Donor Spotlight - September 2018

Sep 25 2018 | Posted in

RWB Dancer Jaimi Deleau posing in a shiny pink costume on a blue background. The quote 'You Are More Capable Than You Know' - Glinda. is displayed beside her.

A Message from Associate Artistic Director Tara Birtwhistle.

Welcome to our 79th season! I’m thrilled to take on my new role as Associate Artistic Director and can’t wait to see what this new chapter and season will bring.

Our season explores the stories of fearless females and brings rich, dramatic narratives to the stage. I’ve always loved pieces that give the Company the chance to dig-in, explore, and truly disappear into the characters they’re portraying. This season is full of complex, arresting characters that allow us to stretch beyond the technical wonders of traditional ballet to present our artists in a new light and connect with audiences on another level.

THANK YOU for being part of our remarkable community of donors. Your support provides us the unique opportunity to entertain, engage, and educate audiences of all ages.

This season, your support allows us to:

  • Create bold and exciting new works like The Wizard of Oz
  • Bring the magic of Nutcracker to audiences across the country
  • Share traditions like Ballet in the Park with the Winnipeg community

Our season kicks off on October 10th with Lila York’s stunning and poignant adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. I can’t wait to see you at the theatre!

Photos of Alanna McAdie from the present, as well as when she was a child.

From Studio to Stage: Company Soloist, Alanna McAdie shares her experience at the RWB School

I was just eight years old and flipping through the pages of a Royal Ballet School book when I knew that I wanted to be a ballerina. I studied dance in my hometown of Edmonton, but something inside kept telling me that the RWB should be my home. When I was 15 years old I auditioned for a spot in the RWB School’s Professional Division. As fate would have it, I was accepted! I packed my bags and moved to Winnipeg to begin my training at the RWB School.

When I arrived at the School, I knew that I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. I was considered a late starter by ballet standards and, surrounded by countless other girls who wanted to be a ballerina just like me, I knew I had my work cut out for me. The School understood that and was there to support and help me. It was years of hard work and I had a lot of catching up to do, but I was determined. The RWB School saw potential in me I never knew I had and challenged me to push myself.

In 2009, I graduated from the Professional Division and have been dancing with the RWB Company ever since. Without the dedication of the School, I would not be the dancer I am today.

Today, my connection to the School remains strong. The RWB School was and will always remain the greatest impact on who I am as an artist.

By supporting the David Moroni School Endowment Fund, donors like you make it possible for dancers like Alanna to complete their education at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and go on to dance, choreograph and teach in Canada and around the world. Your gift to the David Moroni School Endowment Fund allows the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School to continue to provide future generations of dancers with world class ballet training, facilities, and performance opportunities to achieve their dreams. Today, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet invites you to make a gift to the David Moroni School Endowment Fund!

Did you know that if you donate by November 30th, 2018 your gift will be matched up to 100% by the Government of Canada’s Cultural Investment Fund? By donating today, you will increase the impact of your gift, reaching the lives of not one but many young dancers.

The David Moroni School Endowment Fund was established in honour of David Moroni, C.M.,O.M., D.Litt, upon his retirement as RWB School Director, after 35 years at its helm. The goal of the Fund is to create a lasting legacy to ensure the long-term health and stability of the Professional Division and enable the RWB School to continue to cultivate the dedication and creative spirit of its young artists. Make your gift today!

RWB Company Dancers Jaimi Deleau and Katie Bonnell in costume.

Generous donation made in support of live music

The Asper Foundation has made a three-year $195,000 commitment to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB), ensuring live music is performed at the Canadian premiere of the RWB’s The Wizard of Oz. As Live Music Benefactor, the Asper Foundation will support hiring the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) for two additional productions over the RWB’s next two seasons. The WSO has accompanied the RWB for 60 of the organization’s 79 years.

This generous investment ensures that the artists of the WSO and the RWB continue to work together in a venture that nurtures the careers of Winnipeg artists and creates a stronger, more deeply-woven arts and culture community in Winnipeg.

“Music and dance has been part of our lives forever,” said Asper Foundation Chair, David Asper. “We recognize the power and importance of the orchestra’s live music role in the magic of RWB performances and are very happy to be able to support its continuity.”

The first show funded by this generous contribution will be the RWB’s 79th season’s new creation: The Wizard of Oz. Fusing the fundamental techniques of classical ballet with the vibrant and eclectic energy of a modern piece, The Wizard of Oz promises to be a whimsical, lively romp through a timeless story brought to life through dance.

