FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2010
Media contact:
Patricia Burns
PR Chair, Ballet Kelowna
250 979 8084
patricia.burns@live.com
Ballet Kelowna Makes Dreams Come True in Kamloops
(KELOWNA, BC) – Ballet Kelowna’s Kamloops presentation of The Nutcracker – December 22 and 23 at the Sagebrush Theatre -- marks a number of firsts. It is the first time that this professional company has toured a full-length production of this timeless classic; the first time the four major dance studios have collaborated; and a first time for young local dancers to be performing with a professional ballet company.
“We have performed The Nutcracker for eight Christmases in Kelowna and Vernon,” says the producer, Sandy Dawson, “but we’ve never taken it out of the Okanagan. The logistics of a show of this magnitude multiply when touring. We could not even attempt it without the overwhelming support of the City of Kamloops and the entire community. Everyone, from seamstresses to parents, has made this dream a reality.”
In addition to the company’s six professional dancers, Ballet Kelowna’s Kamloops production utilizes the talents of 120 amateur dancers from four local dance studios, Akimbo Dance, Nuance Dance, The Dance Gallery and Kamloops Dance Academy, the first time ever the four companies have collaborated. “It’s been a fabulous opportunity to get to know some other dance teachers in town, says Sandi Lewis from the Kamloops Dance Academy. “It has meant a lot to me and what a friendship I have now formed with Regina [Regina Bittner-Rothbart from Nuance Dance Studio], who I am directly working with every weekend on the project.”
The lead role of Clara for the Kamloops production will be danced by 16-year-old Kamloops local, Lily Zhang. “Playing Clara is like a dream come true for me,” says Miss Zhang. ”When Mr. LaHay [Ballet Kelowna’s artistic director David LaHay] told me I got the part it was almost overwhelming. I went to the audition hoping that I would do my best, and if lucky, get a role. But I never even thought about the biggest role of this production. When I heard this, my eyes and mouth opened, and I was speechless. I didn’t even know if it was real or not. Even now, sometimes when I go in for rehearsal, I think to myself, is this still the dream that I was dreaming? This dream is coming true right here in Kamloops!”
Met with equal enthusiasm was that of a mother of one of the young girls cast in the production. “I have to say, that I was already excited when I heard Kelowna Ballet was providing our young Kamloops dancers with such an amazing opportunity,” enthused Michelle Stanford. “THEN, I was over the moon when my daughter made the cut as a Rat (and I confess, I am not a fan of rodents). As an ex-dancer (is there really such a thing?), I recognize the invaluable experience that is about to unfold for Moira from rehearsal to curtain. Thank you for building our Interior cultural future ‘beyond the borders’”.
Ballet Kelowna’s professional dancers include Kamloops native Christina Cecchini, who has been with the company for three seasons. Her repertoire for the company includes Swan Lake Act II Pas de Deux, The Sugar Plum Fairy and the Snow Queen in The Nutcracker (2009) as well as Negotiating Shifts, Bolero, In Arden Woods, Divertimenti and the recent Aspects of Love.
Capturing the entertainment interest of all members of the family, Ballet Kelowna performs to sold out audiences and enhances the image of ballet, making the art form more inviting, fun and personally meaningful. Proudly "made in Kelowna" this boutique "inno-classical" professional ballet company is a dedicated community partner committed to inspire, educate and entertain through the energy and artistry of ballet.
Ballet Kelowna’s Kamloops production of The Nutcracker runs at the Sagebrush Theatre on December 22 at 7:30 pm, and December 23 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are limited and are available through Kamloops Live box office.