Ballet BC hosts Grand Opening Weekend on Granville Island, May 27 and 28
Observe rehearsals, performances, and Q&As on Saturday or register for classes and special events on Sunday
Ballet BC’s Grand Opening Weekend takes place May 27 and 28
BALLET BC is finally swinging open the doors to its light-filled, stand-alone space on Granville Island in the former Arts Umbrella digs. (The latter group has moved a few blocks away into the old Emily Carr University space.)
The facility at 1286 Cartwright Street offers a big increase in studio and administration space for the organization that has until now called the Scotiabank Dance Centre home.
Over two full days of events and activities, visitors of all ages are invited to explore the freshly renovated building and learn about its inner workings.
The Grand Opening Weekend offers a behind-the-scenes look into the company’s four light-filled, white dance studios. You can watch classes, rehearsals, and performances, or register for classes ranging from ballet to contemporary to yoga. There will also be talks around programming, wardrobe, lighting and set design, and more.
On Saturday, observe a day in the life of a professional dancer; access is first-come, first-served; no pre-registration is required. Highlights include a closeup look at an open rehearsal of GARDEN by Medhi Walerski and Bedroom Folk by Sharon Eyal and Gai Behar. From 2 to 3, watch a run-through of Crystal Pite’s acclaimed work The Statement, followed by a Q&A.
On Sunday, Ballet BC is offering participatory classes in ballet and contemporary dance, taught by Ballet BC artists and artistic staff, yoga, unique workshops, educational Q&As with team members and dancers, and more. The classes and workshops are for students aged 16 and up, and pre-registration is required here; spots are filling up quickly. Some of the highlights include a Movement-Based Indigenous Dance Workshop with instructors Margaret Grenier and Starr Muranko, and a Q&A with celebrated costume designer Kate Burrows.
Ballet BC has said the expanded new space allows for more collaboration with other arts organizations and a chance to increase training opportunities for aspiring professional dancers. This summer, for example, it will host its first summer intensive, the 44 Summer Intensive, for young dancers from around the world. The program offers 44 pre-professional and professional dancers aged 15 and up the opportunity to further develop their skill and artistry through a two-week, all-day curriculum.
There are many more activities on offer this weekend; find the full details here.
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