Ballet Kelowna unveils its first dance film

Ballet Kelowna’s first dance film is an expressive and moving tribute to those living in long-term care. The film features choreography by Ballet Kelowna’s Artistic Director and CEO Simone Orlando along with dancers McKeely Borger, Desiree Bortolussi, Valentin Chou, Kelsey Hanna, and Kurt Werner.

 “My father recently moved into a long-term care home,” Orlando said in a media release. “The onset of dementia was rapid and made worse by the pandemic lockdown and subsequent isolation. Although it is difficult for him to communicate, I know that he is thinking about and remembering things from his past. I know that there is an expansive inner world of thoughts, feelings, observations, and ideas that he is recollecting, processing, and trying to share with me when we spend time together. ONE WITH looks at this inner space. It is about the people and memories that we hold onto and try to never forget. This piece also looks at the idea of companionship and support, something that is essential to the well-being of those living with dementia.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and provincial orders restricting gatherings and events, Ballet Kelowna’s last main-stage performance at the Kelowna Community Theatre was a year ago. Orlando has been approaching the 2020/21 season in increments, carefully considering updates from Public Health and announcing programming quarterly. Last fall, six dancers gradually returned to training and rehearsals working on Orlando’s film project as well as new works by Ballet Kelowna dancers Seiji Suzuki and Kurt Werner.

“The conditions have been challenging and ever-changing,” said Orlando, “but our artists and choreographers have done an amazing job adapting to new protocols and new ways of working. ONE WITH is our first dance production created for digital release and the project was made possible through a residency at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre where the work was staged and filmed.”

Shot on one camera by videographer James Alton, the footage has been masterfully edited by Okanagan based media specialist Trygg Nelson who has been working with the organization as their Graphic and Digital Designer through a grant from Canada Summer Jobs.

“Trygg has been instrumental in helping Ballet Kelowna pivot,” said Orlando. “He has created a number of videos for us and has done an outstanding job bringing ONE WITH to life.”

“With the loss of performance revenue, the months ahead will be difficult,” said Orlando. “Our priority is to continue to provide employment for our dancers through developing new work and sharing their artistry virtually. With the community’s continued support, we will return to the stage more resilient than ever.”

Ballet Kelowna makes its screen debut in an expressive and moving film ONE WITH, presented free of charge through Ticket Seller at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre, February 13 – 14, 2021. The link to view ONE WITH will be available February 13 – 14 at:  ticketseller.ca The streaming of ONE WITH is free, however donations to Ballet Kelowna are welcome.