RWB KICKS OFF MILESTONE YEAR WITH BALLET IN THE PARK

Jul 04 2019 | Posted in Press Releases

Decades-long tradition attracts thousands

RWB Dancers on stage at Ballet in the Park

​The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s (RWB) milestone 80th season begins with Ballet in the Park, a treasured tradition that spans over four decades. This free, family-friendly event takes place at Assiniboine Park’s Lyric Theatre from July 24-26 at 7:30 pm daily and attracts thousands of Manitobans, along with summer tourists, to watch performances by the RWB School and Company dancers under the prairie sky.

​Cheers from the Ballet in the Park audience will be more audible than ever as Septime Webre’s hit The Wizard of Oz returns. RWB Company dancers will perform excerpts of the five-star-reviewed hit ballet, including the Munchkin Land, Emerald City, and scenes with Dorothy and her beloved Toto.

​Septime Webre’s modern choreography will be pleasantly juxtaposed by the RWB School Professional Division students’ performance of Le Jardin Anime, an excerpt from Marius Petipa’s Le Corsaire.

RWB School Recreational Division students will perform Alice, which is inspired by Alice in Wonderland, and choreographed by RWB School Recreational Division Principal Nicole Kepp and School Artistic Faculty Sara Goodman, featuring music by Fergie, The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, and Danny Elfman.

​“I can safely speak on behalf of the organization when I say we are humbled, year after year, to witness the sea of support at Ballet in the Park,” says RWB Artistic Director and CEO André Lewis. “There truly is something for everyone at Ballet in the Park and we are thrilled to give back to the community, especially as we embark on our 80th anniversary season.”

While dance is the highlight of the evening, the RWB is happy to offer pre-show activities for little ones. For the first time ever, the RWB School will host a Creative Movement class from 7-7:20 pm for the budding dancers in the pre-show kids’ area of Ballet in the Park.

​Other activities include face painting, crafting, and pointe shoe tosses for prizes. This year, the ultimate prize is a three-pack 80th RWB season subscription valued at $300. Event updates, including draw participation details, will be posted on the Ballet in the Park webpage as they are confirmed.

​Need a pre, during, or post Ballet in the Park snack? There will be a wide selection of local food trucks nearby to help attendees hydrate and fuel up for the event.

​Ballet in the Park has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Manitoba Arts Council, and the Winnipeg Arts Council.

​Cancellations due to inclement weather will be issued by local radio stations as well as on the RWB website at https://www.rwb.org. Patrons may also contact the RWB reception desk for cancellation information at 204-956-0183 or visit their Facebook page.