Featuring Alberta Ballet Artist Luna Sasaki, Photo: Eluveier Acosta

A Message from Alberta Ballet

FRANCESCO VENTRIGLIA | Artistic Director

Welcome to The Winter Gala, a mesmerizing evening of dance!

The Winter Gala is my first opportunity to welcome you, Alberta Ballet’s community of supporters, to a performance and I’m looking forward to this moment of celebration!

As the new Artistic Director, I’m thrilled to begin my tenure with a performance that underscores the breathtaking artistry that permeates Alberta Ballet’s community. This spectacular ballet extravaganza features thrilling masterpieces from the most iconic classical repertoire.

It is with great enthusiasm that I embark on this new chapter for Alberta Ballet, and I am grateful to have all of you join me on this journey. I have selected and set the pieces, but it’s the talent, artistry and passion – in our company and our school – that will leave you breathless.

This is the first time that the company and the school are featured together in a full-length program. Like the aspiring and professional artists across Alberta Ballet, I too trained and performed in an organization that forged a close connection between a ballet school and a professional company. At La Scala, I directly experienced the power of these two communities working in tandem. This cycle of aspiration and inspiration is the beating heart of our art form and makes it possible to weave tradition and innovation into ballet’s narratives.

The Winter Gala is indeed a moment of celebration, and I hope the first of many memorable evenings we’ll share at the Jubilee.

Thank you for joining Alberta Ballet at this inaugural event. The future shines brightly for Alberta Ballet, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it!

Programme and Casting

Act One

Défilé Du Ballet 
A mesmerizing showcase that places a spotlight on the exceptional talents of Alberta Ballet School's Professional Division students, 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.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Murray Kilgour and the Artistic Staff of Alberta Ballet School 
MUSIC: Adolphe Adam, Giuseppe Verdi, Gioachino Rossini and Léo Delibes
Performed by the Professional Division Students of Alberta Ballet School

Raymonda Pas De Deux  
The pas de deux in Act 3 of the ballet Raymonda is a pivotal and emotionally charged moment in the story. Raymonda, the protagonist, and her love interest, Jean de Brienne, come together in a breathtaking and passionate dance. This pas de deux symbolizes the culmination of their love story and the triumph of their enduring love despite numerous obstacles. It showcases their deep connection and showcases the technical prowess and emotional depth of the dancers, making it a memorable and significant moment in the ballet. 

CHOREOGRAPHY: Marius Petipa 
MUSIC: Alexander Glazunov
Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists Alexandra Hughes and Aaron Anker

Flower Festival Pas De Deux  
The Flower Festival of Genzano, choreographed in the distinctive style of the Dutch school by August Bournonville, showcases the elegance of classical ballet. Known for its vocabulary of graceful jumps and unique coordination techniques, with limited use of the arms for male dancers, this performance presents a challenge for dancers like Lang Ma and Alexandra Gibson. Bringing this particular school of dance to life, offers a fresh perspective on the art form while representing the cultural and historical significance of the Bournonville School of Ballet.

CHOREOGRAPHY: August Bournonville
MUSIC: Edvard Helsted & Holger Simon Paulli
Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists Alexandra Gibson and Lang Ma

La Sylphide Pas De Deux  
La Sylphide is one of the most beautiful and recognized ballets of the romantic era that tells the story of James, a young Scottish man who falls in love with a magical creature called La Sylphide. In Act 2, there's a mesmerizing pas de deux where James and La Sylphide dance together. Their movements are filled with grace and enchantment, as James is entranced by the ethereal beauty of the Sylphide, setting the stage for a magical and romantic tale of love and longing.

CHOREOGRAPHY: August Bournonville
MUSIC: Herman Severin Løvenskiold 
Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists Luna Sasaki and Matthew Maxwell

Diana and Actaeon Pas De Deux  
The pas de deux between Diana and Actaeon in Act 1 of the ballet Diana and Actaeon is a significant and mesmerizing moment in the performance. It portrays the mythical encounter between the chaste goddess Diana and the hunter Actaeon, who accidentally stumbles upon her while she bathes. The pas de deux symbolizes the tension between innocence and desire, as Actaeon's intrusion disrupts Diana's purity, ultimately leading to his tragic fate. This powerful duet captivates the audience with its intricate choreography and dramatic storytelling, setting the stage for the unfolding tragedy of the ballet.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Marius Petipa
MUSIC: Cesare Pugni
Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists Allison Perhach and Scotto Hamed-Ramos 

Giselle Pas De Deux  
In Act 2 of the ballet Giselle, after Albrecht visits Giselle's grave, a haunting and poignant pas de deux unfolds between them. Giselle, now a ghostly spirit, forgives Albrecht for his betrayal, and their pas de deux beautifully illustrates the eternal love that transcends death. This emotionally charged duet captures the essence of the ballet's themes of love, forgiveness, and the supernatural, as Giselle and Albrecht's connection is immortalized through their moving and ethereal dance, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Jules Perrot
MUSIC: Adolphe Adam
Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists Jennifer Gibson and Caleb Durbin 

Spring Waters Pas de Deux  
The Spring Waters pas de deux is a breathtaking ballet performance that beautifully represents the fusion of artistry and athleticism, and transcends traditional boundaries. With its roots in the Russian ballet tradition, this piece showcases the dancers' extraordinary acrobatic prowess and pushes the limits of what is possible in ballet. The choreography exudes exhilarating energy that will captivate the audience and deliver a dynamic and unforgettable performance.  

