A Message from the Artistic Director

FRANCESCO VENTRIGLIA | Artistic Director

Dear Friends and Patrons,

It is with immense pride and excitement that I present to you the world premiere of GRIMM. This production is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity, and I’m deeply grateful to the remarkable individuals who have brought this vision to life.

First, my thanks to our brilliant choreographer, Stefania Ballone. I have had the pleasure of knowing Stefania since she was just 16, during our time at Teatro La Scala in Milano. To see the talented and visionary artist she is today fills me with pride, and I can’t wait for you to see her extraordinary ability to weave movement into emotion!

I would also like to thank composer Taketo Gohara for his breathtaking original score. The beauty and intricacy of the music elevate GRIMM to new heights, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Our visual designers, Peter Venus and Judith Selenko, have crafted a mesmerizing world. Their innovative use of video enhances the narrative with a layer of magic.

A special acknowledgment goes to costume designer Eleonora Peronetti. Her visionary designs are both stunning and sustainably crafted. In a world where theater must adapt and innovate to survive, Eleonora’s commitment to sustainability is both commendable and inspiring.

I must also extend my gratitude to Carmen Kovacs for her extraordinary dramaturgy. Carmen has taken the tales of the Brothers Grimm to a new level, beautifully intertwining seven narratives into a new story. Her work is tribute to these clever writers and to their body of work, which has been translated into every language of the world, ensuring their timeless appeal endures.

In this transition from the quintessential romantic ballet of La Sylphide to the groundbreaking GRIMM, I am thrilled to honor our promise to blend tradition with innovation. With Stefania Ballone at the helm, we are opening doors for new voices in choreography and solidifying Alberta Ballet as a catalyst for future generations of creators across Canada and beyond.

Thank you for joining us! With your support, we strive to innovate and inspire. I look forward to sharing this magical experience with you.

Warm regards,

FRANCESCO VENTRIGLIA
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

The Story

GRIMM

SUMMARY

GRIMM is a ballet with a prologue and two acts, created as a world premiere for Alberta Ballet. The stories that inspired the narrative are seven fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm:  Sleeping Beauty, The Bremen Town Musicians, The Frog Prince, Snow White, The Three Spinners, Rapunzel, and The Seven Ravens. 

Prologue 

The Brothers Grimm stories have been transcribed into all the languages of the world and have enriched the global cultural heritage for both children and adults. Dance is another form of language that is expressed through the body. The beginning of GRIMM is a tribute to this, as different voices in different languages narrate moments from the Grimm stories, resonating with the brilliant movement of the dancers.

Act I
In the heart of the Boreal Forest lives a witch named Mirage, who longs for a child. She finally gives birth to a beautiful baby girl named Aura, with the help of eight witches. After giving birth, Mirage dies, and the witches take care of the child during her early years.

When Aura turns 12, she begins her journey through the forest, where she meets various characters and has multiple experiences that help her grow. A donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster appear with a cart carrying their musical instruments, as they are traveling to join the Bremen band. Aura is very amused and decides to join them on their journey, but one day she decides to leave and continue on her own. She finds herself by the shore of a beautiful lake when she is surprised by a golden ball being chased by a charming girl. The girl is a young princess who loves her ball, but one day she throws it so high that she loses it and runs away in despair. Suddenly, a small frog hops toward Aura with the golden ball and tells her the story. He wants to return the ball to the princess in exchange for her friendship. Curious, Aura follows him, and together they go to the princess, and the frog returns the ball. She smiles again but has no interest in the frog. After his third attempt to get close to her, the frog is harshly rejected, rolling on the ground, and then transforms into a handsome prince. The princess sees him and falls in love, and together they dance passionately before leaving.

Still captivated by the sweet love story, Aura encounters seven dwarves who work in the mines. They are hardworking and kind, and she decides to stay with them for a while. She follows them until she finds herself in a dark part of the forest, where the evil stepmother resides. The stepmother spends all day in front of the mirror because she wants to be the most beautiful in the world. She constantly asks the mirror who the fairest is, but the mirror always replies that it is Snow White, a kind girl who loves nature and is a close friend of the dwarves. The stepmother tries every possible way to get rid of her but fails, and despite poisoning her, Snow White is saved by the love of a prince who awakens her and takes her away. The stepmother, in despair, runs off with burning feet, forgetting her beloved mirror. Frightened by this strange creature, Aura notices the mirror, looks into it, and sees the image of a beautiful woman from behind, standing under a great tree. She doesn’t know who she is but decides to reach her, so she begins to run until she meets three mysterious spinners working with a large thread. They surround her and speak to her about her destiny until one of them shows her the spindle. Fascinated by the object, Aura tries to touch it, but she pricks herself and falls into a deep sleep.

