Photo: Emily Cooper / Dancers: McKeely Borger and Mackye White
“Building a Ballet” Winter Giving Campaign
As 2025 draws to a close, I reflect with heartfelt gratitude on all that Ballet Kelowna has accomplished this year—achievements made possible through the generous support of our donors, volunteers, subscribers, and patrons.
Looking ahead to 2026 and the creation of our most ambitious project to date, I am pleased to announce the launch of our “Building a Ballet” Winter Giving Campaign in support of our newest full-length commission, Cikilaxʷm: Controlled Burn. Longtime supporters Myles and Stephani Bruckal who have been involved with Ballet Kelowna since its inception, with Myles serving as the Founding Board President, have generously pledged to match the first $2,000 donated.
The campaign aims to raise $40,000 by December 31 to help bring this milestone work to life. Led by Indigenous collaborators including Associate Artist Cameron sinkʷə Fraser-Monroe (Tla’amin First Nation), Cree cellist and composer Cris Derksen, Euro/Omushkego production designer Andy Moro, and Navajo/Cherokee costume designer Asa Benally, Cikilaxʷm: Controlled Burn will be the largest and most resource-intensive project Ballet Kelowna has undertaken in its 22-year history.
Making its world premiere May 1 + 2, 2026, at the Kelowna Community Theatre, Cikilaxʷm: Controlled Burn is a work of cultural reclamation and resilience, rooted deeply in Indigenous knowledge and artistry. The production will have a significant impact across the dance sector by setting a precedent for Indigenous-led mainstage performance and is being developed in collaboration with the National Creation Fund at Canada’s National Arts Centre. Ballet Kelowna’s commitment to inclusive commissioning and artistic innovation affirms that world-class creation can and does emerge from the Okanagan.
Set in a dystopian future where wildfire season never ends, the story follows Nathan, a young Indigenous firefighter whose perspective is transformed after meeting Mothkʷ, a fierce guardian of ancestral knowledge who practices cultural burning.
The title cikilaxʷm [tseekiLAHkwum] means “prescribed fire” in nsyilxcən, the language of the syilx (Okanagan) People, referring to traditional fire stewardship practices that restore the land and revitalize community.
“This is not a tale of apocalypse, but of perseverance. Of memory that survives and endures. Of land that remembers how to heal.”
— Cameron sinkʷə Fraser-Monroe
We invite the community to help us reach our $40,000 goal by December 31 by investing directly in artists, in community, and in stories that need to be heard.
With gratitude,
SIMONE ORLANDO
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CEO
Photo: Emily Cooper / Dancer: mckeely borger
JOIN THE CREATORS’ CIRCLE
Ballet Kelowna offers many exciting benefits to those who choose to contribute $500 or more annually, including opening night receptions, behind-the-scenes tours, and open rehearsals with guest choreographers. By pledging $500 or more, you can join The Creators’ Circle, our exclusive benefits program for annual donors.