August 11, 2026
Royal Winnipeg Ballet opens rehearsals to the city with RWB Revealed
Free behind-the-scenes experience runs August 19 to 21 at True North Square, featuring Company class, live rehearsals, performances
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet opens its creative process to the public with RWB Revealed, a new free initiative envisioned by Artistic Director Christopher Stowell taking place August 19 to 21 at True North Square.
Transforming the True North Square concourse into a working ballet studio, RWB Revealed gives audiences unprecedented access to watch the Company’s dancers train, rehearse and prepare for the 2026–27 season.
Acclaimed New York City-based choreographer Houston Thomas will create a reimagined Firebird, a new work premiering this fall on the Royal Winnipeg Ballet main stage. Visitors will see Thomas, Stowell and the Company in action, with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Firebird as it takes shape among other works from the repertoire.
Daily Company class features live commentary from Stowell and Associate Artistic Director Tara Birtwhistle, offering insight into the training and technique of professional dancers. Rehearsals, artist conversations, guest and community performances, and behind-the-scenes programming continues throughout the day.
Each evening concludes with a free performance by emerging artists from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School’s Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant Program, featuring Opus 15: The Maze by Pathways to Performance partner Melvin Lawovi.
Whether you’re a devoted ballet fan or discovering the art form for the first time, RWB Revealed offers a rare opportunity to experience the creative process behind the performance. Visitors will also enjoy an exclusive first look at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s new brand, along with merchandise, giveaways and contests.
RWB Revealed is made possible with support from James Richardson & Sons, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Winnipeg Kinsmen and Qualico.
RWB REVEALED at a glance
Date: August 19 to 21, 2026
Time: 9:30 am to 7:00 pm
Location: True North Square
Admission: Free to attend
Daily Schedule
Come for an hour or stay for the day.
9:30 to 10:45 am
Company class with live commentary from Artistic Director Christopher Stowell and Associate Artistic Director Tara Birtwhistle.
10:45 to 11:00 am
Welcome and daily introduction featuring interviews, artist conversations or audience questions.
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Company rehearsals.
2:00 to 2:45 pm
Guest artist programming and community performances.
Salsa Explosion Dance Company (August 19)
Young Lungs Dance Exchange (August 20)
Magdaragat Philippines (August 21)
3:00 to 6:00 pm
Company rehearsals continue.
6:00 to 7:00 pm
Free performance featuring emerging artists from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School’s Anna McCowan-Johnson’s Aspirant Program, including Opus 15: The Maze by Melvin Lawovi.
About the Royal Winnipeg Ballet
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet teaches, creates, and performs, enriching lives through the power of exceptional dance. With a legacy spanning more than 85 years, the RWB is recognized for its versatility, technical excellence, and commitment to artistic quality. Under the artistic leadership of Christopher Stowell, the Company continues to build on its classical foundation while presenting a wide range of works for audiences in Winnipeg and beyond.
In addition to its renowned Company, the RWB is home to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, which includes the Professional Division, an internationally acclaimed training ground for aspiring professional dancers and educators, and the Recreational Division, Winnipeg’s largest dance school, welcoming students of all ages, levels, and interests. Explore the season in the 2026-27 RWB Media Kit.
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Media inquiries
Jane Pike
JPPR on behalf of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet
jane@jppr.ca