CHOREOGRAPHY: Asaf Messerer
MUSIC: Sergei Rachmaninoff
Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists Heather Dornian and Yaroslav Khudych

Act Two

Paquita Pas de Trois 
Paquita holds a significant place in the classical ballet canon. As part of this timeless ballet, it not only displays the artistry and grace of the dancers but also contributes to the enduring legacy of Paquita as a classic in the ballet history. This particular pas de trois, often featured in the opulent wedding scene, symbolizes the elegance and beauty of classical ballet.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Marius Petipa
MUSIC: Ludwig Minkus
Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists Alexandra Gibson, Allison Perhach and Scotto Hamed-Ramos

Paquita Pas de Deux 
The Paquita pas de deux is a sublime and enchanting duet within the ballet Paquita. It serves as a romantic interlude and a showcase of the dancers' chemistry and skill. The choreography is characterized by its lyrical and expressive movements, which beautifully convey the connection between the two characters. This pas de deux adds a touch of elegance and passion to the overall ballet, making it a memorable and significant moment in the performance.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Marius Petipa
MUSIC:  Ludwig Minkus
Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists Jennifer Gibson and Matthew Maxwell

Swan Lake, Black Swan Pas de Deux  
The Black Swan pas de deux in Swan Lake is legendary in the world of ballet. It represents the pinnacle of dramatic storytelling and technical prowess as Odile, the Black Swan, seduces Prince Siegfried with her enchanting and mesmerizing dance. The duet is a showcase of breathtaking fouetté turns, intricate footwork, and the dramatic tension between good and evil. This iconic pas de deux has left an indelible mark in the history of ballet, celebrated for its sheer artistry, complexity, and the legendary portrayal of the dual roles of Odile and Odette in Tchaikovsky's timeless masterpiece.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Marius Petipa
MUSIC: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists Alexandra Hughes and Aaron Anker  

Don Quixote Pas De Deux & Bridesmaid 
The Don Quixote pas de deux and the bridesmaid scene in the ballet Don Quixote are lively and exuberant moments that add flair to the wedding festivities. The pas de deux between Kitri and Basilio is a dynamic and virtuosic display of their love and passion, featuring dazzling high-energy choreography. Meanwhile, the bridesmaid scene injects humor and charm into the performance as Kitri's friends entertain the audience with playful dances and jests. These scenes, contribute to the ballet's vibrancy and showcase the dancers' skill and theatricality.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Marius Petipa
MUSIC: Ludwig Minkus
Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists Luna Sasaki, Lang Ma and Heather Dornian 
 

Grand Finale  
The grand finale of the gala performance is a breathtaking moment where the Professional Division 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.

MUSIC: Amilcare Ponchielli
Performed by Alberta Ballet Artists and Alberta Ballet School Students

Alberta Ballet Dancers

Professional Division Students of Alberta Ballet School

Thank you to Campus Tower Suite Hotel  

for helping to support tickets for Calgary’s newcomer communities to attend The Winter Gala.

Dance is a universal language

The arts play a key role in supporting immigrants to connect to their new communities, reduce feelings of social isolation, and encourage a sense of belonging.

Thanks to the support of sponsors like Campus Tower Suite Hotel, the immigrant serving agencies who are part of Alberta Ballet’s Welcoming Newcomer program were able to share over 300 tickets to tonight’s performance. 

The Winter Gala Creative Team

Artistic Team

YEE-HANG YAM
Artistic Operations Manager

REBECCA FAUSER
Company Manager

KEN JAMES STEWART
Stage Manager

EMMA SLUNT
Stage Manager

ANDREA GINTER / MOMENTUM HEALTH
Physiotherapist

JUANITA FAAS, MARINA FEDEROV,
MATTHEW KALLIO, LOREL LEAL,
MICHAEL LEVIN, MARY MARTELL

Company Pianists

Production Team

MALGORZATA SZABLOWSKA
Technical Director & Lighting Design

DANIEL TESSY
Second Technical Director

JASON MCLELLAN
Lead Stage Carpenter

GEORGIA JEFFERY
Lead Props

AWSTIN DAVIES
Lead Lighting

OLIVER PETTI
Second Lighting

AUDREY LEE
Wardrobe Manager

RAVEN HEHR
Lead Wardrobe

ANNE NGUYEN
Cutter

Up Next…

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Forever Moved

Alberta Ballet’s Endowment Campaign

ALBERTA BALLET DONORS 2023/24

We’ve prepared a full calendar of inspiring activity for our donors in 2023-24 season!

​Our Donor Programs include Dance Circle and the Patron Program, and all membership donations through these program are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.*​​

Dance Circle – As a Dance Circle member, you help shape the future of Alberta Ballet with voting rights at our AGM and a deeper connection to our work. Plus, a Dance Circle membership enhances your subscription experience with special performance night benefits. 

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​Tier 1: Connect with a community of dance lovers at events where you learn more about the artists in Alberta Ballet​​

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To find out more, email us at donate@albertaballet.com.

A whole community is working behind-the-scenes,
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 BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2024)

2023/24 GOVERNMENT FUNDERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS