Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet departed from the Winnipeg International Airport on a flight bound for Israel early yesterday, Saturday, October 9, 2010. In celebration of the RWB’s 70^th Anniversary, the Company is bringing ballet to the Middle East with a two-week tour to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, Israel. The RWB’s 70^th Anniversary Tour will mark the first time in seven years that the RWB has performed overseas. Check back often for up-to-the-minute video updates from the Tour!

Company Dancers Yosuke Mino, Yayoi Ezawa & Zhen Guo Chen bidding Winnipeg a fond farewell.

Amanda Green arriving at the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.

Thaigo Rodrigo Santos lining up at Air Canada check-in.

Beth Lamont & Jo-Ann Sundermeier waiting in line with their boarding passes.

Vanessa Lawson checking-in.

Senior Ballet Master Johnny Chang making an entrance.

RWB Production Stage Manager Ingrid Kottke getting excited about the trip!

Production Manager Bob Stewart and Company Manager Chris Turyk keeping everyone and everything organized at the airport with smiles on their faces.

PHOTOS KATE HODGERT