Ballet Vancouver Debuts with Mixed Program at Vancouver Playhouse

This week marks the debut of Ballet Vancouver, the city’s first professional ballet company in more than ten years, led by artistic director Joshua Beamish. The opening program, titled After the Rain and Other Works, is scheduled from April 23 to 25 at the Vancouver Playhouse. The company seeks to fill the void of a classical ballet presence in Vancouver while producing works that resonate with the city's culture. Beamish, who directed Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY for two decades, recognizes the hurdles in establishing a new arts organization. The inaugural lineup includes the Vancouver premiere of Christopher Wheeldon's After the Rain, alongside pieces by Wen Wei Wang and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Additionally, Winterbourne, a world premiere, was developed with Gitxsan designer Yolonda Skelton and Cree composer Cris Derksen, with Beamish emphasizing the significance of the collaborative approach. The company also provides a platform for local dancers like Patrick Frenette and Benjamin Freemantle, who have pursued careers outside the region. Beamish envisions Ballet Vancouver as a means to create performance opportunities both locally and internationally.