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Versatility, technical excellence and a captivating style are the trademarks of The Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB), qualities that have garnered both critical and audience acclaim. Founded in 1939 by Gweneth Lloyd and Betty Farrally, the RWB holds the distinction of being the longest continuously operating ballet company in North America. In 1953, the company received its royal charter, the first granted under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. In 1958, Arnold Spohr was appointed Artistic Director. Under his direction the company grew and developed to take its place among the world’s internationally renowned companies. To further the RWB’s development, a professional school was created in 1970 under the direction of David Moroni.
Highlights of the 2005-06 season include a remount of Mark Godden’s Dracula followed by performances in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Quebec and Ontario; a three week US tour of The Magic Flute; the Canadian premiere of Mauricio Wainrot’s Messiah and the season concludes with performances of Swan Lake. |
Photo CreditsCindyMarie Small, A Cinderella Story, Royal Winnipeg Ballet; photo: Phil Hossack Sarah Murphy-Dyson & Yosuke Mino, The Magic Flute, Royal Winnipeg Ballet; photo: David Cooper Tara Birtwhistle & Johnny Chang, Dracula, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet; photo: David Cooper Photo of André Lewis: David Cooper |
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Photo of André Lewis: David Cooper |
Artistic Director
After a two-decade-long association with the RWB, André Lewis was named Artistic Director of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in 1996. He entered the School in 1975 and the company in 1979. During his career, André was well known for his strength as a soloist and as a partner. Among his many roles were Nuages, ‘Romeo’ and ‘Mercutio’ in Romeo and Juliet and ‘Jamie Paul’ in The Ecstasy of Rita Joe. Since his appointment, Lewis has revitalized the company’s repertoire. In 1998, Lewis commissioned Mark Godden’s blockbuster production of Dracula and was instrumental in the 1999 creation of the new Nutcracker for the company. In 2001, he commissioned a new version of The Sleeping Beauty and in 2003, he added Mark Godden's The Magic Flute and in 2004, Val Caniparoli's A Cinderella Story to the company's repertoire.
On Tour
THE MAGIC FLUTE
October/2003/Winnipeg/Canada
145 minutes
20 performers
Mark Godden, Choreographer
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Music
Paul Daigle, Set & Costume Design
Pierre Lavoie, Lighting
Jean-Pierre Côté, Sound Design
The Magic Flute (2003) - The Magic Flute is a delightful concoction of naughtiness, classical ballet, 60’s fashion and soul-searching. Godden’s latest work places Mozart’s classical opera firmly into the 21st century. Dashing heroes, dastardly villains, damsels in distress, captivating comic sidekicks and a flute with magical powers abound in this opulent production.
A CINDERELLA STORY
October/2004/Winnipeg/Canada
135 minutes
26 performers
Val Caniparoli, Choreographer
Music based on themes by Richard Rodgers
Ron Paley, Musical Arrangements and Orchestration
Sandra Woodall, Set & Costume Design
Alexander P. Nichols, Lighting Design
Sheryl Flatow, Libretto
A CINDERELLA STORY (2004) - A retro retelling of the world’s favourite rags to riches tale. Fresh, hilarious and wildly inventive, A Cinderella Story is the perfect marriage of ballet and jazz. Legendary Winnipeg composer and musician Ron Paley and his orchestra perform jazz and blues arrangements of Richard Rodgers signature tunes to accompany the 1950’s couture featured.
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