Act II

The scene opens with the image of Aura sleeping in a nest of branches. Below, we see her as a child, looking at herself asleep, or perhaps dead. The child plays and recalls her encounters until a group of eight women with long braids surround her. Frightened, she runs away. The eight women dance with their long braids, accompanied by captivating female voices. The child returns, and the women flee, disappearing into the darkness. Suddenly, the child sees her mother appear, along with her adolescent self. She tries to reach them but they vanish. Mirage and her daughter meet for the first time in this surreal atmosphere and dance in an intense and tender dialogue, then disappear into the darkness. From the shadows, we hear the voice of the stepmother and see her appear, towering with her mirror. Suddenly, the mirror shatters, and she vanishes into the darkness, but several ravens emerge from her large gown. They multiply until they fill the stage, swirling, then vanishing. The child arrives with two dolls: one is the frog, and the other is the princess. She plays with them and finally makes them kiss. The kiss awakens Aura from her long sleep. Love has allowed her to live again.

GRIMM Creative Team

  • Francesco Ventriglia is an Italian ballet dancer, choreographer and Artistic Director. Having graduated from La Scala Ballet school, Ventriglia joined the ballet company of La Scala in 1997, making his debut as a soloist in William Forsythe’s In The Middle, Somewhat Elevated at La Scala in 1998, and in 1999 was cast as the Bronze Idol by Natalia Makarova in her production of La Bayadere. ​

    ​He danced numerous soloist and principal roles with the company, including that of the Toreador in Roland Petit’s Carmen and Quasimodo in Notre Dame de Paris and also works by Nureyev, Balanchine, Ailey, Neumeier, Cranko, Preljocaj, Godani, Kylian, Guillem, and Bejart. Internationally, his performances with La Scala included Hilarion at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and at Covent Garden, opposite Sylvie Guillem in her creation of Giselle. ​

    In 2010, he was appointed as Europe's youngest Artistic Director by the Florence Opera House at the age of 32, where he held the role as Artistic Director and principal choreographer for Maggio Danza until 2013. In 2014, he was named the Artistic Director of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Francesco’s tenure as Artistic Director of the Royal New Zealand Ballet concluded in June 2017, however he continued his artistic relationship with the company, creating a new full-length ballet, Romeo and Juliet which toured nationally. Designed by triple Academy Award winner James Acheson, the production was both a critical and box office success. Reviewed as his ‘Love letter to New Zealand’, the production was hailed as a ‘splendid and triumphant’ production.​ 

    From January 2018, Ventriglia was adjunct Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Uruguay, Ballet Nacional Sodre alongside Igor Yebra. From 2020 to 2024, Ventriglia established himself in Sydney and co-founded the Sydney Choreographic Centre and Ensemble. In January 2024, Francesco was appointed Artistic Director of Alberta Ballet. In September of 2024, Francesco premiered his version of La Sylphide after August Bournonville, as his first full length for the company.

    Ventriglia is also a choreographer of classical and contemporary ballet, having works performed internationally by companies such as the La Scala Ballet, Arena di Verona, Bolshoi Theatre, The Mariinsky Theatre, Grand Theatre du Geneve, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Ballet Nacional Sodre, and at the Venice Biannale.

  • Italian dancer and choreographer Stefania Ballone graduated from the Ballet School of Teatro Alla Scala in 2000 and has since built a distinguished career with the company. Ballone holds an undergraduate degree in Modern Literature and a master’s degree in Performing Arts, both from the University of Milan.

    In 2011, Ballone made her choreographic debut with Per una volta at Teatro Regio in Parma, followed by notable works like Thunders and Lightnings and Alter. She has choreographed for prestigious events, including Gala des Étoiles and the MilanOltre Dance Festival’s 30th anniversary. In 2023, she debuted her piece Lascaux at the Elfo Puccini Theater in Milan, in co-production with MilanOltre Dance Festival, Aiep and with the support of Orsolina28. In 2024, she collaborated on Roberto Bolle’s OnDance Festival, choreographing the theme song for his TV program Viva la Danza.

    Ballone’s accolades include receiving the Dance Prize in Volterra (2011) and serving as artistic co-director of Yuval Avital’s Human Signs in 2020. In 2022, she became an associate artist of the MilanOltre Dance Festival, and since 2023, she has been involved with the Research Center for Studies on Dance Philology at the University of Bologna. She continues to expand her reach, recently directing the show Ciao Walter at Teatro Alla Scala and making her North American choreographic debut with GRIMM, a new two-act ballet made for Alberta Ballet.

  • Taketo Gohara is a record producer, composer and sound designer, known for his collaborations with numerous Italian artists, including Vinicio Capossela, Brunori Sas, Elisa, Francesco Motta, and Biagio Antonacci, and rock acts like Negramaro, Verdena, and Ministri. His work spans various genres, and he has contributed to projects for artists such as Dardust, Remo Anzovino, and Vasco Brondi. Gohara has also composed music for art installations, notably creating Marginal Carillon for Miart 2022 in collaboration with painter Eugenio Tibaldi, a project curated by Irina Zucca.

