Concert Hour Ballet was conceived by David Moroni, C.M., Founding Director of the RWB School Professional Division, as an opportunity to present young audiences with dance. Its goal is to bring the art of dance to students who would not necessarily have an opportunity to experience the performing arts. Each November, senior students in the Ballet Academic Program embark on a two-week tour through Winnipeg schools, rural communities of Manitoba and neighbouring provinces.
A unique aspect of the program is that the dancers all pitch in getting ready for the show, taking on tasks that would normally be done by a technical crew, such as laying down the dance floor, assembling and setting up the ballet barres, etc. Concert Hour Ballet allows RWB School students to gain experience touring and performing for a live audience and are invaluable in preparing them for the demands of a professional career.
The school performances begin with a short lecture demonstration that introduces the audience to the history of ballet, dance terminology, a dancer’s training and other interesting facets of the art form. A fully staged and costumed performance follows the lecture demonstration, in which the artists present a mixed repertoire that includes classical ballet, modern pieces and excerpts from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet repertoire.
Concert Hour Ballet is supported by the Manitoba Arts Council and Heritage Canada. The Winnipeg tour is sponsored by Investors Group and supported by a grant In Memory of Peter D. Curry. The Destination Tour is presented by RBC Foundation.
