April 29–May 2, 2027

The Mix

A fiery triple bill that celebrates our timeless yet fearless spirit, featuring Hans van Manen’s 5 Tangos, Balanchine’s Rubies, and a new work by Alysa Pires honouring The Tragically Hip and the tenth anniversary of Gord Downie’s passing.

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Overview

Location: Centennial Concert Hall
Price starts at: $45
Run Time: 1 hour, 47 min
Genre: Mixed Repertoire, Classical & Contemporary

Concluding the season with fiery passion, our mixed-repertoire show is a triple bill celebrating some of ballet’s most dynamic choreographic voices. The program features Hans van Manen’s 5 Tangos, a masterpiece of fluidity and subtle drama, presented in tribute to the recently passed Dutch master; George Balanchine’s Rubies, a sparkling display of technical brilliance and playful energy; and a striking new work titled Illusions of Someday by Canadian choreographer Alysa Pires, honouring The Tragically Hip on the tenth anniversary of Gord Downie’s passing.

This program embodies the season’s theme of duality, balancing tradition with innovation, narrative depth with pure spectacle, and timeless artistry with fearless experimentation.

Audiences are invited to experience an evening of exhilarating dance that exemplifies RWB’s commitment to artistic excellence, emotional resonance, and the fearless pursuit of new ideas in the world of ballet.

Thu Apr 29 7:30pm

Centennial Concert Hall
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Fri Apr 30 12:00pm

Centennial Concert Hall
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This is community matinee featuring a shorter version of the performance.
Fri Apr 30 7:30pm

Centennial Concert Hall
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Sat May 1 7:30pm

Centennial Concert Hall
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Sun May 2 2:00pm

Centennial Concert Hall
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Creative Team

Rubies
Choreography
George Balanchine
Music
Igor Stravinsky
Costume Design
Barbara Karinska
Set Design
Peter Harvey
Lighting Design
Ronald Bates & Mark Stanley

Illusions of Someday

Choreography
Alysa Pires

Music
The Tragically Hip

Costume Design
Dana Osborne

Lighting Design
Scott Henderson

5 Tangos
Choreography
Hans van Manen
Music
Astor Piazzolla
Set & Costume Design
Jean-Paul Vroom
Lighting Design
Jan Hofstra

Origins

5 Tangos: Premiered November 3, 1977 in Amsterdam, Netherlands with the Dutch National Ballet. Runtime 23 minutes.

Rubies: An excerpt of the three-act ballet Jewels created for the New York City Ballet by co-founder and founding choreographer George Balanchine. Premiered April 13, 1967 with New York City Ballet. Runtime 19 minutes.

Illusions of Someday: Newly commissioned for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in tribute to Canadian music icons The Tragically Hip to commemorate the tenth anniversary of frontman Gord Downie’s passing. Set to premiere in 2027. Runtime approximately 25 minutes.