New Characters, new scenes ...
Originally Posted: January 17, 2011

Choreographer Shawn Hounsell continues working with the full RWB Company on the creation of Wonderland. The choreographed movement, once new and strange to the dancers, is now really inside their bodies and very natural. Character development is well underway with the dancers taking more and more ownership over their roles.

On Wednesday, January 12th, Ross Houston, beloved RWB Pianist, passed away. Mr. Houston was with the RWB for more than four decades, during which time he touched the lives of many. The RWB family has set aside this space to share their remembrances. Please check back often as it will continue to be updated as messages pour in.

“It is with shock, disbelief and sadness that we mark the passing of Ross Houston. Ross has been part of the RWB for over four decades, inspiring dancers and audiences alike through the piano. His commitment to music and to the RWB will not be forgotten.”
-André Lewis, RWB Artistic Director

“Ross Houston was a pianist with Royal Winnipeg Ballet for the last 44 years. He was an outstanding, well respected musician capable of playing any kind of repertoire. His rehearsal playing was superb, sensitive to the needs of the dancers and true to intentions of the composers. He had a special ability for playing wonderful ballet classes where his own sense of style and never-ending repertoire was admired by many. He worked with many singers and choirs giving them all a solid musical support. Live music was the most important thing to him. He put his influence on generations of dancers, fellow musicians and singers. We will miss him dearly. To us he was and always will be
Mr. Perfect.”
-Tadeusz Biernacki, RWB Music Director & Conductor Read more »

Originally Posted: January 12, 2011

Be sure to watch CTV Winnipeg in the coming weeks to catch the new RWB Creations Endowment Fund commercial featuring Artistic Director Andre Lewis. The spot starts airing today during Oprah and Ellen! 

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Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet believes that a vibrant dance company must balance a repertoire of beloved favourites with innovation.

The creation of new works is a core purpose of the RWB and over the years we are pleased to have presented to our audiences such RWB classics as Dracula, The Magic Flute, Val Caniparoli's A Cinderella Story, Peter Pan, Moulin Rouge – The Ballet and coming in March, Wonderland!

The Creations Endowment Fund allows the RWB to:

• Attract the best dancers and choreographers
• Play a leading role in Canadian culture, developing world-class dancers, choreographers, set and costume designers and innovative ballet scores right here in Winnipeg
• Keep our audiences stimulated and attract the next generous of passionate supporters

The Creations Endowment Fund enables the RWB to focus our talent and energy on what we do best – create extraordinary art! Read more »