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The exciting inaugural performance of Vancouver’s new ballet company, Ballet Vancouver, opened on
April 23rd at the Vancouver Playhouse. One could feel the excitement and anticipation of this
momentous event for dance in the air on opening night.

Comprised of three acts that showcased the work of pre-eminent choreographers in the world of dance
there was reason for the excitement and anticipation. The dancers on stage brought an international
scope of experience hailing from Europe, South America, Canada and the United States. The Royal
Ballet, Met Opera Ballet, Ballet Argentino, Ballet Zurich, American Ballet Theatre and Vancouver’s Goh
Ballet were represented.

After the Rain & Other Works opened with Christopher Wheeldon’s piece "After the Rain" which was originally commissioned in 2005 by the New York City Ballet. It is danced in 2 parts the first by 6 dancers dancing in three pairs to the music of Estonian composer Arvo Part. The six dancers are clothed in blue body hugging suits outlining the precise and controlled movement Part’s "Tabula Rasa" requires. It is staccato music that has a haunting and frenetic feel. The dancers soar through the air or form tight formations with precise sculptural movements. Their athleticism and disciplined timing is driven by Part’s score. The second segment to Wheeldon’s "After the Rain" is a pas de deux. A loving and tender piece danced to Part’s "Spiegel im Spiegel". This piano driven sound bathes the dancers in a soft caring embrace. A sense of peace suffuses their movements. It has a restorative effect.

Act 2 of After the Rain & Other Works features two choreographed pieces, the first by Wen Wei Wang is entitled "Swan" and the second by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa is "Redemption". "Swan" is danced in pools of light, the dancers mimicking the movement of a swan that is integral to the choreography. With music by Sammy Chien and Camille Saint-Saens, Wang intertwines classic and contemporary experimental music into"Swan". The dancers respond to this blending of musical style with a flowing form of movement that incorporates bird like features into their dance.

In contrast to the diversity of "Swan" with its group formations, pas de deux and solo segments, "Redemption" by Ochoa is a solitary, somber piece that reflects the striving and searching of a personal journey. Danced by Joseph Markey on opening night it is a piece that renders introspection especially in the emotion that Markey brought to his dance. Lighting by Vancouver’s James Proudfoot reflected the emotional journey represented in the movements of the piece.

The final act of Ballet Vancouver’s inaugural performance is "Winterbourne". Created by artistic director of Ballet Vancouver, Joshua Beamish and Yolonda Skelton Jackson a Gitxsan fashion designer, "Winterbourne" incorporates the choreography of Beamish with the fashion design of Jackson. It is an exciting piece showcasing the designs of Jackson in an innovative and au courant way. Around the world museums and galleries are bringing fashion into their fold. Beamish with his creative and forward thinking attitude added a very entertaining and progressive dance to his repertoire and to the inauguration of Ballet Vancouver’s After the Rain & Other Works."Winterbourne" is a collaborative undertaking, incorporating indigenous dancers, Tristan Ghostkeeper and Bryn Bridgen, music by Cris Derksen, a Cree cellist and fashion design into the story of "Winterbourne". Winterbourne brings an indigenous voice into the world of ballet. Against a red background, the dancers clad in Yolonda Skelton Jackson’s indigenous inspired costumes went through a fast paced routine. The beat of Derksen’s music carried the mood especially in the pas de deux with its clever use of Skelton’s fashion. The sequence blended the classicism of ballet with the modernity of the fashion to great effect.

Beamish in the pre-talk was asked why he wanted to found Ballet Vancouver. His answer reflects his vision for dance going into the future. A collaborative, inclusive opening-up of more opportunity for classical, narrative ballet in Vancouver. A classical ballet company that with growth will enhance the ability for dancers trained in traditional dance to stay in Vancouver and work. A ballet company that reflects inclusiveness.

At the opening remarks prior to the performance Beamish announced Ballet Vancouver’s 2026/27 season. Program 1 in September 2026 is offering Balanchine’s Apollo and Other Works, Program 2 in February of 2027 will offer Classical Masters and Program 3 in May will offer Beamish’s Giselle.

A wonderful evening of dance for an audience resoundingly appreciative of Ballet Vancouver’s inaugural debut.

© 2026 Nancie Ottem