Ballet BC
Chamber
/Silent Tides
/BOLERO X
/
Rhythmic tremor
Ballet BC is back in force with an outstanding triple bill in which the music of Ravel’s iconic Bolero acts as a catalyst to enhance the power of the ensemble.
Running time
Chamber - 28 min
intermission
Silent Tides - 18 min
intermission
BOLERO X - 14 min
On tour
Ballet BC's triple bill is presented at Assomption's Théâtre Hector-Charland on October 9, 2024.
Under the artistic direction of Medhi Walerski, this major Canadian company has forged prestigious collaborations with some of the biggest names in contemporary dance. Up-and-coming choreographer Shahar Binyamini offers his take on Ravel’s famous Bolero. A long and unique uninterrupted crescendo; a spectacular celebration of the power of dance and our collective strength, embodied by 50 performers. Medhi Walerski presents the two other pieces of the triple bill. Silent Tides is an intimate work for two dancers that reflects our relationship to one another and to ourselves—the infinite gates where our bodies receive nourishment and otherness, vibration and energy. Chamber is one of Walerski’s most acclaimed works. Danced by a large ensemble to a stunning score by Joby Talbot, this piece, which seeks to balance order and chaos, echoes Igor Stravinski’s legendary Rite of Spring. A promising evening that showcases the exceptional skill and virtuosity of Ballet BC’s dancers.
BOLERO X is presented in collaboration with l'École de danse contemporaine de Montréal, l'École supérieure de ballet du Québec and Ottawa'a The School of Dance.
A Word form Danse Danse
Good evening!
For our opening show of the 27th season, we are privileged to welcome Ballet BC, a Vancouver-based dance company renowned for its excellence and innovation. Under the visionary artistic direction of Medhi Walerski, Ballet BC is developing a diverse repertoire, boldly combining new creations with masterpieces by some of today's most influential choreographers. This richness is also thanks to the immense talent of its dancers, many of whom are graduates of the prestigious Arts Umbrella Dance school.
The highlight of this triple bill is BOLERO X, a work by choreographer Shahar Binyamini. You are about to witness a remarkable feat: no fewer than 50 performers will take the stage of Théâtre Maisonneuve to deliver a performance of great intensity. This daring project is the result of a collaboration with l'École supérieure de ballet du Québec, l'École de danse contemporaine de Montréal, The School of Dance (Ottawa), and Arts Umbrella Dance (Vancouver) as 30 young students from these institutions will share the stage with Ballet BC's accomplished artists. Together, they will present this work in four performances at Danse Danse (Montreal) and two at the National Arts Centre (Ottawa). More than just performances, these are true moments of transmission, exchange, and human connection that make this project even more significant in our eyes.
In addition to experiencing the power of Ravel's famous Bolero, you will also discover Chamber and Silent Tides, two works by Medhi Walerski that once again showcase Ballet BC's expertise and virtuosity.
We are delighted to share with you this first in-theatre show of the 2024/2025 season, which still has 15 more shows to come!
The entire team joins me in wishing you a wonderful season of dance
Pierre Des Marais — Artistic and Executive Director Danse Danse
A word from the artistic director
Hello Montreal!
It is wonderful to be here with you this evening. Performing at Place Des Arts with Danse Danse, an organization that is a true pillar for contemporary dance, is always a highlight in Ballet BC’s touring season. Tonight we are excited to present three diverse works that highlight the depth and versatility of Ballet BC’s artists, and the power of human connection.
Chamber, a work I first created in 2013 for the centenary of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, is a primal, ritualistic piece that echoes what the music evokes in my imagination.
A work I created as the world emerged from the pandemic, Silent Tides is an intimate duet that explores love, death, eternity, and the connection to ourselves and one another.
In BOLERO X, Shahar Binyamini unites a remarkable cast of 50 to embody a renowned and monumental piece of music. We’re thrilled to introduce dancers from Ottawa’s The School of Dance, Montreal’s l’École de danse contemporaine de Montréal and École supérieure de ballet du Québec, and Vancouver’s Arts Umbrella Dance who share the stage with us for this epic performance.
My sincere thanks to Pierre Des Marais, the entire Danse Danse team, and everyone who made this evening possible—including you. Thank you for being here with us.
Enjoy the show.
Medhi Walerski — Artistic Director, Ballet BC
Artists
As a choreographic assistant to Ohad Naharin, Binyamini was working with renowned dance companies such as Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris and Nederlands Dans Theater. Since 2016, he has been creating international works and directing projects for various dance companies around the world.
Company
Credits
Chamber
Choreography Medhi Walerski.
Composer Joby Talbot.
Music Chamber Symphony by Joby Talbot presented under license from G. Schirmer Inc. and Associated Music Publishers, copyright owners.
Lighting Design Jordan Tuinman.
Costume Design Medhi Walerski.
Staging Sarah Reynolds.
World Premiere October 4, 2012, NDT 1, The Hague. Ballet BC Premiere May 9, 2024.
Dancers
Sydney Tormey, Vivian Ruiz, Orlando Harbutt, Pei Lun Lai, Rae Srivastava, Sarah Pippin, Sidney Chuckas, Michael Garcia, Nathan Bear, Kaylin Sturtevant, Kelsey Lewis, Kiana Jung, Luca Afflitto, Emanuel Dostine, Emily Chessa, Imani Frazier, Jacalyn Tatro, Joziah German, Benjamin Peralta, Eduardo Jiménez Cabrera.
