BALLET IN THE PARK

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There is an odd rebellious joy surrounding indoor activities being performed outside. From movies played on the beach to rock n’ roll under a tarp while it’s pouring rain to beer and pizza by the river, it’s always a treat to experience something that normally happens in a dark theatre out in the elements. Ballet is no different.

Since the early 1970s, Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) has brought renowned, high caliber dance works to the breezy fields of Assiniboine Park. Presenting a show representative of all three units of the organization - the recreational division, the professional division and the company - the RWB is able to bring high brow performance to picnicking families with dancing toddlers.

“It’s a wonderful community outreach event,” RWB Artistic Director André Lewis says. “It gives people the chance to come see what the RWB is all about in a very casual way and in an open atmosphere.”

Along with other works, this summer’s Ballet in the Park will present a small portion of the much-buzzed about Going Home Star. Choreographed by Mark Godden, the work is based on the Canadian author Joseph Boyden’s story regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“It’s the perfect place to present it,” Lewis states. “There’s a lot of momentum behind doing something outdoors in that way.”

Part of the series: The 7th Annual Summer Festival Guide

Published in Volume 69, Number 27 of The Uniter (June 3, 2015)

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