Alberta Ballet is a professional ballet company based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is Canada’s third largest ballet company and the only major ballet company between Toronto and Vancouver. Alberta Ballet has been bringing world-class ballet performances to Albertan audiences for over 50 years.
History of Alberta Ballet
Alberta Ballet was founded in 1966 under the name “The Calgary City Ballet Company.” It was started by Dr. Ruth Carse with the goal of establishing a professional ballet company within the province of Alberta. In 1970, the company was renamed to Alberta Ballet Company and received full professional status under the direction of Brydon Paige.
Over the next few decades, Alberta Ballet continued to grow and evolve under various directors. Some key developments include:
- 1972 – Alberta Ballet tours for the first time, performing across Canada.
- 1976 – The company moves into the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, giving it a permanent performance home in Calgary.
- 1990 – Alberta Ballet becomes the first Canadian ballet company to perform in the People’s Republic of China.
- 2002 – Under artistic director Mikko Nissinen, the company is renamed Alberta Ballet.
- 2005 – Jean Grand-Maître becomes artistic director, a position he still holds today.
Under Grand-Maître’s direction, Alberta Ballet has continued to flourish and gain international recognition for its blend of classical and contemporary works.
Where Alberta Ballet is Based
Alberta Ballet is based in the city of Calgary, Alberta. Calgary is located in Western Canada within the province of Alberta.
The company’s main facilities are housed in the Nat Christie Centre in downtown Calgary. This includes:
- Company headquarters
- Rehearsal spaces
- Costume shop
- Set construction workspace
Having all these facilities under one roof allows for highly efficient operation of the company.
Alberta Ballet’s main performance venue is the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. This 2,538 seat auditorium located in central Calgary provides an excellent stage for Alberta Ballet’s productions.
In addition to Calgary, Alberta Ballet also frequently takes performances on tour throughout the province. They visit venues in Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, and other Albertan cities.
However, despite touring, the company is firmly based in Calgary. All administrative offices, rehearsals, and the majority of performances take place in the city.
Notable Facilities in Calgary
In addition to having Alberta Ballet’s home facilities, Calgary offers several other amenities that support a world-class ballet company:
- Alberta Ballet School – Attached to the company’s headquarters, the School provides dance education for over 1,000 students each year. Having an on-site school allows for development of new talent and partnerships with the professional company.
- University of Calgary Dance Program – There are further opportunities for dance education and partnerships with the University of Calgary’s dance program. Over 200 students are enrolled in the University’s contemporary dance program.
- Other performing arts venues – Venues like Arts Commons, the Jack Singer Concert Hall, and the Banff Centre provide additional spaces for Alberta Ballet to rehearse, perform, and engage in arts initiatives.
- Vibrant arts community – Calgary has a thriving arts scene with over 30 dance companies and a wide range of live music, theater, and visual arts.
This rich artistic environment in Calgary undoubtedly supports Alberta Ballet and contributes to its success.
Significance of Alberta Ballet’s Home in Calgary
The fact that Alberta Ballet is based in Calgary provides several key advantages:
- Access to talented graduating dancers from the on-site Alberta Ballet School.
- Proximity to financial support and sponsorship from Calgary’s corporate oil & gas sector.
- Opportunity to attract diverse audiences by being housed in a major metropolitan area.
- A central location that allows reasonably easy touring access to other areas of Alberta.
- An enhanced reputation that comes with being a major arts organization in a city of 1.3 million people.
For all these reasons, Calgary has proven to be an ideal home for Alberta Ballet over the past 50+ years. The company has been able to grow and thrive artistically and financially far more than it likely could have in a smaller centre.
While Alberta Ballet does extensive touring and has an international reputation, its heart and operational centre lie in the city of Calgary.
Conclusion
In summary, Alberta Ballet is professional ballet company that is firmly based in Calgary, Alberta. It has been headquartered there for over 50 years, since its founding in 1966. Calgary provides the perfect environment and resources for a world-class ballet company like Alberta Ballet to operate successfully. From rehearsal studios to theater venues to an on-site ballet school, Calgary offers everything Alberta Ballet needs to remain one of Canada’s premier cultural institutions.