A Message from the Artistic Director

FRANCESCO VENTRIGLIA | Artistic Director

The Winter Gala 2025: A Celebration of Community and Artistry

As the Artistic Director of Alberta Ballet, it is with immense joy and gratitude that I welcome you to The Winter Gala, our cherished annual tradition. This special evening has been thoughtfully crafted to celebrate who we are as an organization and to express our heartfelt thanks to you, our beloved community.

I find myself reflecting on how quickly this event has grown into a testament to our identity and aspirations within the world of ballet. Following the remarkable success of last year’s gala, it is especially meaningful to see how this occasion has become a celebration of both the present and future of our arts organization.

Tonight, we proudly showcase the incredible talent of 100 Alberta Ballet School students, shining brightly on stage under the guidance of Ashley McNeil and our dedicated faculty. Their passion and commitment remind us of the importance of nurturing the next generation of dancers who will carry our legacy forward.

We are also thrilled to feature performances from our company artists, presenting iconic works that have never before been staged by Alberta Ballet. This evening is not just about performance; it’s about artistry and the connections we create through dance.

A highlight of the evening will be the breathtaking and joyous Les Grand Pas de Deux, choreographed by the extraordinary Christian Spuck, Artistic Director of Staatsballett Berlin. It is truly remarkable to have Christian travel to Canada to collaborate directly with our dancers, bringing this beautiful ballet to life for The Winter Gala. We are deeply honoured to work with one of the greatest choreographers of his generation, Maestro Spuck.

We are also excited to present DEA, a creation by Maria Konrad, the talented choreographer and director of the Second Ballet Company in Nashville. At Alberta Ballet, we believe in providing space for new creators, fostering innovation and creativity. We aspire to be a catalyst for talent, ensuring that fresh voices like Maria’s are heard and celebrated.

I have also had the privilege of working on a new creation, BOLÉRO, with our dancers, which we will present alongside the magnificent Raymonda Act III. Additionally, our school will feature a performance set to Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, choreographed by Ashley McNeil, Aram Manukyan, and myself. Each piece represents our commitment to artistic excellence and innovation.

As we embark on this evening, I assure you it promises to be unforgettable. I am excited, delighted, and profoundly proud to share this experience with you. Together, we look forward to a wonderful 2025 for Alberta Ballet and for each of you who have supported us on this journey.

Thank you for being here tonight and for your unwavering support. Let us celebrate the beauty of dance, the strength of our community, and the promise of a bright future together.

Enjoy The Winter Gala!

FRANCESCO VENTRIGLIA
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Programme & Casting

Act One

Défilé du Ballet
A mesmerizing showcase that places a spotlight on the exceptional talents of the students of Alberta Ballet School, who embody the very essence of the dancers of tomorrow. These remarkable young artists stand at the pinnacle of their training, demonstrating not only the highest level of classical ballet technique but also showcasing their innate artistry and dedication. The performance is a testament to their unwavering commitment and the promise they hold for the future of ballet.

The Handover School to Company, set to the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Overture from Onegin, is a heartwarming and poignant transition, where the talented Alberta Ballet School students, representing the future, hand over the spotlight to the accomplished artistry of Alberta Ballet’s professional dancers.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Edmund Stripe, Ashley McNeil
MUSIC: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Performed by the Students of Alberta Ballet School

Raymonda Act III
A glittering celebration of love and unity, Raymonda Act III is a crowning jewel of classical ballet. This grand wedding scene showcases the virtuosic choreography of Marius Petipa, set to Alexander Glazunov’s sweeping and majestic score.

The act unfolds with opulent elegance, as Raymonda and her beloved Jean de Brienne are joined in a lavish ceremony surrounded by friends and nobles. Rich in Hungarian-inspired character dances and technically demanding variations, the act highlights the dancers’ precision, grace, and strength.

