Ballet British Columbia

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Since its inception in January 1986, Ballet British Columbia has quickly risen to become an internationally respected dance company. Bold, innovative and sophisticated, the company has developed a unique, signature performance style that separates it from its contemporary counterparts around the world. Under the leadership of Artistic Director John Alleyne, Ballet British Columbia features 16 classically trained ballet dancers, chosen for their power, strength and dramatic performance style. Firmly rooted in classical technique, the company's dynamic repertoire includes the ballets of John Alleyne (Ballet British Columbia) as well as other acclaimed Canadian dancemakers, including James Kudelka (The National Ballet of Canada), Jean Grand-Maître (Alberta Ballet), Serge Bennathan (Dancemakers) and Dominique Dumais (Mannheim Ballet). Ballet British Columbia's home season at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver is augmented by a rigorous touring schedule that includes performances throughout British Columbia and the Lower Mainland, educational workshops and school performances. International touring activities have included critically-acclaimed visits to Tokyo and Asia Pacific as well as regular tours through the United States and Canada.

Photo of John Alleyne: Robert Karpa

Artistic Director

John Alleyne, Artistic Director of Ballet British Columbia since 1992, was born in Barbados and trained at The National Ballet School in Toronto. After graduating, he danced with the Stuttgart Ballet, where he choreographed his first works. After joining The National Ballet of Canada as first soloist in 1984, Alleyne went on to become The National Ballet of Canada’s resident choreographer. He has gained international recognition for daring choreography that extends and stretches classical ballet in challenging new directions without undermining its formal foundations.

On Tour