As part of Manitoba 150 celebrations, Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) Aspirants will bring their On the Edge Tour to Thompson March 22, “where the next generation of dancers will showcase a sublime and powerful repertoire for audiences of all ages in performances hosted by schools and communities.”
In a press release, RWB said the tour, which also visits eight other Manitoba communities, is an echo of the early days of the organization, when Gweneth Lloyd and Betty Farrally took the group on similar tours around Manitoba.
“In many ways, the early tours helped establish the RWB in Manitoba,” the RWB said. “Now, for the first time, the RWB second company will recapture that same magic by sharing their love of dance.”
The On The Edge Tour began as an expansion of the long-standing Concert Hour Ballet Tour, the RWB said.
“Most performances will feature a sharing dance workshop hosted by a RWB School artistic faculty member,” said the press release. “These workshops will encourage and increase audience participation and engagement while providing access to the physical, emotional and social benefits of dance.”
Reconnecting with the RWB roots and sharing the artistry outside of the city is the objective, explained RCB School director Stéphane Léonard.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for us to push past Winnipeg’s border and share our artistry with all of Manitoba,” he said. “The performances and workshops instil a greater appreciation for dance and remind everyone that the RWB is for all Manitobans.”
