This program marks the edge of a season forging toward new territory. Artistic Director Kirsten Wicklund crafts a new creation, reflecting on the brink of potential, the tipping point — the moment of change itself. Alongside this work, two emerging voices of Ballet Edmonton are offered creation, mentorship support and a platform to share their own perspectives as makers. This precipice of possibility paves the way for future dance-makers of our time. 

Precipice

MacEwan University

We redefine the existing boundaries of dance this season. Entrusted with the freedom to explore the depths of their imagination, each of these two experimental and dynamic creators have been invited to unfurl narratives that resonate with their own sensitivities and reflect the pulse of today’s ever-evolving world. These works are sure to break the bounds of what we know and take you, our audience on an exciting escape into the unknown.

Escape

“In The Wake” brings to life the vibrant works of three voices. Veteran choreographer Anne Plamondon and her creative vision resonates deeply with audiences, rooted in authenticity and tackling subjects close to her heart. Ballet Edmonton Artistic Director Kirsten Wicklund brings a new duet work to life featuring the classical virtuosity of the dancers of Ballet Edmonton. Emerging creator Anya Saugstad steps into a fresh moment – collaborating with the Ballet Edmonton dancers for the first time.  

In the Wake

Wen Wei Wang began dancing professionally in China in 1978. In 1991 he came to Canada to join the Judith Marcuse Dance Company, followed by positions with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and Ballet BC. In 2000 Wen Wei received the prestigious Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award and the Rio Tinto Alcan and Isadora Awards for Choreography and soon after formed his own company, Wen Wei Dance. Wen Wei Dance has presented his work across Canada, Columbia, Italy, China and South America.

Unir

Born in Colorado and raised in Oklahoma, James Gregg is now a Los Angeles-based dancer, choreographer, and co-artistic director of the multidisciplinary dance duo known as Werewolf. A prolific creator, Gregg’s work has been performed by Groundworks Dance Company, Bodytraffic, Whim W’Him, Cirque du Soleil, Danceworks Chicago, Dark Circles Contemporary Dance, Ballet X, Northwest Dance Project, Springboard Danse Project Montreal, River North Dance. Gregg was the recipient of the 2015 Princess Grace Choreography Fellowship Award, winner of Ballet Austin’s 2014 New American talent choreographic competition, a finalist in Milwaukee Ballet’s 2013 Genesis Choreographic competition, and in 2011 the winner of the International Choreographic Competition at Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur.

Avancer

Ballet Edmonton proudly presents "REMEO," a captivating ballet performance that marks the opening of the 2022/2023 season. This extraordinary event will take place on October 14 & 15, 2023, at the Triffo Theatre in Allard Hall, located at 11110 104 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 1M9.

"REMEO" is a showcase of breathtaking talent and creativity, featuring the return of "SWAN" by Ballet Edmonton’s artistic director, Wen Wei Wang. This stunning and emotive piece, first commissioned for Ballet BC in 2017, demonstrates Wen Wei Wang's incredible versatility and his innovative approach to the balletic form, reimagining a classic story with contemporary movement.

The performance also introduces a new piece by the emerging creator, Diego Ramalho. "Til Leaves Fall" is a dialogue about search, arrival, and departure between two people exploring their differences, showcasing Ramalho's unique voice in the ballet world.

Completing the trio of performances is "THE RITE" by Alberta-born, Vancouver-based creator Shay Kuebler. Known for his work across various dance and performance disciplines, Kuebler brings a dynamic and powerful choreography to the stage, reflecting his extensive background in Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary Dance, Circus Arts, Film, and Theater.

This season opener is not just a ballet performance but a celebration of artistic innovation and collaboration, featuring works that span a range of styles and narratives. Ballet Edmonton invites audiences to experience the beauty, emotion, and power of ballet through "REMEO" and the remarkable talents of its dancers and choreographers.

Tickets are available for purchase, offering a unique opportunity to witness the artistry of Ballet Edmonton and the compelling stories told through dance. Don't miss this enchanting evening of ballet that promises to be a highlight of the cultural calendar in Edmonton.

Remeo

Gioconda is an internationally esteemed Italian-Canadian dancer and choreographer based in Vancouver. She was a long-time member of Les Grands Ballets Canadien and Nederlands Dans Theater. Recognized by many for her exceptional versatility and magnetism as a performer and soloist, she boldly embodied work by the most influential ballet and contemporary choreographers of the past few centuries. Barbuto has made many notable contributions to the Canadian contemporary dance milieu.

Ouvrir

Ballet Edmonton presents "CONSENTUS," a captivating ballet performance featuring two remarkable works, set to take place on May 5 & 6, 2023, at the Triffo Theatre in Allard Hall, located at 11110 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T5K 1M9.

The first piece, "Le loup de Lafontaine," is an Edmonton premiere, choreographed by Wen Wei Wang. This new work is set to Ian Cusson’s "Le loup de Lafontaine: Suite for Orchestra in Three Scenes," a co-commission from Dance Victoria and the Victoria Symphony. It was first performed with the Victoria Symphony at the Royal Theatre in Victoria, BC, in April 2023. Ian Cusson, a composer of Métis and French-Canadian descent, draws inspiration from the Canadian Indigenous experience, exploring themes of mixed-racial identity and the intersection of Western and Indigenous cultures. His composition is inspired by a cautionary tale set in the small French-speaking Ontario community of Lafontaine in 1902, reflecting on the unity and mistrust between settler and Indigenous communities when faced with a common threat.

The second piece, "Le Quattro," returns to the stage after its debut in Edmonton in 2019. Choreographed by Ballet Edmonton's Artistic Director Wen Wei Wang, "Le Quattro" is set to Max Richter’s "Recomposed The Four Seasons," a bold and intricate reimagining of Vivaldi’s classic. Wang’s choreography, inspired by the changing seasons and nature, offers an invigorating interpretation of Richter’s postmodernist recomposition, inviting audiences to witness the beauty and transformation of our environment through dance.

Both pieces feature the full company of Ballet Edmonton performers, with costume design by Linda Chow and lighting by Dorrie Deutschendorf. This event promises to be a memorable experience, showcasing the innovative choreography of Wen Wei Wang and the talents of Ballet Edmonton's dancers. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the artistry and creativity of contemporary ballet.

Consentus Creo Remeo

Ballet Edmonton is thrilled to present "CREO," a captivating ballet performance scheduled for February 24 & 25, 2023, at the Triffo Theatre in Allard Hall, located at 11110 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T5K 1M9. This remarkable event marks the introduction of two new choreographic talents to the Ballet Edmonton stage: Zurich-based creator Ihsan Rustem and Montreal-born Dorotea Saykaly.

"CREO" features the world premiere of "BLACK MOON," a groundbreaking piece choreographed by Dorotea Saykaly. Saykaly, originally from Montreal and now based in Denmark, is known for her versatile work that spans across stage, film, and visual arts. She has gained international acclaim for her collaborations and her innovative approach to dance and choreography. Saykaly is also the inaugural recipient of the Emily Molnar Emerging Choreographer Award and has recently created "RELIC" for Ballet BC, which premiered in May 2022.

The event also showcases "Only the Window," another world premiere, this time by Ihsan Rustem. Rustem, the co-artistic director of Cie. La Ronde and resident choreographer for the NW Dance Project in Portland, Oregon, brings his extensive experience and unique choreographic vision to Edmonton. His work is celebrated worldwide, with collaborations spanning prestigious dance companies and theaters across the globe.

"CREO" promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together the artistic scope and distinct movement narratives of these two exceptional choreographers. Ballet enthusiasts and newcomers alike are invited to witness the birth of new works that push the boundaries of contemporary ballet. Tickets are available for this limited engagement, offering a unique opportunity to explore the evolving landscape of dance through the lens of Ballet Edmonton.

Ballet Edmonton

2 - 3 May, 2025

Precipice

14 - 15 Feb, 2025

Escape

Ballet Edmonton