    In the film industry, Gohara has specialized as a sound designer, with over 30 films to his credit as a soundtrack mixer in Surround sound. He also performs in the ambient and contemporary music scene, collaborating with artists like D. Rad and Cesare Picco at various festivals. Beyond his artistic work, Gohara is an educator, teaching Sound Design at the European Institute of Design and the Centro Professione Musica in Milan, while conducting masterclasses on sound in both academic and professional settings.

  • Eleonora Peronetti is a set and costume designer who has collaborated with prestigious opera houses, theatres and festivals, both nationally and internationally. Since 2019, she has designed costumes for Ballet Preljocaj, including productions such as Winterreise at Teatro alla Scala, Torpeur at the Montpellier Festival, and Requiem(s) at the Théâtre de la Villette in Paris. Her work on Birthday Party at the Chaillot Theatre earned her a nomination for the Fedora Prize in 2023. She worked with Studio Blearred Milano for concert stage designs in 2023.

    In 2024, Peronetti worked with Davide Livermore for set designs for La lupa-Il berretto a sonagli at Teatro Massimo Bellini and Turandot at Teatro alla Scala. Her accolades include being a finalist in the LNOBT Vilnius Competition in 2022 and winning both the European Opera Directing Prize in 2023 and the OperaLombardia and Klaipeda Theatre Opera competitions in 2024. Since 2018, Peronetti has been a lecturer in Scenography at the Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA) in Milan and has contributed to theatrical publications Dizionario Teatrale and Il Corridoio Rosso.

  • A graduate of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design (2008), Malgorzata has spent 20 years designing innovative theatre shows, opera productions, and concerts using new technologies and multimedia. Renowned for pioneering mapping and special effects, she collaborates with international teams and coordinates large-scale projects. Her credits include Paweł Althamer’s 2009 Golden Airplane in Brussels, the ‘Made in Polska’ concert series (2016), TV formats Idols and Pequeños gigantes (2017), and the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews opening (2015). At the Polish National Opera, she designed multimedia for ballets such as Exodus (2021) and Pinocchio (2024) for Polish National Opera received best show award for The Carnival of the Animals (2019) at Wrocław Opera.

    Malgorzata has worked with prominent directors and choreographers and has experience in cities like Paris, London, Berlin, and Dubai. In January 2019, she became Technical Director of the Polish National Opera, one of only three women globally in this role. She joined Alberta Ballet in 2023 as Production Director and was promoted to Executive Producer in Spring 2024.

  • Judith Selenko is a video artistand scenographer working in the realm of music theatre, installation projection mapping as well as film and animation with a decided passion for media art and live performances. Her focus lies in the creation of visual concepts for stages in all varieties, regularly collaborating with artists, musicians and technicians from various disciplines and backgrounds.

    After her initial education in drawing and graphic design, she studied stage design and digital art compositing, assisted in various productions and positions at the Salzburg Festival where she ultimately discovered her fascination with projection and digital stage design. Her career led her to numerous opera houses, concert halls and festivals such as Staatsoper Berlin, Oper Graz, Musiktheater im Revier, Steirischer Herbst, Mariinsky Theatre St. Petersburg, Bregenzer Festspiele, Experimentalstudio Freiburg, the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden or the Schlosslichtspiele Karlsruhe, and the ZKM.

  • Born in Dresden, Peter Venus is a media artist, sound engineer, and video engineer with a diverse background in media-related design with a focus on immersive media experiences and electro-acoustic sound. He studied at the Graz’s University of Music and Performing Arts in London, and holds a degree in Experimental Sound Practice from the UCC Cork. His work includes kinetic projection mappings for opera productions in Baden-Baden and the Salzburg Festival, where he blended technology and performance to create immersive visual experiences.

    Venus has collaborated with Judith Selenko on kinetic video design for Philip Stölzl’s Elektra at the 2024 Easter Festival in Baden-Baden. Over the years, he has worked as a video operator for the Salzburg Festival, leading the kinetic projections for Shirin Neshat’s Aida (2017, 2022) and designing the video for Andreas Kriegenburg’s Simone Boccanegra (2019). His work has taken him to prestigious venues such as the Beijing Music Festival, Teatro La Fenice, and Deutsche Oper in Berlin, as well as festivals like Wien Modern and musikprotokoll in Graz.

  • Carmen Kovacs is a freelance dance dramaturge living in Munich. From 2017 to 2020, she was the dramaturge of the Bavarian State Ballet and from 2020 to 2022, dance and opera dramaturge at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein Düsseldorf Duisburg, where her collaboration with Demis Volpi began.

