Royal Winnipeg Ballet 2021-2022 Season

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet 2021-2022 Season opens at Centennial Concert Hall with the program originally slated to celebrate their 80th anniversary season in May 2020 followed by two classical full-length ballets and closes with a familiar fairy tale story set in the 1950s.

“Our belief in the power of live performance is the driving force behind every step we take. We long to be together with you again and reengage that sense of shared humanity that comes from a live theatre experience. It has been an extremely challenging year, and we want to remind everyone that despite pandemic level challenges, we are determined to raise the curtain again. At this time, just one year ago, it was impossible to say what the future held. Today, we still can’t predict the future, but we can say with confidence that regardless of what happens we will Reignite the Stage. Our hope is to return with you in a seat, but if not, we know that we can deliver the art of ballet to your homes. We are extremely grateful for the joint efforts of our artists, staff, audience, and supporters who have brought us to this notable occasion."

André Lewis

Artistic Director of Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Amended to the season announcement is a pandemic-era disclaimer:

Six weeks prior to opening night, if Public Health Guidelines have not opened to allow a minimum of 50% audience capacity at the Centennial Concert Hall, a full Company on stage, and a full crew backstage; the RWB will make the decision to move to a digital performance. The safety of the artists, staff and patrons is a top priority.

Royal Winnipeg Ballet 2021-2022 Season Schedule

Perpetual Motion | October 14-17, 2021

Centennial Concert Hall

Rodeo by Ben Agnes de Mille
Seventh Symphony by Toer van Schayk

Theatrical ballet at its finest, Agnes de Mille’s exuberant and amusing Rodeo portrays our universal desire to be loved – and our fear of rejection from those we love. The awkward, tomboyish Cowgirl vies for the attention of the Head Wrangler at The Burnt Ranch and discovers love where she least expects it.

From grace to stoicism to lightheartedness and ending with an explosion of energy, Toer van Schayk’s powerful choreography adds nuance to Beethoven’s eponymous symphonic masterpiece. This ballet is a potent reminder that dance has the power to transcend and represents the light at the end of a dark tunnel, hopeful and convinced of a radiant new future.

The Nutcracker | December 18-28, 2021

Centennial Concert Hall

The Nutcracker by Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon

The wonder and whimsy of Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon’s choreography pairs beautifully alongside energetic crescendos to tell the story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince.

The Sleeping Beauty | February 23-27, 2022

Centennial Concert Hall

The Sleeping Beauty by Marius Petipa

A bewitching classic that marries the soaring music of Tchaikovsky with the stunning choreography of Marius Petipa, one of ballet’s most gifted creators.

A Cinderella Story | May 11-5, 2022

Centennial Concert Hall

A Cinderella Story by Val Caniparoli

Set in the 1950’s, this inventive reinterpretation of the fairy tale favorite infuses ballet with Broadway stylings and a jazz orchestra by Winnipeg’s own Ron Paley.