Canada, we are coming back with one of the most breathtaking ballet productions of all time. This death-defying love story, “Giselle”, is a masterpiece in two acts with music by Adolphe Adam, and choreography by Marius Petipa, from Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot.

First created in 1884 for the Imperial Russian Ballet, Petipa’s definitive version was performed by the Russian Ballets (Ballets Russes) in 1910 at the Palais Garnier. The role of “Giselle” is one of the most sought-after characters in ballet. It demands both technical perfection, and outstanding grace, as well as great dramatic skill.

In the first act, Giselle has to convey the innocence and love of a country girl, and the heartbreak of being betrayed. In the second act Giselle must seem otherworldly yet loving and forgiving.

Today one of the most accomplished dancers to perform this role is the world-famous Petra Conti, the prima ballerina for The Great Russian Ballet, previously with Mariinsky, LA Scala and Los Angeles Ballet. The role of Prince Albert will be performed by Alexandr Stoyanov known as one of the most skilled, gracious and dramatic principal dancers in the world. On this Canadian tour, they will be joined by an all-star cast of 40 highly skilled ballet dancers from Moscow, all trained in the Vaganova method.

Enjoy a fantastic journey, through epically decorated sets, fabulous costumes and a masterful
choreography, that leads the heart through this touching and deeply romantic love story.

April 24, 7:30 PM - Centennial Concert Hall 
Buy tickets here

Winnipeg's Contemporary Dancers is thrilled to announce that Jolene Bailie will be the incoming Artistic Director!

Jolene Bailie is a choreographer, director, and producer of contemporary dance. Her work reflects on humanness, soul, and identity to express a deeply human experience that is honest, complex, and thorough.

Jolene has presented shows annually in Winnipeg since 2000 and toured her work to national and international critical acclaim. 

“As the incoming Artistic Director, I am looking forward to an exciting 2019-2020 season, investing in Winnipeg Artists, and pursuing growth and excellence.” – Jolene Bailie

Click here to read more about Jolene.

Over the last 50 years Folklorama has had many exciting milestones.  With feedback collected at a workshop held in the fall with some of our past presidents, some major highlights of the Festival have been selected.  We are looking for your help in submitting photos of these special occasions from the past 50 years.
 
The selected highlights are as follows:

• First Festival – 1970
• Introduction of the Passport to encourage pavilion hopping – 1971
• Evolution of the Folklorama logo to represent the four corners of the world – 1980
• Introduction of The Folklorama Llama –1984
• Royal recognition of Princess Anne – 1985
• First year Folklorama was celebrated over two weeks – 1987
• Major international recognition (CIOFF, Disney World, #1 Event in North America) – 1994
• Introduction of VIP World Tours for Winnipeggers – 2000
• Royal Recognition of Queen Elizabeth II – 2010

 
I hope that you will take a look through your photos and see if there are any you can share of these specific milestones! We are also looking for additional photos throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
 
Photos can be dropped off to the office, sent by mail or e-mailed in to archives@folklorama.ca
 
A few things to consider when selecting photos:

• The highlights and photos should ideally be Folklorama focused rather than pavilion specific  
• Provide as much information as possible (e.g. your name on the photo, year of photo, where photo was taken, and who is in the photo)
• Provide these photos in an envelope or  zip lock bag so we can keep them organized.
• Photos that you contribute will be returned in the same condition received. These photos will also be used for a project that will be on display at the 2019 Ambassador Inaugural Ceremony.

 
We are hoping to have all photos collected by February 19, 2019.

Apply Now
Application Deadline: Tuesday April 30, 2019

For performing artists wanting to tour Manitoba, your best bet is to apply to showcase for arts organizations at MB Showcase. Applications are now open at iWantToShowcase.ca for performers of all types, from music (traditional, contemporary, classical, jazz, hip hop etc.), dance, theatre, and variety acts.  Manitoba Showcase 2019 will be held October 24th-27th in Winkler, MB and will feature 15 - 20 performing artists.
 
Artists are selected by a jury to perform in three live showcases at the P. W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall, for an audience of arts organizations (presenters) seeking to book acts to tour to their communities in 2020/21. Following the conference, Manitoba Arts Network will coordinate block booked tours of the showcasing artists throughout the province based on interest generated by arts orgs who attended MB Showcase. 
 
Besides being an opportunity to showcase, the conference also features seminars, workshops, one on one meetings, an artist tradeshow exhibit room and networking events, all focused towards connecting artists, agents, industry professionals, and arts presenters.
 
Manitoba Arts Network is the only organization that showcases and coordinates tours in Manitoba, generating $120,000 - $180,000 in artist fees throughout the year. Showcasing artists can receive up to four years of on-going bookings based on their performance at MB Showcase.
 
For any questions on applying to Manitoba Showcase, please contact Thomas Kintel at performingarts@mbartsnet.ca

​On behalf of Matthew Sobocan, Chair, Scholarship Committee, we are pleased to announce Folklorama’s continued support of the Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship for Excellence.  This annual award of excellence for the preservation of ethno-cultural heritage is presented to students who demonstrate an active involvement in their culture through volunteer work, employment or contributions to a cultural activity within Manitoba.
 
Five post-secondary scholarships of $1,000 each and one post-graduate scholarship of $2,500 will be awarded to students between the ages of 17 and 25 who are enrolled at or have been accepted to a post-secondary school in Canada.
 
The application forms and reference guidelines can be found on our website.  The deadline to apply is Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 5:00pm.
 
If you have any questions, please email Richele Philippot, Executive Assistant, at rphilippot@folklorama.ca to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

​Be the first to get your tickets to what is sure to be the biggest social of the year.
Tickets to The Great Manitoba Social are available for purchase.  Click here to get your tickets now!
 
All members of the community are warmly welcomed to attend this special evening

The Dance Current is dedicated to broadening the expertise of who’s writing about dance!

As part of our efforts to respectfully represent the breadth of dance forms practised in Canada, The Dance Current (TDC) is seeking dance artists with writing experience to review and illuminate dances and dance forms that are underserved or marginalized by traditional discourse. We aim to make space for dancers or writers with dance expertise who are interested in critically engaging with performance in relation to their own practices, communities, sensibilities and ways of being.

 Deadline: this is an ongoing call.

If you’re interested, contact TDC editor Emma Doran at dc.editor@thedancecurrent.com or by phone at 1(800) 891-7019. Please indicate where in Canada you’re located, what dance/performance form(s) you’re knowledgeable in and any ideas you’re curious about.

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About The Dance Current

The Dance Current magazine takes the reader inside the art and culture of dance in Canada. The publication has two components: a bi-monthly print magazine and a supplementary web component highlighting performance reviews from across the country and providing online resources for dancers and audiences.

Regular print issues include artist profiles, interviews, feature articles, opinions and critical commentary from people in the profession, plus event highlights to keep readers informed about upcoming performances.

Learn more about TDC >> thedancecurrent.com/about-us