    Kovacs now works as an external dramaturge for the Hamburg Ballet, while also pursuing her own projects as a freelance dramaturge and ballet librettist. She has worked with choreographers including Aszure Barton, Demis Volpi, Moritz Ostruschnjak, Hélène Blackburn, Andrey Kaydanovskiy, Nanine Linning, Xin Peng Wang, Xenia Wiest, Julie Pecard and Eric Gauthier. As a jury member, Carmen Kovacs has been active for the Bavarian State Association for Contemporary Dance since 2019, and for the Munich Cultural Department’s Jury for Independent Dance Professionals since 2024. She was also part of the jury for the Tanzplattform Deutschland 2024 and for the tanz nrw 25 festival.

  • Born and raised in Winston- Salem, North Carolina, Brian began his dance training at age seven with Irish Step dancing and ballet. He enrolled in the North Carolina School of the Arts in 2003, studying under Kee Juan Han, Melissa Hayden, and others. Brian joined American Ballet Theatre’s Second Company in 2007, touring nationally and internationally with ABT II for three years. He then joined Houston Ballet as an apprentice in 2010, rising to Demi-Soloist by 2015 and performing soloist and principal roles. His nine-year tenure at Houston Ballet included works by Stanton Welch, George Balanchine, and Twyla Tharp.

    Brian graduated cum laude from St. Edward’s University in 2016 while maintaining his ballet career. His experience includes a soloist role with the National Ballet of Uruguay in 2019, a company dancer with the Nashville Ballet in 2021-2022, and a soloist with Ballet West for the 2022-24 seasons. In July 2024, Brian became a Rehearsal Director at Alberta Ballet, invited by Francesco Ventriglia.

  • After a distinguished 17-year career as a professional dancer, including eight seasons with Alberta Ballet, Yoshiya has transitioned to the role of rehearsal director at Alberta Ballet. His extensive experience on stage and in rehearsal studios now enriches the company from a new perspective. Originally from Niigata, Japan, Yoshiya began his ballet training at Niigata Ballet School and furthered his education at Canada’s National Ballet School in Toronto. He has danced with American Repertory Ballet, Boston Ballet II, and Kansas City Ballet before joining Alberta Ballet in 2016.

    Throughout his career, Yoshiya has captivated audiences with his remarkable interpretations of iconic roles. At Alberta Ballet, he has performed as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Albrecht in Giselle, and Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake. His artistry and dedication have left a lasting impression on audiences and colleagues alike. Now, as a rehearsal director, Yoshiya brings his wealth of experience and insight to guide the next generation of dancers at Alberta Ballet.

Additional Music Credits:

Music by Taketo Gohara
“The Witch” by Etta Scollo, written by Carmen Kovacs.
Music produced and engineered by Niccoló Fornabaio

Special Thanks to:

Jayne Smiley
Neil Christopher
Andrea Wiarda
Stijn Vriends
Dave Muldoon
Nina Muldoon
Liam Muldoon
Mauro Refosco
Yukio Gohara
Carmela Silvia Sanfilippo
Massimo Zhou
Yulia Gurkina
Blance Jaubert
Jacopo Marretti
Jasmine Leonardon
Hammama Chayani
Yuval Avital
Said Ramos Ponce
Umar FAROOQ
Yassine Linani

Casting

Subject to Change

  • Mirage Seira Iwamoto
    Aura 1 Hinata Takahara
    Aura 2 Hotaru Maruyama
    Aura 3 Luna Sasaki
    Cat Alexandra Hughes
    Dog Dylan West
    Rooster Mirko Melandri
    Donkey Scotto Hamed-Ramos
    Frog Prince Lang Ma
    The Princess Macyn Malana Vogt
    The Stepmother Allison Perhach
    Snow White Zara Bailey
    Snow White Prince Kurtis Grimaldi
    The Kiss Prince Scotto Hamed-Ramos

    Witches
    Zara Bailey, Victoria Bourassa, Teodora Dvoretski, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Hotaru Maruyama, Kate McDonald, Isabel Tornqvist, Macyn Malana Vogt

    The Seven Dwarves
    Rikuto Kubota, Emmanuel López, Mirko Melandri, Michael Scott-Kahans, Leona Takada, Federico Vitali, Dylan West

    Servants
    Caleb Durbin, Yaroslav Khudych

    Spinners
    Seira Iwamoto, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Isabel Tornqvist

    Rapunzel’s Women
    Zara Bailey, Victoria Bourassa, Teodora Dvoretski, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Kate McDonald, Allison Perhach, Isabel Tornqvist, Macyn Malana Vogt

    Ravens
    Victoria Bourassa, Caleb Durbin, Teodora Dvoretski, Rhys Hudson, Seira Iwamoto, Rikuto Kubota, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Emmanuel López, Hotaru Maruyama, Matthew Maxwell, Kate McDonald, Mirko Melandri, Michael Scott-Kahans, Leona Takada, Isabel Tornqvist, Federico Vitali, Macyn Malana Vogt, Dylan West

