynamic talents, Simone Orlando and Joe Laughlin.
After announcing it was closing its doors, Ballet Kelowna got a reprieve from the community, whose donations mean the company can finish its spring season without a deficit.
“Whether or not we will be able to continue after that remains to be seen,” says Barbara Holliday, company administrator. “It will depend upon the support of the community and whether we can have funding re-instated and obtain more sponsorship.”
Holliday says the company is optimistic they will be able to continue touring to communities throughout B.C. and Alberta as they have over the past decade.
See Passages Thursday, March 14 at 2 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. at Shuswap Theatre on Hudson Avenue. Tickets are available at Acorn Music and Crazy River Clothing.
