The Royal Winnipeg Ballet kicked off their 2022/23 season this week with Ballet in the Park! It is a uniquely Winnipeg event. The company and school dancers take to the stage at the Lyric Theatre at Assiniboine Park to perform outside for anyone who wants to come. The crowd was wonderful, the dancers were fantastic, and it was the perfect start to my August long weekend. Let’s get to my Ballet in the Park 2022 highlights!
Why I Share These Events
Before I jump into my highlights, I wanted to answer a question I get a lot- why do I share these local events? The large majority of my readers are not in Winnipeg or even in Canada, so why do I share these? There are two reasons. Firstly: the Royal Winnipeg Ballet is a world-renowned company and I love sharing their work and productions. Secondly: I always hope that it spurs readers on to seek out these types of events in their communities. Many companies and theatres host unique events, and it is well worth going!
Ballet in the Park 2022 Highlights
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School is also world-renowned. Both the Recreational and Professional Division perform at Ballet in the Park each year.
This year, the PD students performed a pas de trois from Paquita, a 19th-century classical ballet. The version that they performed was from Marius Petipa’s 1847 production that he created for the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg. It has those gorgeous platter tutus that the audience loves so much, and the choreography is a lot of exciting allegro (jumps) and extensions. I always love seeing Paquita and this performance was no exception!
The RD performed two different pieces, and I think the first piece may have been one of my favourite performances that I’ve seen from the school. “Burgeon” was choreographed by Yosuke Mino, one of the company’s First Soloists who retired this past spring. Fluid and intricate, it was an exuberant piece that showcased both the talent of the dancers and the spirit of Ballet in the Park.
RWB Rodeo
While the RWB has performed many fantastic pieces for Ballet in the Park- Lila York’s Celts comes to mind- I think that Rodeo may be the perfect choice. (And yes, it is pronounced “roh-day-oh”, not “roh-dee-oh”.) The company performed this in October with their first production of the 2021/22 season and their return to the stage. It was a great performance then, but this weeks could not have been better.
There is something about seeing a ballet about a cowgirl and cowboys performed out on the prairies that cannot be matched. It is a spirited and heartwarming ballet, and the company brought it to life. Alanna McAdie and Peter Lancksweerdt were impeccable as Cowgirl and Lead Rancher, two roles that aren’t easy to do. They are lovable, goofy, and a bit “out there” in terms of ballet roles, but some of the most enjoyable to watch. And the rest of the company filled out the town with character and humour, as well. All in all, it is a fun and lighthearted ballet that is perfect for all ages, and was certainly a ballet highlight for me!
What are your Ballet in the Park 2022 highlights?
Cheers,
The Historian
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