“Cinderella & Dance Artistico”: Presented by The Okanagan Ballet Theatre, supported by Mission Dance Company.
The Okanagan Ballet Theatre is proud to present Cinderella & Dance Artistico, a captivating double bill pairing the timeless magic of Cinderella with an exhilarating second act showcasing diverse dance styles and works.
Be inspired and amazed by the principal dancers of the Okanagan Ballet Theatre Society, Kelowna’s newest non-profit ballet company. Joining OBT will be special guest artist, Liam Caines, formerly of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Aspiring dancers from our community will join Okanagan Ballet Theatre to tell the story of Cinderella, along with the pre-professional dancers of the esteemed Mission Dance Company. The second half of the performance will feature dance in the styles of ballet, modern, and neo-classical, and flamenco! This second part of the double bill performance, Dance Artistico, will inspire our community with the diversity in styles and artistry treating the audiences to a rich cultural experience.
Performance Info:
Date & Times: Monday May 18 (3PM AND 7PM)
Venue: Mary Irwin Theatre – Rotary Centre for the Arts (421 Cawston Ave, Kelowna, BC)
Ticket Information:
Purchase online: https://www.theboxoffice.ca/upcoming-events/cinderella-dance-artistico
Purchase by phone: 250-469-8940
Cast & Program Highlights:
Cinderella
Jennifer Hunter & Liam Caines star in an enchanting story ballet featuring the sweet and lovely Cinderella as we watch her journey through her life as a little girl to adulthood alongside her Father and then alone with the wicked stepmother and ridiculous step sisters, ultimately leading to her wish being granted by the fairy god mother coming true as she walks down a winding staircase to see the prince of her dreams standing right before her. This production is entertaining with funny and tragic moments and all being worth the hope and despair as love and happiness prevail in a grand and truly happy ending.
Dance Artistico
Missa Brevis (renowned local composer Imant Raminsh) and Face Against the Wall – Moving Neo-Classical and emotionally expressive modern works by choreographer Tanya Vadurova.
Passion Duet (Liam Caines and Annette Bakala) – ‘Romance is in the air’ with this delightful pas de deux, danced in the unique style of flamenco infused classical ballet.
Aunque and Shattenspiel Captivating works by acclaimed international flamenco choreographer, Fiona Malena, and a special appearance by Tanya Vadurova performing in this exciting and passionate “finale” of flamenco!
About our Guest Artist, Liam Caines: During the 16 seasons he danced with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Liam Caines was known for his powerful and charismatic presence on stage. Liam’s repertoire highlights include Drosselmeier in Nutcracker, Captain Hook in Jorden Morris’s Peter Pan, Hilarion in Giselle, Clergyman in Mark Godden’s Going Home Star: Truth and Reconciliation, Lion in Septime Weber’s The Wizard of Oz, Dr. Van Helsing in Mark Godden’s Dracula, and Zidler in Jorden Morris’s Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet.
In 2014, Liam was hand-picked by internationally acknowledged choreographer James Kudelka to perform the role of Lead Man in his ballet The Four Seasons. Soon after, Liam was reunited with Kudelka and had the featured role of Horse created for him in the world premier of Kudelka’s Vespers, where he partnered iconic Canadian ballerina Evelyn Hart. Along with the RWB Company, Liam performed before an international audience at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games Cultural Olympiad. He has also performed with Q Dance, Ballet BC, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Manitoba Opera, and Bravo Niagara. He has performed throughout Canada and the United States, as well as Mexico, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Israel, China, and Japan.
Having returned home to New Brunswick, Liam has been establishing himself in the Maritimes as a teacher, choreographer, and coach, while still pursuing his stage career.
About the Artistic Director: Tanya Vadurova, the Resident Choreographer and Artistic Director of the Okanagan Ballet Theatre, brings a wealth of experience to this production. She also leads the Mission Dance Centre and Company, a 23-year-old pre-professional ballet academy renowned in the region. Ms. Vadurova’s journey in ballet began with a bursary to Canada’s National Ballet School in Toronto, leading to performances with Canada’s National Ballet productions in Toronto, Ontario and a professional dance career in Europe.
About the Okanagan Ballet Theatre: Established on October 1, 2024, the Okanagan Ballet Theatre (OBT) aims to enrich the community by preserving the timeless beauty of classical ballet while embracing modern and contemporary works that reflect today’s diverse world. OBT is committed to delivering world-class, culturally enriching, and accessible performances that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
Join us for an unforgettable performance that brings the magic of Cinderella to life and celebrates the vibrant artistry and diversity of dance!