February 14 - 17, 2012
Gala - February 18, 2012
7:30pm Founders' Studio, RWB Building
380 Graham Avenue 

Performance admission by silver collection

To purchase Gala Tickets
RWB Customer Service Office 956.2792 

First Steps was developed by the RWB School in response to students expressing their desire to create their own works. The students are involved in every aspect of creating their work, not only choosing the steps and movements, but making all of the artistic decisions including selecting music, performers (from their fellow students in the Professional Division), costumes and lighting. 

Thank you to the following artists of the community who are jury members for First Steps 2012.

Arlene Minkhorst – Director, RWB School
Stephane Leonard – Director, RWB School Aspirant Program; former RWB Soloist
Maritel Centurion – RWB School Artistic Faculty
Chelsey Lindsay – former RWB Company Second Soloist
Casimiro Nhussi – Artistic Director, Nafro Dance Productions
Simon MacDonald – Violinist, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
Shannon Lovelace – Milliner, Decorator, Artist, Costumer
Jenna Khan – Weather & Traffic Specialist/Entertainment Reporter, Breakfast Television

FIRST STEPS AWARD WINNERS

The Doreen Macdonald Scholarship is awarded to the choreographer who shows considerable talent and interest in design.  As a longtime Wardrobe Director for the RWB, Doreen Macdonald’s costumes always reflected her unique vision for a piece.  She had a natural flair for using whatever pieces were available and amalgamating them into the perfect costume. 

MARY GRACE KALNAY for “The Fear of Moving Forward”.

The Paddy Stone Scholarship is awarded to the choreographer whose work is judged the best in the jazz, tap or musical theatre genre. 

ALEX FEHR for “Without You”.

The People’s Choice Award is awarded to the choreographer whose work is voted most popular by the audience. 

MARK SAMPSON for “Now That We’ve Started”.

The First Steps Awards (1st, 2nd and 3rd place) are awarded to the choreographers whose works best demonstrate the most originality and promise.

The First Steps 2012 3rd Place award - MIMI KO for “Lame Duck”.

The First Steps 2012 2nd Place award - JARED EBELL for “Buona Fortuna”.

The First Steps 2012 1st Place award - MARK SAMPSON for “Now That We’ve Started”.

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Award is awarded to the choreographer whose work best reflects the artistic style and spirit of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School.

PHILIPPE-ALEXANDRE JACQUES for “The Cask of Amontillado”.

The CIBC Award for Innovation is awarded to the First Steps 2012 choreographer whose work best exemplifies exploration into new and unconventional territory.

This is a cash award generously donated by CIBC.

PHILIPPE-ALEXANDRE JACQUES for “The Cask of Amontillado”.       

This year, two honourable mentions are being awarded to choreographers who have been recognized by both the jury and the audience for their work.

MARY GRACE KALNAY for “The Fear of Moving Forward” and JESSE PETRIEfor “Without Words”.