Raymonda Act III is a breathtaking display of classical ballet’s grandeur, featuring intricate patterns, harmonious ensembles, and a dazzling array of solos and duets that celebrate the art form’s timeless beauty.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Marius Petipa
MUSIC: Alexander Glazunov

Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists

Raymonda | Luna Sasaki
Jean de Brienne |
Lang Ma
Pas de Quatre |
Caleb Durbin, Federico Vitali, Emmanuel López, Michael Scott-Kahans
Solo Woman |
Hotaru Maruyama
Trio Women |
Hinata Takahara, Chizuru Kikuchi, Paloma Bonnin
Corps de Ballet |
Zara Bailey, Paloma Bonnin, Victoria Bourassa, Caleb Durbin, Ryhs Hudson, Seira Iwamoto, Chizuru Kikuchi, Rikuto Kutoba, Emmanuel López Martinez, Hotaru Maruyama, Mirko Melandri, Allison Perhach, Michael Scott-Kahans, Hinata Takahara, Federico Vitali, Dylan West

Les Grand Pas de Deux

Playful, whimsical, and brimming with charm, Le Grand Pas de Deux is a delightful twist on classical ballet conventions. Choreographed by the world-renowned Christian Spuck and set to the lively overture of Rossini’s The Thieving Magpie, this work blends virtuosic technique with humor and theatrical flair.

This evening is made even more extraordinary by the presence of Christian Spuck himself, who will be in the audience—a great honour for us all. His vision, brought to life on stage, takes center stage while his presence reminds us of the global significance of his artistry.

A spirited satire of the traditional pas de deux, Le Grand Pas de Deux turns the spotlight on the often overly dramatic nature of ballet, inviting audiences to laugh and revel in its exaggerated elegance. With its tongue-in-cheek humour and dazzling choreography, this lighthearted yet masterful celebration of ballet’s artistry and wit promises an unforgettable experience.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Christian Spuck
MUSIC: Gioacchino Rossini (Overture to The Thieving Magpie)
COSTUME DESIGN: Nicole Krahl

Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists Alexandra Hughes and Yaroslav Khudych

Act Two

DEA
DEA is a contemporary ballet choreographed by Maria Konrad, renowned for her ability to blend classical ballet with modern influences. The piece explores themes of femininity, strength, and divine power, centered around the concept of a goddess who embodies both vulnerability and empowerment.

Through dynamic movement and emotional depth, DEA invites the audience to engage with its powerful narrative. Konrad’s signature style combines fluid, intricate choreography with a compelling thematic focus, making DEA a captivating work that resonates on both artistic and emotional levels.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Maria Konrad
MUSIC: Karen LeFrak. World Premiere: Youth America Grand Prix 25th Anniversary Gala, April 18, 2024, David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, New York City. Music Licensing provided by NAXOS and Universal Music Canada.
COSTUME DESIGN: Penelope Williams
PROJECTION DESIGN: April Wexelman, Brianna Amore, Musashi Alvarez

Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists Yaroslav Khudych and Jolie Rose Lombardo

The Four Seasons
A journey through the rhythm of time, The Four Seasons is a ballet that celebrates the beauty and power of nature’s cycles. Set to Antonio Vivaldi’s iconic composition, this masterpiece brings each season to life with distinct choreography that captures its essence.

Spring bursts forth with renewal and vitality, summer radiates warmth and passion, autumn swirls in a kaleidoscope of colors and transitions, and winter moves with serene elegance and quiet strength. Through dynamic movement, vibrant energy, and poetic grace, the ballet weaves a narrative of change, resilience, and eternal renewal.

Rich in emotion and artistry, The Four Seasons is a captivating experience that mirrors the ebb and flow of life itself, reminding us of nature’s enduring beauty and transformative power.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Ashley McNeil, Aram Manukyan, Francesco Ventriglia
PRODUCED BY: Ashley McNeil
MUSIC: Antonio Vivaldi

Performed by the Students of Alberta Ballet School, with lead roles performed by Alberta Ballet Artists Seira Iwamoto and Kurtis Grimaldi

BOLÉRO

BOLÉRO, a ballet set to the enchanting music of Maurice Ravel, with adaptations by Massimo Margaria. This work delves into the challenges of human communication and the deep yearning to connect with one another.

