New Ballet Company to Debut in Vancouver Next Year Under Joshua Beamish’s Leadership
The world of cotillion is about to drink an instigative new chapter. Under the cultural direction of acclaimed choreographer Joshua Beamish, Ballet Vancouver is set to make its debut coming April.
The company promises to offer a fresh, compelling space for classical, neoclassical and narrative ballet performed en pointe, right in the heart of the city.
Beamish, a Vancouver-grounded choreographer first from Edmonton and raised in Kelowna, has been shaping cotillion for years.
After moving to Vancouver in 2004, he innovated Joshua Beamish/ MOVETHECOMPANY at just 17.
Since also, his work has garnered commissions from prestigious institutions, including The Royal Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, and the Cape Town Opera. Now, he’s turning his focus toward establishing a homegrown platform for cotillion gift.
A packed opening season is already lined up. “Ballet Vancouver is set to launch next April with a program of four works, including the premiere of two-part After the Rain by English choreographer Christopher Wheeldon,” the company confirmed.
#ForImmediateRelease Internationally acclaimed Vancouver choreographer @JoshuaBeamish announces the launch of Vancouver-based ballet company, Ballet Vancouver Performance Series (@BalletVan)
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In addition, Beamish is collaborating with Indigenous artist and fashion designer Yolonda Skelton to create a new piece, a partnership that brings together artistry, culture and innovation.
The roster of talent is equally impressive. “Among the dancers on board are former American Ballet Theatre artist Stephanie Petersen, Vancouver-born-and-raised dancer Benjamin Freemantle, and performer Julian Hunt, who toured with Kidd Pivot,” the company’s release stated.
The blend of international experience and local roots promises to shape a rich, diverse repertory.
Other highlights include Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Redemption, a dramatic narrative exploring the trip of a departed angel, and Swan by Wen Wei Wang, an ultramodern reinterpretation of the dateless Swan Lake, which will see its Vancouver debut.
Ballet Vancouver is not just focusing on dancers, though. Its advisory committee reads like a who’s who of the ballet world, including “New York City Ballet’s associate artistic director Wendy Whelan as well as current and former principal dancers with the National Ballet of Canada, Heather Ogden and Chan Hon Goh.”
Beamish’s vision is clear. He wants Vancouver to be recognised as a thriving centre for cotillion, one that celebrates both its homegrown gift and transnational influences. This company isn’t just another troop; it’s a statement of intent.
With its blend of famed artists, boundary-pushing collaborations and witching narratives, Ballet Vancouver is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated artistic events in the megacity’s timetable coming time.
