Testimonials & Reviews
"Kelowna has benefited from Ballet Kelowna’s presentations of exquisite ballets performed by talented dancers each fall and spring at the Kelowna Community Theatre. As Mayor of our fine city, I am proud to recognize them as cultural ambassadors for Kelowna taking professional ballet to many communities through British Columbia. Ballet Kelowna provides employment ad artistic opportunities to Canada’s young dancers and emerging choreographers who live, work, and visit Kelowna. Thank you for creating such beauty and contributing to the arts community in such a significant way."
-- Sharon Shepherd, Mayor, City of Kelowna
"Applause does not adequately communicate my gratitude to the performers of the Kelowna Ballet. I wanted to take the time to thank you and your director Mr. LaHay for such a heartfelt performance last night in Fort St. John! After moving to northern BC 3 years ago from Toronto, I did not realize how much I was missing dance. We are fortunate to have a limited amount of musical and theatrical productions, but very little dance. I hope you will continue to tour the north in your future productions. I was delighted to be able to expose my children to the fairy tale magic of classical ballet, and also the freedom of your modern pieces. They are all "light on their toes" this morning!"
-- Kim McTaggart, Fort St. John
"I just want to say what an incredible evening you gave to all of us who attended your performance on Saturday evening. I had no idea of the calibre and artistry of your ensemble. The entire evening from beginning to end was totally professional and on the level of dance performances of a large city. My husband is from Edinburgh and he too feels your performance was equal to or better than some performances he has seen at the Edinburgh festival. Today I feel nourished in my soul by the beauty and artistry of last night, and two of the pieces brought tears to my eyes. Thank you."
-- Denise Kilshaw, Vernon
A brief note to congratulate you and your corps de ballet for another outstanding evening in Vernon this past weekend. The evolution of the company in just a short five years is nothing less than breathtaking. Your programs are invariably diverse and exciting - but congratulations - in particular, this year - for commisioning an original choreography and including live accompaniment. It was sensational! You can be assured that our enthusiasm was shared by all the members of the audience we encountered as we departed. Thank you ALL for the wonderful contribution you make to the cultural life of this beautiful valley.
--- Bill and Fran Wagner, Vernon
Rave Reviews for Aspects of Love
"Ballet Kelowna Leaps into Audience's Hearts" - Alanna Matthew, Penticton Herald
"Ballet Kelowna Steps up to the Barre" - Marilyn Boxwell, Arrow Lakes News
"Ballet Kelowna Tours New Works by LaHay, Orlando" - Aaron Orlando, Arrow Lakes News
"Today I, and my fellow audience members, were treated to a wonderful afternoon of artistry, beauty and energy from the four ballets performed. Congratulations to you, the dancers and everyone involved in this exciting and professional production. The stage within was superb and to have the composer playing for the dancers and the choreographer in the house was, to say the least, special. I want to personally congratuate you on your choreography of the Romeo and Juilet Appassionata. Quite a few times I have seen the full production of this ballet with elaborate stagings and many dancers. With your small troupe and in 18 minutes, as you pointed out, you captured the soul of this tragedy. The dancers carried out the passion of varied feelings which created a most moving experience for them and for the audience. I look forward to the future performances." With best regards, Lorraine Drdul
"I really enjoy Ballet Kelowna and the fact that you travel around to various places in BC. I'm nowhere near Kelowna, so I always watch for the dates and locations. This year, you're coming to Valemount, and I'm thrilled since that means some friends and I are only an hour away! I live in McBride, and my family lives in the lower mainland. Various members of my family enjoy dance productions, and I am planning tickets as birthday and Christmas gifts for them at the locations closest to them. i was excited to hear that you are trying to come to Jasper soon! For those of us in small towns - we love the excuse to get together with a few friends and go to town for dinner, dessert and a ballet is the perfect cherry on top! I will continue to watch for your tour dates and details. Thanks again!" Amber, McBride BC
"Thank you Ballet Kelowna for offering a free performance at Orchard Park Mall last Saturday. My two-year-old daughter was totally mesmerized by the dancers and after having seen the 3pm performance, we had to come back for the one at 4pm, since she enjoyed the dance so much. What a wonderful experience for many children and their parents who, like us, stopped there to watch. Thank you, Ballet Kelowna, for bringing art into everyday life." Nicoletta, Kelowna BC
Dear David,
Enclosed please find a donation. While it is not an enormous amount, it is symbolic of our appreciation of the fine fine work you do, employing training and inspiring young dancers. . . You are a magician. You turn these hungry artists into a professional company who take the beauty of dance to smaller communities who might otherwise not get the opportunity experience the fun, the joy, the awe that dance embodies. Thank you and the dancers and your board for reminding us all what is noble about humanity. We look forward to following all that you do and hope to be in your audience again. Paula Davies & Al Glover
Classic Contrast is a hit with our audiences! See what our viewers are saying:
"Just wanted to thank you for the beautiful performance especially Le Banc - I cried, it was so beautiful." Gail Hourigan, Kelowna
"I saw the show in Vernon tonight...it was truly brilliant. In Arden Woods was an audio/visual feast; Le Banc was light-hearted and moving; and Indigo Mood was absolutely riveting. I got the sense that the dancers were REALLY enjoying themselves when they were pushing the boundaries of innovative choreography. Lots of so-called 'modern dance' that I've seen before lacked the energy and athletics of what I saw tonight. Congratulations on bold moves that will win new young audiences." Sari Cox, Vernon
