Join Us For Mixed Programme- A Letter From RWB Principal Dancer Jo-Ann Sundermeier

Dear Patrons of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet,

Now that Nutcracker season is behind us, and we are moving into the “new year, new you” mentality, why not jump into something exciting and fresh? Why not experience a show that can breathe new life into an old art form? Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet is presenting Mixed Programme January 27-28 at the Pantages Playhouse Theatre.

Now, I know you could be thinking… “I don’t know what to expect. I’m not sure I’m going to like it. Maybe I should just stick to what I know”. For those of you who are unfamiliar to the idea of a mixed repertoire, here’s a bit of background. A mixed repertoire show is a diverse program that usually consists of multiple shorter pieces by different choreographers, rather than following a specific narrative, as you would see in full length story ballets. Some of the pieces presented in a mixed rep may have a background story, where as some of them might just be dance for dance’s sake. Unless there is a unifying theme for the evening’s program, these pieces can stand alone to create a show that is exhilarating. Think of it as the perfect meal… you have your appetizer, which is just a little taste of what’s to come. It gets you excited to see what’s next on the menu. Then you have your main course, which is very hearty. It can leave you with a sense of satisfaction and delight. Last, you have the dessert, which is the final taste of the evening. It’s that perfect amount of sweetness, where you’re left feeling completed, and you can’t wait to experience another meal like it again!

In RWB’s Mixed Programme you will see exciting pieces from well known choreographers Lila York, Mark Godden and William Forsythe. This program showcases us Company dancers to our fullest potential. We perform not only classical ballets, but also neoclassical and contemporary pieces. It’s where the classical lines are evolved and stretched to the limits, to bring you ballet for the 21st century. As dancers, we crave challenge, and this type of show really transforms us artistically. The versatility of the repertoire is where we can push ourselves beyond our comfort zone and really explore movement. Even if there’s a piece that isn’t particularly suited to us, we can work on growing in the piece, and the result in the end creates a perfect balance of strength and beauty.

Mixed Programme deserves just as much audience love as the full length ballets. We invite you to come see us perform and be inspired, as we share our love of dance.

Jo-Ann Sundermeier
Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Principal Dancer