Inspired by the metaphysical art of Giorgio de Chirico, BOLÉRO creates a dreamlike space that reflects our feelings of isolation and our desperate search for connection. Through movement and expression, the dancers embody the tension and desire inherent in our interactions.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Francesco Ventriglia
MUSIC: Maurice Ravel featuring Massimo Margaria
COSTUME DESIGN: Gianluca Falaschi

Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists Aaron Anker, Zachary Boresow, Kurtis Grimaldi, Alexandra Hughes, Seira Iwamoto, Yaroslav Khudych, Jolie Rose Lombardo, Mirko Melandri, Allison Perhach


INTERMEZZO

Calgary
Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: 1. Prélude
COMPOSER: Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by: Porter Allred

Edmonton
Cello Suite No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1007: 1. Prélude
COMPOSER: Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by: Dongkyun An

Grand Finale
The grand finale of the gala performance is a breathtaking moment where the students from Alberta Ballet School and Company Dancers return to the stage, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Set to Ponchielli’s La Danza delle ore, which is a ballet section from the opera La Gioconda, this finale is a musical masterpiece. Each will couple revisit their unique pas de deux, bringing their individual artistry to the forefront before joining together for a mesmerizing ensemble. This magnificent finale unites the entire ballet school on stage, creating a memorable and heartwarming conclusion to the gala.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Francesco Ventriglia
MUSIC: Amilcare Ponchielli

Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists and the Students of Alberta Ballet School

The Winter Gala
Creative Team

Alberta Ballet Dancers

Alberta Ballet School
Casting

Alberta Ballet Artistic Team

Alberta Ballet Artistic Support

Stage Manager | Marisa Mireau
Assistant Stage Manager | Cassidy Gallant
Co-Lighting Designers | Chris Axford, Oliver Petti
Pilates | Jo-Anne Bunbury / Calgary Pilates
Company Pianists | Marina Federov, Michael Levin,
Juanita Faas, Lorel Leal, Helena Barker

Production Team

Stage Technicians provided by IATSE Local 212

Technical Director | Jason McLellan
Lead Fly | Kevin Green
Lead Props | Christina Hantos
Second Props | Cassandra Thorbjornsen
Lead Lighting | Chris Axford
Second Lighting | Oliver Petti
Lead Sound and Multi-Media | Dan Plumtree
Second Wardrobe | Karen Crocker
Second Wardrobe/Stitcher | Erin LeBaron
Cutter | Anne Nguyen
Touring Wardrobe Supervisor | Michele Merrells

Up Next…

Our Winter Session runs from January 31 to June 6
Register today!

The Alberta Ballet Foundation
is proud to support

The Winter Gala

The Alberta Ballet Foundation congratulates our professional dancers and young students appearing together at The Winter Gala. The Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring both Alberta Ballet and Alberta Ballet School have the resources, opportunities, and support necessary to thrive. By championing the artistry of our professional dancers and nurturing the potential of our students, we help cultivate a vibrant and dynamic future for dance in Alberta and beyond.

Donor contributions to our Endowment are matched through the Canada Cultural Investment Fund with the goal to grow the Endowment to $20 million, ensuring an annual disbursement of $1 million. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Endowment Donors, whose generosity makes evenings like The Winter Gala possible.

To learn more or make a donation, please connect with us at
PaulC@AlbertaBallet.com and be a part of keeping Alberta Ballet’s legacy live.

Paul Chambers
Executive Director
Alberta Ballet Foundation

Alfred Sorensen
Chair
Alberta Ballet Foundation

ALBERTA BALLET DONORS 2023/24 & 2024/25

With our deepest gratitude to all of our donors who support Alberta Ballet, we sincerely thank you for your contributions and dedication.  If you notice an error or omission, please accept our apologies and kindly inform us at ElizabethR@AlbertaBallet.com.

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Elizabeth Reade
Director, Campaigns and Partnerships
403-245-4222 ext 510
ElizabethR@AlbertaBallet.com

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2024/25 GOVERNMENT FUNDERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS