Our last performance of Bright Lights, Big City, – the final of the season – happens to fall on Mother's Day this year. In honour of this special occasion, we thought it fitting to ask a few of our dancers to tell us how much their mothers mean to them, especially since a mother can be a dancer's biggest support.

I try and celebrate how special my mom is everyday of the year, not just on Mother's Day, because she truly is exceptional. She has been my biggest fan and has always supported me. And that really means a lot when you decide to leave home at 14yrs old to pursue your dream. She has been a role model in so many ways and I think what I love most is her ability to connect with anyone that crosses her path. She can plan anything, from my wedding to numerous trips abroad. She is adventurous, an incredibly talented cook/baker and a nurturer of everything that comes into her life. My mom is the best. Happy Mother's Day mom, and I will be performing to celebrate you for our last performance - Jennifer Welsman, RWB Soloist

My mom quit her job to be a stay-at-home mom for my two sisters, my brother and myself. I am not sure what more you could ask of a mother, but she always went above and beyond what we needed, from baking goodies for us daily to driving us back and forth to our ballet, hockey and swimming lessons!  I can only hope to one day be as great a mom as she was and still is to us kids! - Chelsey Lindsay, RWB Second Soloist Read more »

Choreographer Peter Quanz shares his thoughts on the creation of his work In Tandem.

In Tandem is part of RWB's Bright Lights, Big City.

Bright Lights, Big City runs until May 8th at the Centennial Concert Hall in Winnipeg.

Photo: Michelle Blais

Happy International Dance Day! Today in Winnipeg, Debra Zoerb, Director of Operations, School along with other members of Winnipeg’s dance community met with Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger and Minister of Culture Flor Marcelino at the Legislative Building to observe the day. The commemoration included a number of dance students from the School of Contemporary Dancers performing a modern piece. The dancers were costumed in wedding gowns in honour of the Royal Wedding. The event was presented by Winnipeg Dance Preservation Initiative and coordinated by Stephanie Ballard. 

In Ottawa, the RWB Company are also recognizing International Dance Day with a performance of Wonderland tonight.