Silent Tides
Choreographer Medhi Walerski.
Music
Composition Adrien Cronet
Violin concerto in A minor, BWV 1041 Andante Johann Sebastian Bach. Performed by Joji Hattori and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Courtesy of 1997 Conifer Records Limited. Licensed by Sony Music Entertainment (Canada).
Lighting Design Pierre Pontvianne and Lisette van der Linden.
Lighting Consultant Tom Visser.
Set Design Medhi Walerski.
Costume Design Medhi Walerski.
World Premiere September 2020, Nederlands Dans Theater I. Ballet BC Premiere November 2022.
Casting
October 2, 2024 Sarah Pippin, Rae Srivastava
October 3, 2024 Orlando Harbutt, Kiana Jung
October 4, 2024 Orlando Harbutt, Kiana Jung
October 5, 2024 Sarah Pippin, Rae Srivastava
BOLERO X
Choreography Shahar Binyamini.
Music Boléro M. 81, by Maurice Ravel. Performed by Berlin Philharmoniker and Pierre Boulez. Licenced by Universal Music Canada Inc.
Lighting Design Shahar Binyamini.
Associate Lighting Design Matthew Piton.
Costume Design Shahar Binyamini.
Associate Costume Design Kate Burrows.
Dancers Ballet BC
Sydney Tormey, Vivian Ruiz, Orlando Harbutt, Pei Lun Lai, Rae Srivastava, Sarah Pippin, Sidney Chuckas, Michael Garcia, Nathan Bear, Kaylin Sturtevant, Kelsey Lewis, Kiana Jung, Luca Afflitto, Emanuel Dostine, Emily Chessa, Imani Frazier, Jacalyn Tatro, Joziah German, Benjamin Peralta, Eduardo Jiménez Cabrera.
Students performers from Montreal and Ottawa
École supérieure de ballet du Québec
Graduates - Clara Koçollari, Arnaud Mongeon.
Students - Anaelle Carette, Éloïse Chénier, Ève Dupuis, Sophie Houle, Tao Stone Leduc, Katrina Lungu, Ariane Pejot-Charrost.
École de danse contemporaine de Montréal
Students - Clara Biernacki, Iban Bourgoin, Oly Dion, Ludovic Germain-Thivierge, Ezra Guerrier, Alice Larrière, Michelle Lucero Moris, Kate Manns, Jane Millette, Apolline Saulnier, Hortense Sierka, Clara Truong, Clara Urquhart.
The School of Dance, Ottawa
Graduates - Miriam Benoy, Myrielle Bernier-Acuña, Simone Brown, Haley Ticknor
Student - Alexander Sen.
Arts Umbrella Dance, Vancouver
Students (not in the photo) -Troy Atamanuk, Zoe Jameson, Taryn Miller.
Student Rehearsal Director Emily Chessa (Ballet BC).
Rehearsal coach and interpretation advisor Isabelle Poirier (EDCM).
BOLERO X was made possible through the generous support of Josh Pekarsky and Marla Guralnick in honour of Arlene Gladstone; Karen James; Trudy and Dan Pekarsky; Arlene James; Judy and Isaac Thau; Shirley Barnett; Roberta Beiser; and Jeanie Wexler.
This touring production of BOLERO X was made possible through the generous support of The Azrieli Foundation.
World Premiere November 2, 2023, Ballet BC.
Performers
BOLERO X
30 emerging artists are joining Ballet BC performers in Shahar Binyamini's BOLERO X. They rehearsed with Emily Chessa (Ballet BC), Student Rehearsal Director, and Isabelle Poirier (EDCM), Rehearsal coach and interpretation advisor.
École supérieure de ballet du Québec
Graduates - Clara Koçollari, Arnaud Mongeon.
Students - Anaelle Carette, Éloïse Chénier, Ève Dupuis, Sophie Houle, Tao Stone Leduc, Katrina Lungu, Ariane Pejot-Charrost.
École de danse contemporaine de Montréal
Students - Clara Biernacki, Iban Bourgoin, Oly Dion, Ludovic Germain-Thivierge, Ezra Guerrier, Alice Larrière, Michelle Lucero Moris, Kate Manns, Jane Millette, Apolline Saulnier, Hortense Sierka, Clara Truong, Clara Urquhart.
The School of Dance, Ottawa
Graduates - Miriam Benoy, Myrielle Bernier-Acuña, Simone Brown, Haley Ticknor
Student - Alexander Sen.
Arts Umbrella Dance, Vancouver
Students (not in the photo) -Troy Atamanuk, Zoe Jameson, Taryn Miller.
From the clouds to the depths of the ocean, the adventures of two illusionist dancers. A poetic coming-of-age story imagined by choreographer Philippe Saire, a pioneer of Swiss contemporary dance.
The new darling of the European dance scene, Portuguese choreographer Marco da Silva Ferreira presents his most ambitious work, celebrating the contemporary body with phenomenal intensity.
A monumental work, Ihsane is a stunning initiatory quest featuring some twenty performers, a vocal duo, and an instrumental ensemble at the crossroads of the Middle East and the West.
Acclaimed time and again by Danse Danse audiences, Hofesh Shechter and his formidable tribe take us on a dizzying dive, headfirst, into a fantasy world where dreams and reality collide. Quite an event!
At the forefront of European dance, Sofia Nappi displays her talent in an initiation rite with an irresistible groove, inspired by the famous puppet that has enchanted our childhood.
