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The evening began even before the curtain rose, with a long line outside The Centre in Vancouver, a clear sign of the excitement surrounding this extraordinary performance by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. The venue, with its excellent acoustics, set the stage for what was about to be a memorable evening.

The first part of the performance opened with a promising introduction, quickly giving way to young dancers filling the stage with Cameron Fraser-Monroe’s compelling choreography in The Wild Man of the Woods, a powerful retelling of the traditional oral tale of a young woman who ventures into the unknown to save her sister. While there was some slight lack of synchronicity throughout, it felt quite organic, contributing to the natural flow of the piece. The score by Cris Derksen, though recorded rather than live, resonated with the audience, its intensity heightened by well-designed lighting. However, a moment of blinding background projector light was a minor distraction.

The dancers' Asa Benally costumes were simple yet effective. The T-shirts in the opening sequence added a raw, stripped-back feel, while the black costumes in the later sequence were visually striking, enhancing both the choreography and the atmosphere. Together, the costumes and movement created some truly memorable moments.

The Story Teller’s (Elder Elsie Paul) periodic insights narrated in both Ayajuthem, native language of Tla’amin Nation, and English were helpful, offering context and enhancing the audience’s understanding of the choreography.

The second part of the evening shifted dramatically in tone. Carmina Burana with its brighter lighting and music reminiscent of Enigma's atmospheric, chant-like style created a new energy onstage. This section showcased a more precise syntax, with the clarity of the sound allowing the music to shine. The costumes by Carlos Gallardo also took a new direction. Some male dancers performed bare-chested, and while visually striking, the naked torsos and visible perspiration seemed extreme.

Despite the stark contrast between the two halves, the transition between the sections was seamless, and the differing energies complemented each other beautifully. The evening concluded with a well-deserved standing ovation, a clear sign of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s exceptional artistry. It was a refreshing and captivating experience that will stay with Vancouver’s dance enthusiasts for some time

© 2026 Alexander M