Alberta Ballet announces revised 2021 season

Jun 09 2020

June 9, 2020 – When venues can safely open again, Alberta Ballet will be ready to inspire as only live performing arts can.

Under the Province of Alberta’s plan for reopening, large events, such as Alberta Ballet performances, will be among the last to be re-instated. As officials continue to remind us, our community efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 will carry on for many months.

With this in mind, Alberta Ballet is planning to perform Swan Lake in May 2021, Peter Pan in July 2021 and to revive Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître’s All of Us featuring music of The Tragically Hip in August 2021. We’re hoping by February there will be more certainty around the safety of mass gatherings and we’ll be able to announce dates for Calgary and Edmonton.

Swan Lake and Peter Pan were originally part of our 2019/20 season but were postponed when theatres went dark last March. All of Us was scheduled to be part of our 2020/21 season. This revised schedule also means productions planned from September 2020 through May 2021, including The Nutcracker, will not be performed. We are looking forward to the opportunity to present these shows in a future season.

“As soon as it is allowed by the health authorities who have protected us so valiantly, we will be back performing once again,” said Grand- Maître.

“Art can bring us back together by creating compassionate and deeply transformative experiences. Art can bring us together once again to celebrate what is good in ourselves and to give hope and optimism to future generations.”

We believe planning performances for next May is the right strategy, given the uncertainty around how large gatherings may still be restricted over the coming months. We’re exploring new ways to bring dance to Albertans, through digitally purposed content and chamber ballet performances around the province. Both plans depend on dancers being able to safely resume rehearsals.

Alberta Ballet School has also been navigating altered operations. There are only about 20 truly professional ballet schools in the world and Alberta has one of them. Students in the professional program have continued studies through remote academic classes and virtual artistic training. Our faculty have been delivering these classes to students in 11 time zones, and we plan to resume classes on campus in September.

Grand- Maître says he can’t wait for the day when we can spread joy throughout the province through dance and celebrate together as a community.

“Our reunion will reinforce our belief in beauty, truth and love. We do look forward to seeing you again,” he said. “It will be a celebration indeed.”

Anyone with questions about their subscriptions or tickets can email boxoffice@albertaballet.com.