“The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is grateful for the Asper Foundation’s support”, said RWB Chair Don Leitch. “Through their gift, The Asper Foundation ensures that the tradition of live music continues to be part of the Winnipeg performances of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet. In the spirit of partnership, they are supporting two of our community’s icons and bringing culturally rich experiences to our community.”

Thank you to The Asper Foundation for this remarkable gift!

What are my Benefits?

Being a donor is better than ever! Check out this season’s incredible benefits- We’ve added more to help you get the inside scoop, get to know the Company members, and get the most out of your relationship with the RWB.

$20 to $149

  • Quarterly donor e-newsletter, Donor Spotlight
  • Invite-only Building Tours
  • 10% discount on tickets to all RWB School Shows
  • Access to a presale and discount on Nutcracker single tickets *NEW*
  • Invitation to the RWB Annual General Meeting and voting rights

$150 to $499

  • All of the above
  • Name listed in all RWB Mainstage Season Programs

$500 to $1,249

  • All of the above
  • Invitations to two Closed Working Rehearsals per year
  • Invitation to the Season Opening Post-Show Reception
  • Invitation to the RWB Holiday Open House *NEW*
  • Invitation to attend a Dress Rehearsal & Tech day tour at the Centennial Concert Hall *NEW*

$1,250 and Up

  • All of the above
  • Invitation to our exclusive Home Event
  • Concierge Parking Service and a reserved spot underground for all Centennial Concert Hall Shows
  • Access to the Ballet in the Park VIP Seating Section
  • Invitation to the RWB Season Launch
  • Access to the Dinner in the Wings pre-sale and a donor-exclusive intermission reception
  • Invitation to the RWB School Scholarship Evening
  • FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Ticketing Concierge Service to set-up your RWB Season including RSVPs to donor events and a Gala pre-sale *NEW*

UPCOMING DONOR EVENTS

RWB Building Tour

We want to open our doors and bring you into the world of the RWB! A special donors-only building tour will take place on Thursday, October 4th at 4PM. Spots are limited; please email nkirton@rwb.org to secure yours! Donors at all giving levels welcome.

RWB Company Dancer Alanna McAdie in a dance pose.

Closed Working Rehearsal

Our next Closed Working Rehearsal will be Thursday, October 4th at 6pm. Sit in on a Company Rehearsal for The Handmaid’s Tale and enjoy post-rehearsal cocktails and snacks with the Company and Artistic Team.
Open to donors at the $500+ level.

RWB Company Dancer Stephan Azulay and Gregg Hamilton.

Season Opener Cocktail Party

Join us for our annual post-show reception to kick off the new season! Mingle with fellow donors, Company dancers, and Artistic staff at a champagne reception following the October 10th performance of The Handmaid’s Tale at the Centennial Concert Hall.
Want to switch your tickets to opening night to get in on the fun? Contact Nicki Kirton at 204-957-3457 or email at nkirton@rwb.org

BOOK YOUR PARKING TODAY!

Did you know that Patron’s Circle donors are entitled to pre-book parking for $14 per show for RWB Regular Season shows at the Centennial Concert Hall? If you would like to take advantage of this benefit, please contact Nicki Kirton at 204-957-3457 or nkirton@rwb.org. Parking is available to be pre-booked by PC members until noon on the Monday of show week! Reserve yours today!

Corporate Partner Corner

Welcome to our NEW Corporate Partners: Alt Hotel Winnipeg / AVEDA Institute Winnipeg / EQ3 / Canadian First Aid Training / De Luca’s Specialty Foods / Prairie Sky Immigration

The RWB gratefully acknowledges the support that we have received from these organizations through sponsorship of our Company performances, national touring, RWB Academic School performances & programs, and in-kind support. We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with you with for our 18/19 season!

Thank you to the following Corporate Partners who have renewed their support and commitment for the RWB 2018/19 season: Arnold Brothers Transport / Bloomex / BMO Bank of Montreal / Dave’s Quick Print / Diamond Athletics / Fairmont Winnipeg / Great-West Life / IG Wealth Management / Lifemark Nature Pathway / M.A.C. Cosmetics / Manitoba Building Trades / Manitoba Hydro / Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries / Perth’s Drycleaning / Qualico / Q One Productions / Richardson Foundation / Talbot Marketing / Wawanesa Insurance / Winnipeg Airports Authority / Winnipeg Free Press / Xerox