  • Mirage Seira Iwamoto
    Aura 1 Hinata Takahara
    Aura 2 Hotaru Maruyama
    Aura 3 Luna Sasaki
    Cat Allison Perhach
    Dog Dylan West
    Rooster Mirko Melandri
    Donkey Scotto Hamed-Ramos
    Frog Prince Lang Ma
    The Princess Macyn Malana Vogt
    The Stepmother Alexandra Hughes
    Snow White Zara Bailey
    Snow White Prince Kurtis Grimaldi
    The Kiss Prince Scotto Hamed-Ramos

    Witches
    Zara Bailey, Victoria Bourassa, Teodora Dvoretski, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Hotaru Maruyama, Kate McDonald, Isabel Tornqvist, Macyn Malana Vogt

    The Seven Dwarves
    Rikuto Kubota, Emmanuel López, Mirko Melandri, Michael Scott-Kahans, Leona Takada, Federico Vitali, Dylan West

    Servants
    Caleb Durbin, Yaroslav Khudych

    Spinners
    Seira Iwamoto, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Isabel Tornqvist

    Rapunzel’s Women
    Zara Bailey, Victoria Bourassa, Teodora Dvoretski, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Kate McDonald, Allison Perhach, Isabel Tornqvist, Macyn Malana Vogt

    Ravens
    Victoria Bourassa, Caleb Durbin, Teodora Dvoretski, Rhys Hudson, Seira Iwamoto, Rikuto Kubota, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Emmanuel López, Hotaru Maruyama, Matthew Maxwell, Kate McDonald, Mirko Melandri, Michael Scott-Kahans, Leona Takada, Isabel Tornqvist, Federico Vitali, Macyn Malana Vogt, Dylan West

  • Mirage Seira Iwamoto
    Aura 1 Hinata Takahara
    Aura 2 Hotaru Maruyama
    Aura 3 Luna Sasaki
    Cat Allison Perhach
    Dog Dylan West
    Rooster Mirko Melandri
    Donkey Scotto Hamed-Ramos
    Frog Prince Lang Ma
    The Princess Macyn Malana Vogt
    The Stepmother Alexandra Hughes
    Snow White Zara Bailey
    Snow White Prince Kurtis Grimaldi
    The Kiss Prince Scotto Hamed-Ramos

    Witches
    Zara Bailey, Victoria Bourassa, Teodora Dvoretski, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Hotaru Maruyama, Kate McDonald, Isabel Tornqvist, Macyn Malana Vogt

    The Seven Dwarves
    Rikuto Kubota, Emmanuel López, Mirko Melandri, Michael Scott-Kahans, Leona Takada, Federico Vitali, Dylan West

    Servants
    Caleb Durbin, Yaroslav Khudych

    Spinners
    Seira Iwamoto, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Isabel Tornqvist

    Rapunzel’s Women
    Zara Bailey, Victoria Bourassa, Teodora Dvoretski, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Kate McDonald, Allison Perhach, Isabel Tornqvist, Macyn Malana Vogt

    Ravens
    Victoria Bourassa, Caleb Durbin, Teodora Dvoretski, Rhys Hudson, Seira Iwamoto, Rikuto Kubota, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Emmanuel López, Hotaru Maruyama, Matthew Maxwell, Kate McDonald, Mirko Melandri, Michael Scott-Kahans, Leona Takada, Isabel Tornqvist, Federico Vitali, Macyn Malana Vogt, Dylan West

  • Mirage Seira Iwamoto
    Aura 1 Hinata Takahara
    Aura 2 Hotaru Maruyama
    Aura 3 Luna Sasaki
    Cat Alexandra Hughes
    Dog Dylan West
    Rooster Mirko Melandri
    Donkey Scotto Hamed-Ramos
    Frog Prince Lang Ma
    The Princess Macyn Malana Vogt
    The Stepmother Allison Perhach
    Snow White Zara Bailey
    Snow White Prince Kurtis Grimaldi
    The Kiss Prince Scotto Hamed-Ramos

    Witches
    Zara Bailey, Victoria Bourassa, Teodora Dvoretski, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Hotaru Maruyama, Kate McDonald, Isabel Tornqvist, Macyn Malana Vogt

    The Seven Dwarves
    Rikuto Kubota, Emmanuel López, Mirko Melandri, Michael Scott-Kahans, Leona Takada, Federico Vitali, Dylan West

    Servants
    Caleb Durbin, Yaroslav Khudych

    Spinners
    Seira Iwamoto, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Isabel Tornqvist

    Rapunzel’s Women
    Zara Bailey, Victoria Bourassa, Teodora Dvoretski, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Kate McDonald, Allison Perhach, Isabel Tornqvist, Macyn Malana Vogt

