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Venue
Price:
$49 – Standard Ticket Price
20% 0ff – Explore the Arts Red Patron Program Rate
15% 0ff – Joy Years (55+) Patron Program Rate
10% 0ff – Discovery Patron Program Rate
$15 – U28 (under 28) Patron Program Rate
Date and Time:
September 14, 2024 – 7:30 pm BUY TICKETS
6:00 pm – Doors open for the Salish Weaving Exhibit.
6:30 pm – The evening begins with a traditional welcome by Chief Johnathan Prest and Elder Eddie Gardner, grounding the event in the cultural traditions of the Skwah First Nation.
6:55 pm – Guests are invited to view the exhibit and enjoy a reception provided by Sto:lo Bannock.
7:30 – Just before the performance, a formal welcome by Chief Johnathan Prest and Elder Eddie Gardner reaffirms the connection to the land and the significance of the evening’s cultural celebration, creating a seamless transition into the performance.
Join us at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre for an unforgettable evening with Ballet Kelowna. This exceptional performance features taqəš, a powerful and evocative piece choreographed by Cameron Fraser-Monroe. taqəš blends ballet with Coast Salish, Grass, Hoop, and contemporary dance to tell the traditional story of “Raven Returns the Water.” This unique performance beautifully weaves together various dance styles to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and stories of the Homalco, Klahoose, K’omoks, and Tla’amin Nations.
The taqəš and Other Works program features a stunning lineup of signature works from Ballet Kelowna’s contemporary ballet repertoire. With Cameron Fraser-Monroe’s powerful and compelling taqəš, Guillaume Côté’s mesmerizing Bolero, and Fraser-Monroe’s satirical The Cowboy Act Suite, this high-energy program promises to please a wide range of spectators.
Cameron Fraser-Monroe brings his classical ballet training, knowledge of traditional Coast Salish, Grass, and Hoop Dance, and experience as a contemporary dancer to taqəš [tawKESH], which means “to return something” in Ayajuthem, the language belonging to the Homalco, Klahoose, K’omoks, and Tla’amin Nations. Set to several songs by Polaris Prize-winning composer and singer Jeremy Dutcher, taqəš follows the traditional story “Raven Returns the Water,” centred around ῤoho (raven) and walθ (frog).
Next, National Ballet of Canada Choreographic Associate Guillaume Côté brings strength and fragility to a fascinating interpretation of the beloved Boléro by Maurice Ravel, one of music’s most famous and identifiable melodies. A “riveting tour de force” (Dance Magazine), Bolero features breathtaking lifts and virtuosic choreography.
Rounding out the program, Cameron Fraser-Monroe’s The Cowboy Act Suite is a work that explores the dichotomy between “Cowboys and Indians.” While these caricatures have been portrayed on pages, stages, and in films, they are often penned from a colonial perspective. Fraser-Monroe’s intuitive take on the swashbuckling strut of the Cowboy informs this intellectual unpacking of a one-sided lens and flips the script to ask, what happens when an Indian directs the Cowboys through their history?
Experience the artistry, innovation, and cultural richness that Ballet Kelowna brings to the stage in this not-to-be-missed season opening event.
taqəš and Other Works Programme
Program Notes:
Season Opening Performance and Salish Weaving Exhibit at Chilliwack Cultural Centre
On September 14th, step into a night where tradition meets innovation at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre’s season opener. The evening begins with a warm and traditional welcome from Chief Johnathon Prest and Elder Eddie Gardner of the Skwah First Nation, setting a respectful tone for the celebrations to come.
Immerse yourself in the Salish Weaving Exhibit curated by Joy Hall. The weaving exhibit celebrates the rich cultural heritage, oral histories, transformation stories of Sólh Téméxw (Our Land) and the Sto:lo peoples. Visitors will be captivated by the intricate designs and profound narratives woven into each piece, offering a deep connection and learning experience to the history and spirit of this beautiful region. MC Á’a Líya Warbus will guide you through this cultural journey, enriching your understanding of the artistry on display. During the reception that follows, enjoy traditional Sto:lo Bannock as you connect with fellow art enthusiasts and reflect on the exhibit. As you explore the exhibit, you’ll also have the opportunity to support the preservation and revitalization of the Halq’eméylem language by donating to the Stó:lo Shxweli Halq’eméylem language program. A donation box will be available on-site throughout the evening.
Just before the evening’s main event, you’ll have the unique opportunity to hear from Cameron Fraser-Monroe, the choreographer of Taqes. Taqəš [tawKESH] means “to return something” in ʔayʔaǰuθəm (Ayajuthem), which is traditionally spoken by the ɬəʔamɛn, k̓ómoks, χʷɛmaɬkʷu, and ƛohos (Tla’amin, K’omoks, Homalco and Klahoose) First Nations. This performance is a testament to the artistry and vision of Cameron Fraser-Monroe as he uses all of his classical ballet training and weaves it together with traditional Coast Salish Grass and Hoop dance. Set to several songs by Polaris Prize-winning composer and singer Jeremy Dutcher, Taqəš tells the traditional story of “Raven Returns to Water”, which centers around ῤoho (raven) and walθ (frog).
With the lights dimmed and anticipation high, Ballet Kelowna will take the stage for taqes, a performance that masterfully blends contemporary ballet with Indigenous storytelling. The evening will also feature Bolero, choreographed by Guillame Cote and The Cowboy Act, choreographed by Cameron Fraser-Monroe. To bring the evening full circle, stay after the show for a talkback with Cameron Fraser-Monroe and the dancers, where you can delve deeper into the themes and choreography of these powerful work.
Event Schedule:
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or contact our box office at 604-391-7469.
Celebrate the start of our season with a night of transformative stories and breathtaking performances!
Ballet Kelowna Website
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Pre-show Exhibit by the Stó:lō Salsih Weavers!
Story Weavings and exhibit curated by Stó:lō Salish Weaver Silixwiye, Joy Hall
Stó:lō Master Salish Weaver – Teqwotenot, Frieda George
Stó:lō Salish Weaver – Poleqtenot, Saylesh Wesley
Stó:lō Salish Weaver – Teqwotenot, Roxanne Dool
Stó:lō Salish Weaver – Gwasgwasinek, Natalie Jimmie
Salsih Story Weavings of Solh Temewx
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
Taqəš and Other Works
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