Thank you to everyone who joined and supported us during our 25th anniversary season. How great it was to be on stage performing in Swan Lake and to feel the electricity in the air every night the curtain opened. There is nothing quite like dancing for a full house that is ready to enjoy and share in the experience of a live performance. I was completely overwhelmed by the warmth and exhilaration of the audience response to our Swan Lake; it was well beyond what I had hoped for. Our dancers soared onstage - it was a real treat to see such an abundance of talent every night.
To round off our 25th anniversary season we have commissioned a major new one-act ballet by Robert Desroisers, one of Canada's most imaginative dancemakers. Bouffonia (from the French word bouffon for jester/clown) will be centred on the antics of old world clowns and will have an original score by Eric Cadesky. Bouffonia will premiere October4th in Toronto to kick off our 2013-2014 season. It will be presented along with Derek Sangster's celebrated Good Mourning and new works by Malgorzata Nowacka and Allen Kaeja.
Romeo & Juliet, one of the company's most distinguished works, will return in an expanded format with additional choreography. We have refreshed this beautiful production to keep it vibrant for new generations of dancers and audiences. Romeo & Juliet performances will begin in Quebec before we travel across Canada. I am also pleased to announce the revival of Kathleen Rea's beloved Velveteen Rabbit, created for audiences both young and young-at-heart. The Velveteen Rabbit focuses on the importance of friendship, love, and the discovery of what is truly real.
We are entering our 26th season as one of Canada's largest and most active dance companies; Ballet Jorgen Canada is a connector of performances, education, and community events. In addition to new and revitalized productions, Ballet Jorgen Canada will also be receiving a brand new look, reflecting this identity.
Thank you so much for your interest and support. I very much hope to see you at one or more of our many exciting events during the upcoming 2013-2014 season.