    Ravens
    Victoria Bourassa, Caleb Durbin, Teodora Dvoretski, Rhys Hudson, Seira Iwamoto, Rikuto Kubota, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Emmanuel López, Hotaru Maruyama, Matthew Maxwell, Kate McDonald, Mirko Melandri, Michael Scott-Kahans, Leona Takada, Isabel Tornqvist, Federico Vitali, Macyn Malana Vogt, Dylan West

Alberta Ballet Dancers

Alberta Ballet Artistic Team

  • After her fourteen-year career as a dancer with Alberta Ballet, Reilley transitioned into the role of Artistic Coordinator and has now been promoted to Rehearsal Director. She is excited to help behind the scenes and share the knowledge that she has gained while working with our organization.

    Originally born in Eatonville, WA, USA, Reilley trained at both Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle and at Canada’s National Ballet School in Toronto. She joined Alberta Ballet as a dancer in 2008, and has since made Canada her home, becoming a dual citizen in 2019. Some of her most memorable roles with Alberta Ballet have been as Madame de Tourvel in Jean Grand-Maître’s Dangerous Liaisons, and Queen Anne in David Nixon’s Three Musketeers.

  • Raven has been working in the arts for 18 years as a stitcher, costume crafter, dresser, wardrobe assistant, head of wardrobe, production director and now as a part of the Alberta Ballet artistic team. Being a local Albertan, Ravens’ work has been concentrated in Calgary, but has also taken her around our great province, across Canada, to the US and Europe in theatre, film and dance. More than half of her career has been spent at Alberta Ballet and she is so excited to be a part of the artistic team, assisting in bringing ballet magic to our community and beyond.  

  • Originally, from Medicine Hat, Rebecca relocated to Calgary after completing a BFA in Theatre Studies from the University of Lethbridge to pursue her passion for the arts. She has worked for various arts organizations in the city in the last 7 years and is enjoying her time working with both the artistic and production teams at Alberta Ballet. She is looking forward to what this season brings and is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented group of people and artists. 

Alberta Ballet Artistic Support

Lead Stage Manager | Seoyoung Park
Stage Manager | Tuled Giovanazzi
Physiotherapist | Brittney Winnitoy, Kirsten Taylor / Momentum Health
Pilates | Jo-Anne Bunbury / Calgary Pilates
Company Pianists | Marina Federov, Michael Levin, Juanita Faas,
Lorel Leal, Mary Martell, Helena Barker

Production Team

Stage Technicians provided by IATSE Local 212

Executive Producer | Malgorzata Szablowska
Assistant Technical Director Carpentry/Props/Flys | Jason McLellan
Lead Fly/Carpenter | Kevin Green
Head Props | Christina Hantos
Second Props | Cassandra Thorbjornsen
Lead Lighting | Chris Axford
Second Lighting | Oliver Petti
Lead Sound and Multi-Media | Dan Plumtree
Assistant Technical Director, Wardrobe | Raegan Moore
Second Wardrobe | Lori McMahon
Second Wardrobe/Stitcher | Erin LeBaron
Cutter | Anne Nguyen

Up Next…

Forever Moved

Alberta Ballet’s Endowment Campaign

  • Aggie Mikulski, TIPP Consulting

    Alfred Sorensen

    Andal Family Fund at Calgary Foundation

    Andrea Brussa

    Annie Freeze

    Annie McKitrick

    Anonymous

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    Bob Willows

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    Chris & Margaret Mills

    Chris George

    Clarice Evans Siebens

    Colin Jackson & Arlene Strom

    Dale Hodgson

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    Diana & Lawrence Andriashek

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    Dr Adrian Jones

    Dr. David Severson

    Dr. Paul and Carole Savage

    Elan MacDonald

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    Ellie & Carter Siebens

    Estate of Joan Pitfield

    Frank Molnar

    Gerard D. McInnis & Angelina Castro-Miquel

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    Jana Neal

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    John Seto & Christel Mueller

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    Melissa Bell & Matthew Fenwick

    Norma A. Gibson

    Pam FitzGerald & Robert Arts

    Papadopoulos & LaBonte Families

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    Patricia Strickland & Jill Strickland

    Penelope Weir

    Philip & Harriett Libin Family Foundation

    Renate Palmer

    Rod and Betty Wade

    Ruth A. Cross

    Sarah Krotz

    Sarah Palmer & Tom Plunkett

    Walt & Irene DeBoni

    Warren Chorney

ALBERTA BALLET DONORS 2023/24 & 2024/25

We’ve prepared a full calendar of inspiring activity for our donors in 2024-25 season!

All membership donations through Dance Circle and the Patron Program are eligible for a charitable tax receipt for the full amount of the donation.

