Our Mission: 

  • To deliver compelling and inspiring performances for regional, national, and international audiences.

  • To support and promote the innovation and creativity of Canadian dance artists.

  • To create a nurturing environment in which artists and all those engaged with the Company realize the fullest extent of their talents and potential.

Our Vision: We envision a place where the performance and practice of dance is fundamental to our Canadian identity.
 

Our History:

Ballet Kelowna was incorporated on November 7, 2002 as the Kelowna Ballet Society and received its Registered Charity status on January 1, 2003. Under the leadership of Founding Board President Myles Bruckal, Founding Artistic Director David LaHay and Honorary Patrons Annette av Paul, Brian Macdonald, C.C. and Arnold Spohr, C.C., Ballet Kelowna gave its first performances with six professional Canadian dancers in the fall of 2003. The company has presented a mixed repertoire of classical, neo-classical and contemporary dance each year as well as featuring in The Nutcracker with The Canadian School of Ballet. Touring has taken the company across Canada, visiting more than 15 communities annually. Ballet Kelowna has commissioned new works from emerging and established Canadian choreographers and presented masterworks from the Canadian ballet legacy.

The founding of Ballet Kelowna continued the long-lasting ballet legacy of Gweneth Lloyd and Betty Farrally, co-founders of The Canadian School of Ballet (1938) and Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet (1939). The idea for starting a ballet company in Kelowna was initiated by then Canadian School of Ballet’s directors (1985-2011) Melville Brown and Lori Larson.  Ballet Kelowna, through its touring, school performances and outreach activities has visited more than 75 communities in Western Canada, giving audiences and students a wonderful opportunity to experience the energy and artistry of a professional ballet company.