World Premiere
New Work by Andrew Skeels
Choreography: Andrew Skeels

Montréal-based choreographer Andrew Skeels brings his ever-expanding curiosity and love for the art of dance to a brand-new work for Ballet Kelowna. Drawing influence from his training as a film editor, Skeels applies a cinematic approach to his choreography, challenging the dancers to move with daring speed, breathtaking fluidity, and bold release.

taqəš
Choreography: Cameron sinkʷə Fraser-Monroe
Music: Jeremy Dutcher

Cameron sinkʷə Fraser-Monroe brings his classical ballet training, knowledge of traditional Coast Salish, grass, and hoop dance, and experience as a contemporary dancer to taqəš [tawKESH], which means “to return something” in Ayajuthem, the language belonging to the Homalco, Klahoose, K’omoks, and Tla’amin Nations. Set to several songs by Polaris Prize-winning composer and singer Jeremy Dutcher, taqəš follows the traditional story “Raven Returns the Water,” centred around ῤoho (raven) and walθ (frog).

Schubert
Choreography: John Alleyne
Music: Franz Schubert, Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major

Commissioned by Ballet BC in 2000 as a tribute to Canadian ballerina Jean Orr, John Alleyne’s Schubert celebrates the life of a dancer in three poetic scenes: youth, beauty, and wisdom. Set to Franz Schubert’s luminous Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major, the work embodies what The Georgia Straight calls an “inherent... sensuousness and sophistication,” while capturing a sense of ethereal transience. This neoclassical piece honours the rhythmic and inevitable cycle of life with grace, depth, and emotional resonance.