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The much awaited performance by Ballet Vancouver of Balanchine’s ‘Apollo’ and other Works was an outstanding evening of dance that received a well deserved standing ovation from a sold out audience.

The dance evening featured Apollo with a male lead dancer and three elegant female dancers all dressed in dazzling white. It is a neo-classical piece with refined motion and elegant style. It is reminiscent of early Greek style.

The second piece was Black Swan Pas de Deux with two dancers paired well and moving with precision. This is a hallmark of the famous Swan Lake Ballet.

The third piece, Jorma Elo’s Slice to Sharp, featured 8 dancers costumed in blue who danced with energy and style. This captivating dance was originally created for New York City Ballet.

The highlighted dancers included Heather Ogden, Principal dancer with The National Ballet of Canada; Sasha de Sola, Principal dancer with San Francisco Ballet; Francesco Gabriele Frola, Principal dancer with San Francisco Ballet; Jonatan Lujan, partnering in George Balanchine's Apollo. Company Dancers included Amanda Solheim, Mya Kresnyak, Harry Peterson, Jordan Lang, Nathan Bear and Paula Cobo Botello and Nolan Fahey. Newcomer Nathan Bear is a dancer to watch with elegant style and precise steps. Indeed all the dancers were impressive and stylish and each piece earned enthusiastic audience applause.

Artistic Director Joshua Beamish deserves an ovation for assembling and guiding a star company on the Vancouver and Canadian dance scene.

© 2026 Ross Michael Pink