Dance Circle Membership $1,500

Become a Dance Circle member and enjoy one-on-one experiences with Alberta Ballet’s artistic team, attend curated events, and help shape Alberta Ballet’s future with a vote at our AGM.

Patron Program

Alberta Ballet’s Patron Program offers exclusive opportunities for those who wish to deepen their connection with the art of dance and contribute to its flourishing future. By supporting us, you are investing in the creation of captivating new works, the craftsmanship of stunning sets and costumes, and the growth of our ensemble, ensuring a future where dance continues to inspire and engage.

Tier I $5,000 to $9,999

Embrace the Artistry by becoming part of Alberta Ballet’s inner circle with in-studio experiences.

Tier II $10,000 +

Immerse in Creation by uncovering the secrets behind each performance with behind-the-scenes guided tours.

If you’re a passionate Alberta Ballet subscriber, consider taking part in our donor activities!

To find out more, email us at PaulC@AlbertaBallet.com.

Paul Chambers
Director, Development
403-245-4222 ext 744
PaulC@AlbertaBallet.com

  • $50,000+

    Alberta Ballet Foundation
    Ann Falk
    Anonymous 2
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    Clarice Siebens
    Edmonton Community Foundation
    Peter Stapleton Foundation
    Shaw Family Foundation

    $25,000 to $49,999

    Anonymous
    Jana Neal
    Norma Gibson
    Palmer Family Foundation
    RBC Foundation
    Rogers Birdies for Kids Program through Atlalink
    Walter & Irene Deboni

    $10,000 to $24,999

    Diana Mulherin
    Dorothy Woolstencroft
    Eric & Dedre Toker
    Fabricci Foundation for the Arts
    Heather Bourne
    Heather Edwards Foundation
    Hope Smith
    John FeldbergLynn & Vern Hult
    Madelyn Lang
    Osten-Victor Fund at the Calgary Foundation
    Rita Tripathy & Murray Coleman
    Sharon McNaughton +

    $5,000 to $9,999

    Alfred Sorensen
    Andal Family Fun at the Calgary Foundation
    Colin Jackson & Arlene Strom
    Ellie Siebens
    George & Colleen Bezaire
    Joni Hughes
    Kerri & Sean Barr
    Lindsay Rachel Giacomelli Memorial Fund
    Patricia Strickland
    Penelope Weir
    Rod & Betty Wade
    The Chawkers Foundation

    $1,500 to $4,999

    Judith Anderson
    Alfredo Martin
    Ann McCaig
    Brenda Nugent
    Dianne Grant
    Heather Rae
    Jocelyn Beckett
    Kathy Ruth Morgan
    Leigh Garvie
    Leona Gibb
    Leslie Pidcock
    Lucie Thirnbeck
    Maureen G. Mannix
    Melanie Houley
    Roger Mapp
    Roxanne McCaig
    Adrian Jones
    Aggie Mikulski
    Alan & Geri Moon
    Alyssa Kim
    Amber Denise Leeson
    Andrew & Alison Love
    Andrew Greenshaw
    Angelina Bakshi
    Ann Calvert
    Anne Marie Toutan
    Anne Marie Toutant
    Annette Milbradt
    Annie McKitrick
    Arliss Miller
    ATCO EPIC
    Baker Tilly Catalyst
    Barry & Maureen Schloss
    Beth MacInnis
    Bob & Mary Lamond
    Bob Willows
    Boyd Musgrove
    Brenda Nugent
    C J de Jong
    Carol Larsen & John Masters
    Charlene O’Fee
    Cheri Boyle
    Christina Marlett
    Christopher & Ingrid Eggertson
    City Lumber & Millwork
    CNL Resources Ltd.
    Colleen Hartley
    Corinne Bleakley & Lindsay Hyndman
    Craig & Valerie Johnstone
    Crystal & Blair Willie
    Darcia Rolland
    Darin H. Grisdale
    Daryl Fridhandler
    David & Violet Todd
    David Andrew Howarth
    David Haigh & Dawn Riley
    Davin & Alexis Macintosh
    Diana & Laurence Andriashek
    Doug Brandenburg
    Eileen Jones
    Elena Hernandez-Kucey
    Chris & Elizabeth Bourassa
    Frank Molnar & Anna Maria Marrocco
    Gail O’Reilly
    Geoffrey Mar
    Gerard Mcinnis
    Gina Pylatuik
    Gordon Sombrowski & Kevin Allen
    Gregory Stirling
    Heather Klimchuk
    Heather Rae
    Ian Young & Catherine Barrett
    Ingrid Vicas
    Jack & Donna Newton
    J’Adore Dance
    James & Allison Murphy
    James Silvius
    Jane McCaig & Richard Waller
    Janice Heard & Bruce McFarlane
    Jenna Brenan
    Jennifer & Torval Mork
    Jill Strueby
    Jillian & Hall Murdoch
    Joan Bedard
    Joanne Graham & Ian Laxdal
    Joanne S. Stalinski
    John & Sheilagh Langille
    John & Susan Hokanson
    John C. Bonnycastle
    Jonathan M Reid
    Joni Rynsburger
    Jose-Carlos Herrero & Nicole Herrero-Langlais
    Judy Cosco
    Julia Boberg
    Julie Moylan
    Katherine Bilson
    Kathy Campbell
    Kathy J. McMillan
    Katie A. Hayes
    Keith & Cindy O’Neill
    Kelly Bourassa
    Kevin Stecyk
    Kristine Eidsvik
    Laura Cillis & Leonard Arcovio
    Laurie Bayda
    Leslie & Gerald Giacomelli
    Leslie Ann O’Leary
    Leslie Dort
    Liz Anne Tonken
    Marco Simonelli
    Marguerite Paulsen
    Martin & Theresa Trotter
    Melissa Padfield
    Melissa Simon
    Mitch & Susanne Williams
    Mitchell Family
    Mona & Scott Rose
    Monique Courcelles
    Nicole & Lance Yanke
    Noel Papadopoulos & Darin LaBonte
    Noel Xavier
    Northern Timber Corp
    O’Hanlon Paving
    Patricia & Robert Peabody +
    Pamela FitzGerald & Robert Arts
    Patricia Moore
    Patricia Seamans
    Peggy Garritty
    Peter & Ethel Stapleton
    Renate Palmer
    Richard & Aurora Musto
    Robert & Jean Ann Rooney
    Robert and Patricia Peabody
    Robert Rosen
    Roderick & Jean McKay
    Ruben & Heather Nelson
    Russell Ian Varnam
    Ruth & Garry Ramsden-Wood
    Sandy & Bill Evans
    Sarah Palmer
    John Seto & Christel Mueller
    Sharon Martens
    Sheila Watson
    Shelley Smith
    Spayco Inc
    Susan E. Andrews
    Tara Mathison
    Terrie Faber
    Thomas Fath
    Tom Plunkett
    Valerie & Tony Barlott
    Valerie MacLeod
    Veronica Prokop & Peter Andrekson
    Victoria Johnston & Gregory McLeod
    Vivian Manasc
    Wendy Gnenz
    Yolanda Van Wachem

