To the editor:
Ballet Kelowna invites you to witness what may well be the company’s final performance at the Kelowna Community Theatre on March 15 at 7:30 p.m.
In early February, the board of directors announced its intention to suspend operations at the end of the company’s 10th anniversary season in April.
In light of the recent announcements, many Okanagan residents have expressed their support for Ballet Kelowna, including Mayor Walter Gray: “It’s tragic to think that such a fine, professional organization is going to have to fold because in its own town, in its community theatre, it can’t get enough bums in the seats. I’m hoping there may be a last chance.” (Ballet Kelowna Folding Would be a Tragedy, Feb.19 Capital News.)
Gray hopes there is still time. “Maybe, and it’s an off chance, it could be saved if enough people showed up March 15,” Gray said. “The public of Kelowna deserves a second chance to consider supporting the ballet.”
The company has experienced an outpouring of community support from individuals and businesses including The Canadian School of Ballet, Chris and Michelle Sorensen and the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation—each of whom has stepped forward to help Ballet Kelowna complete their season.
The ‘little ballet company that could’ will take the stage in communities across B.C. on tour this spring including outreach performances in several schools as well as dates in Vernon, Creston, Salmon Arm, Summerland, Coquitlam and Mission.
Additional program and ticket information can be found at www.balletkelowna.ca.
Meaghan Williams,
executive director
Ballet Kelowna
