Ballet in the Park
PRESENTING SPONSOR
NEW THIS YEAR: Register for a FREE ticket using the “Buy Tickets” link under the first event date you will be attending. This will get you updates about what’s happening before the show, weather updates, and more, but does not guarantee you a seat at the event. Plus, show your ticket at our information tent to receive a limited edition button and automatically be entered to win one full season subscription.
Join us for one of Manitoba’s favourite – and FREE – summer traditions! Ballet in the Park is a unique opportunity to enjoy the universal language of dance with family and friends under the prairies skies. It’s a slice of Winnipeg culture that rivals Nutcracker for nostalgia and fun. Become part of our story this summer as the incredible talents from the Company, Professional and Recreational Division gather in one place to deliver performances that will continue celebrating a rich and vibrant tradition in Winnipeg. Activities begin at 6:30pm, followed by the performance at 7:30pm, with each night wrapping up around 9pm.
Ballet in the Park 2024 is set to be one of the most exciting line ups in years with new creations, entertaining competition pieces and moments from our favourite holiday classic, Nutcracker!
Repertoire
Newly-promoted Principal Dancer Stephan Azulay will debut two brand new creations to share with Manitobans that will open and close the event. RWB company dancers will take you from the finest of classical scores to a jazzy ballet finale with graceful and athletic artistry that will leave you gasping with delight and wonderment.
You will enjoy a dazzling pas de deux from the infamous ballet, Don Quixote featuring dancers from the Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant Program who perfectly capture the playful romance between Kitri and Basilio.
We are sharing one of our favourite scenes from Nutcracker! Join Drosselmeier, the Sugar Plum Fairy and a host of angels as they bake a cake. Don’t forget to check out our digital program for the official recipe.
Up-and-coming choreographer from the Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant Program, Grace Frazer-Sneddon, will also showcase Quit Clowning Around. This show-stopping solo was originally created for the world-renowned Prix de Lausanne Young Creation Award competition and debuted across the province this year as part of On the Edge tour.
RWB Dance Ensemble students enjoy working with new choreography each year in pieces that are performed at competitions throughout Manitoba. Newly-promoted Company Second Soloist Joshua Hidson created a crowd pleaser with pre-jazz dance students to the tunes of Elvis Presley and Recreational Division Principal Nicole Kepp will share the award-winning number Used to Know featuring dancers from the senior program.
Ballet in the Park offers a little bit of everything and with performances you will have never seen before, it’s the perfect chance to get a taste test of what an RWB performance is like or what you might learn if you take a class. It’s the perfect summer tradition and our favourite way to kick off celebrating 85 years of teaching, creating and performing outstanding dance.
Accessibility & Security
We have expanded and more conveniently located our accessible seating area to make it easier for everyone to enjoy the performance. All speeches, announcements, and lyrics will be conveyed through non-verbal gestures from stage left (nearest to the accessible seating area) courtesy of an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter contracted for this event. First aid and security will be present at the park throughout the event.
Activities & Entertainment
Participate in engaging children’s activities before the performance like face painting, a craft station, and a free Creative Movement class, plus you can enjoy a variety of tasty food truck offerings. Our merchandise and contest table is your hub to purchase subscriptions, single tickets, and RWB apparel. Participants in McNally Robinson’s city-wide “Where’s Waldo?” hunt should keep their eyes peeled for the striped suspect at our event.
Prepare Yourself
This is an outdoor event, so dress appropriately and be mindful of sun protection. Ballet in the Park may run as scheduled rain or shine; if we need to cancel due to inclement weather we will announce this on all channels as soon as we make the call. We recommend bringing lawn chairs, cushions, and/or blankets to sit on; snacks and water to keep you fueled and hydrated; and a desire to reconnect and enjoy live dance!