CANADIAN CONTEMPORARY BALLET

The Vividus: Full of Life program features a stunning lineup of signature works from Ballet Kelowna’s contemporary ballet repertoire. With Alysa Pires’ striking Vestiges, Kirsten Wicklund’s ethereal The Forever Part, and Guillaume Côté’s electrifying Le Carnaval des Animaux, this high-energy program from Canada’s leading dancemakers promises to please a wide range of spectators.

Award-winning choreographer Alysa Pires constructs a striking commentary on the search for true connection and meaning amid disorder. Set to the cinematic melodies of violinist Hilary Hahn and composer Hauschka, Vestiges highlights the virtuosity of Pires’ bold and lively choreography.

Inspired by daydreams and longing, Kirsten Wicklund’s The Forever Part is a poignant ensemble piece exploring the inherent tension of the permanence of forever. With rhythmic group sections and stirring duets, this piece meditates on both yearning and desire as well as anxiety and restriction.

Rounding out the program, Guillaume Côté, Principal Dancer and Chorographic Associate with The National Ballet of Canada, applies his fresh, artistic vision to a jovial rendition of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Le Carnaval des Animaux, regarded as one of the French composer’s best-known works. Full of whimsical ornamentation, this upbeat ensemble piece pushes the limits of contemporary ballet and promises to delight audiences with its exuberant energy of frolicking and fun.

Ballet Kelowna's Vancouver-Island debut was on the 2023-2024 Spotlight Season.

PROGRAMME

Vestiges
Choreography: Alysa Pires
Music: Hilary Hahn and Hauschka
Lighting Design: Rylee Block
Costume Concept: Alysa Pires
Costume Couturier: Colleen Bryant | KOCO

Pause

The Forever Part
Choreography: Kirsten Wicklund
Music: J.S. Bach, Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria da capo, and Kirsten Wicklund
Lighting Design: Rylee Block
Costume Concept: Kirsten Wicklund
Costume Assistants: Lori Lawler and Hazel Rodgers

Intermission

Le Carnaval des Animaux
Choreography: Guillaume Côté
Music: Camille Saint-Saëns, Le Carnaval des animaux
Lighting Design: Rylee Block
Costumes: Christopher Read