Valentine’s performances showcase two world premieres from top emerging choreographers
Ballet Kelowna contemplates love and connection with the expressive and moving mixed program Twilight, presented at the Kelowna Community Theatre on February 14 & 15 at 7:30 pm.
“With Twilight, audiences will be guided on a spiritual and emotional journey, exploring the multi-faceted qualities of love and relationship in its many forms,” says Ballet Kelowna’s artistic director Simone Orlando.
A diverse and rigorous collection of contemporary and classical works, Twilight features world premieres from two of Canada’s most buzz-worthy emerging choreographers — As it is, a contemporary piece by choreographer Eva Kolarova exploring ideas of loneliness and separation, and the urgency to form relationships with others; and Within the Golden Raga, an elegant balletic work by choreographer Kunal Ranchod.
The program will also showcase the dynamic company premiere of on wings by the revered, three-time Ballet Kelowna collaborator and choreographer Joe Laughlin, exploring the fleeting torments of love.
A highly accomplished and intelligent dancer, Kolarova has garnered critical acclaim for her choreography, which has ranged from intimate duets to large ensemble pieces. Born in the Czech Republic, Kolarova’s intense pursuit of her craft led her to study dance in Switzerland and Germany, from the early age of 14. A rising star, Kolarova has presented original works at festivals around the world.
Within the Golden Raga will engage audiences in a fresh and unexpected perspective on identity, and reflect upon spiritual love and connection of a shared culture and community. Montreal choreographer Ranchod will showcase the depth of Ballet Kelowna’s technical brilliance in this classical yet inventive balletic piece that featuring fast petit allegro sections, complex pointe work, and intimate duets.
A graduate of Ryerson University’s Theatre School and École supérieure de ballet du Québec, Ranchod has rapidly gained momentum as a choreographer to watch. Ranchod was commissioned by Ballet Kelowna to fully realize his vision as a feature-length work in Twilight.
Ranchod’s first company commission is a spiritually informed study of connection to people and place, inspired by the duality of his Indian heritage and Canadian upbringing. Set to a stunning musical score composed by sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar, Ranchod’s rich choreography explores the juxtaposition between the intricate rhythms, patterns, and structures of traditional Indian classical music and the poised shape and line of classical ballet.
Ballet Kelowna’s elite athleticism and technical prowess will continue to shine in the company premiere of on wings, the fourth work by legendary Canadian choreographer Laughlin to enter Ballet Kelowna’s repertoire. Originally commissioned by Ballet BC, Laughlin’s on wings captures the romantic rush of classical ballet in this intimate work for nine dancers. Featuring virtuosic lifts, highly technical pointe work, and breathtaking partnering, Laughlin’s dramatic choreography reflects the turbulent intensity of the musical score, set to Alexander Scriabin’s darkly passionate Piano Sonata #1 in F Minor.
Tickets in person: 100-2600 Enterprise Way, Kelowna, BC
Online: balletkelowna.ca and kelownatickets.com
By phone: 250.862.2867 (Toll free: 1.888.974.9170)
Ticket Prices: $53.95 (Adult), $46.95 (Senior), $30.25 (Student/Child)
All prices include taxes and service charges.
Image of Kelsey Hanna and Valentin Chou by Emily Cooper. Dress courtesy of Bliss Bridal.