  • Anonymous

    Alberta Ballet Foundation

    Benevity

    Calgary Foundation

    CanadaHelps.org

    Edmonton Community Foundation

    Fabbrici Foundation for the Arts

    GiftFunds Canada

    Heather Bala Edwards Foundation

    Shaw Birdies for Kids presented by Altalink

    Shaw Family Foundation

    Seaver Family Flow Through Fund and the Calgary Foundation

    Viewpoint Foundation

    Baker Tilly Catalyst

    Palmer Family Foundation

    Farrell Engineering Sales Inc.

    Osten-Victor Fund

    Callow & Associates Management Consultants Inc.

    AltaLink, A Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company

A whole community is working behind-the-scenes,
helping us inspire you with dance!

  • Chair
    Heather Rae, HRJ Consulting (Calgary)

    Vice Chairs
    Jana Neal, SFG Investments (Calgary)
    Heather Klimchuk, Advocacy, Connections & Communciations Consulting (Edmonton)

    Corporate Secretary
    Frank Molnar, Field Law (Calgary)

    Treasurer
    Jana Neal, SFG Investments (Calgary)

  • Denise Clark, One Yellow Rabbit (Calgary)

    Lawrence Gervais, Babiche Consulting (Calgary)

    Wendy Gnenz, MNP (Edmonton)

    Alyssa Kim, Finning Canada (Edmonton)

    Noël Papadopoulos, Papas Group (Edmonton)

    Agnieszka (Aggie) Mikulski, TIPP Consulting (Edmonton)

    Ellie Siebens, EPL Consulting Ltd. (Calgary)

    Eric Toker, Modern Flowers (Calgary)

    Bob Willows, Willows Construction (2001) Ltd. (Winfield)

    Noel Xavier, Edmonton Community Foundation (Edmonton)

    Melissa Cook, Field Law (Calgary)

    Peggy Garritty, PG Communications Ltd. (Edmonton)

    Gregory Stirling, Alberta Court of Justice (Calgary)

    Sarah Palmer, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Calgary)

    Melissa Padfield, University of Alberta (Edmonton)

  • CHAIR/PRESIDENT
    Alfred Sorensen

    SECRETARY/TREASURER
    Peter A. Johnson

    DIRECTOR
    Heather Rae

    DIRECTOR
    Jana Neal

    DIRECTOR
    Joni Hughes

    DIRECTOR
    Rita Tripathy

    DIRECTOR
    Peter Stapleon

 BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2024)

2024/25 GOVERNMENT FUNDERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS