“Our home is the Prairies, the world is our stage” is the claim that Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet 2019-2020 Season aims to prove during their 80th anniversary year. Their schedule includes classical favorites along with innovative premieres that will be shown to audiences at home as well as across the country, in the United States, and internationally. Although tour dates and details will be announced once confirmed, audiences the company will reach beyond Winnipeg include Ontario, Michigan, Nebraska, and North Dakota.
“For 80 years, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet has made its home on the Prairies while taking its artistry to over 600 cities around the globe. This season promises to be our most memorable one yet as we premiere opulent classics, present longstanding audience favourites, and celebrate the RWB’s rich history by closing the year with some of our greatest repertoire. We are extremely grateful for the joint efforts of our artists, audience, and supporters who have brought us to this notable occasion.”
– André Lewis, Artistic Director and CEO of Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Centennial Concert Hall is the main stage of the company whose season opener is the world premiere of Greg Horsman’s La Bayadère; this is a co-production between Queensland Ballet, West Australian Ballet, and the RWB. Also premiering will be James Kudelka’s Four Old Legs which will feature a return of former RWB principal dancer Evelyn Hart dancing with Zhenya Cerneacov.
Also celebrating an anniversary is the company’s production of RWB’s Canadian prairie version Nutcracker, choreographed by Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon.
Returning to Winnipeg is Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet choreographed by Jorden Morris. This ballet has been performed for over 125,000 people across North America, Europe, and Asia.
To close this special season, the company presents a mixed program titled 80 Years – A Retrospective which features works that honor the history of Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Agnes de Mille’s exuberant and amusing Rodeo celebrates Arnold Spohr, Mark Godden’s one-act masterpiece Angels in the Architecture pays tribute to John Meehan, and Toer van Schayk’s Seventh Symphony, first set by the Dutch National Ballet, honours Henny Jurriens.
Royal Winnipeg Ballet 2019-2020 Season Trailer
Source for Royal Winnipeg Ballet 2019-2020 Season: Royal Winnipeg Ballet | Featured Photo of RWB Company © David Cooper