Testimonials - Ballet Kelowna

	Said and Written about Ballet Kelowna
	Official Endorsements	Choreography Testimonials
	“Communities that will bloom and prosper in the global economy are those communities that embrace the arts. Ballet Kelowna, thru its mere presence brings to the Okanagan an immeasurable asset in assisting the Region in attracting and retaining talented, creative people and gives the Okanagan the competitive advantage to survive and thrive in an ever changing economy.” Robert Fine Director of Economic Development Economic Development Commission Regional District of Central Okanagan Congratulations to Ballet Kelowna. On behalf of Kelowna City Council, I would like to congratulate Artists Director, David LaHay and Ballet Kelowna as they begin their fifth performance year. Kelowna has benefited from Ballet Kelowna’s presentations of exquisite ballets performed by talented dancers each fall and spring at the Kelowna Community Theatre. As Mayor of our fine city, I am proud to recognize them as cultural ambassadors for Kelowna taking professional ballet to many communities through British Columbia. Ballet Kelowna provides employment ad artistic opportunities to Canada’s young dancers and emerging choreographers who live, work, and visit Kelowna. Thank you for creating such beauty and contributing to the arts community in such a significant way. Yours very truly, Sharon Shepherd MAYOR	Spring Season 2008 I Love them all! The dancers are incredibly versatile and exquisite to watch – simply amazing. I enjoy seeing the talent of our Canadian choreographers. Affairs of the Heart Affairs of the Heart was my favorite. I find it very emotional and can see the effect it has on the dancers. I tear up everytime I see it. I have seen this several times and it continues to grow in depth. Lake Country. My most favourite was Affairs of the Heart because it was so raw and showed how much range of emotion Angel Jutzi had. The Bornonville Pas de Deux was my fave. The dancer made it light and enjoyable. However, Affairs of the Heart was very moving. Both myself and granddaughter had tears brought to our eyes in part because of how the dancers made us feel. Prince George Audience Survey Response to D.A. Hoskins Commission “Affairs of the Heart” – Saturday, September 22, 2007 It was the most moving and emotional piece I’ve ever seen. As a dancer, I thought to myself as the piece progressed, “This is why I dance.” I was moved to the point of tears throughout the whole work. The music was fantastic and the fluidity was superb in all the movement and the partner work amazing. I’m sure never to forget the dance. One of the best dances I’ve seen in my life. I’m very impressed and have an even stronger respect for Ballet Kelowna. The Red Nocturnal It was perfect. Costume, the dance, performance style . . . Beautiful and passionate. Ft. St. John Allegro Per Tre Allegro Per Tre- the beauty of the tu-tus, the classical ballet moves, the romance of the male and female dance, the wonder of such perfectly fit bodies each combined to brignme to tear for a good half of the performations. I also loved Etude, although it seems too short.
	The testimonials below are a few samples of the many emails and notes that Artistic Director, David LaHay receives after a Ballet Kelowna performance.
	From: Bill & Fran Subject: Thank You! Dear Mr. LaHay, A brief note to congratulate you and your corps de ballet for another outstanding evening in Vernon this past weekend. The evolution of the company in just a short five years is nothing less than breathtaking. Your programs are invariably diverse and exciting - but congratulations - in particular, this year - for commisioning an original choreography and including live accompaniment. It was sensational! You can be assured that our enthusiasm was shared by all the members of the audience we encountered as we departed. Thank you ALL for the wonderful contribution you make to the cultural life of this beautiful valley. Yours sincerely, Bill and Fran Vernon, B. C From: Denise Subject: Saturday eve. Performance Hello, I just want to say what an incredible evening you gave to all of us who attended your performance on Saturday evening. I had no idea of the calibre and artistry of your ensemble. The entire evening from beginning to end was totally professional and on the level of dance performances of a large city. My husband is from Edinburgh and he too feels your performance was equal to or better than some performances he has seen at the Edinburgh festival. Today I feel nourished in my soul by the beauty and artistry of last night, and two of the pieces brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. Selling ballet in a hockey town is difficult, but PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP. I shall do what I can to tell people I know about your work, the more the word is spread the more you can fill the hall, of course. I will be there at your next performance. I work near Vernon, if you email me your poster I shall print it out and put it up at the school I work at. All the best to you and keep believing that what you are giving is beautiful and wonderful. Denise	From: Michael Subject: Performance in Fort St. John Hi there, I would just like to say how very much my daughters and I enjoyed the performance last evening in Fort St. John. I also would like to take the opportunity to say how much I appreciate what you (Mr. Lehay) have given the North by bringing such an opportunity for cultural exposure to our children. We traveled from Hudson's Hope (an hour and a half drive this time of the year) last evening so that we could experience the beauty of ballet.... and what an experience it was. My two daughters have not stopped talking about it. My exposure to ballet as a child was an incentive to bring my children to it as I knew that if they saw it once they would forever fall in love. Bravo... keep up the good work! We shall see you again next year.... we hope! Barbara, Leah, and Shellsea From: Kim & Glenn Subject: To Thank You Applause does not adequately communicate my gratitude to the performers of the Kelowna Ballet. I wanted to take the time to thank you and your director Mr. LeHay for such a heartfelt performance last night in Fort St. John! After moving to northern BC 3 years ago from Toronto, I did not realize how much I was missing dance. We are fortunate to have a limited amount of musical and theatrical productions, but very little dance. I hope you will continue to tour the north in your future productions. I was delighted to be able to expose my children to the fairy tale magic of classical ballet , and also the freedom of your modern pieces. They are all "light on their toes" this morning! My sincere thanks once again, Kim Audience Survey Response to D.A. Hoskins Commission “Affairs of the Heart” – Saturday, September 22, 2007 It was the most moving and emotional piece I’ve ever seen. As a dancer, I thought to myself as the piece progressed, “This is why I dance.” I was moved to the point of tears throughout the whole work. The music was fantastic and the fluidity was superb in all the movement and the partner work amazing. I’m sure never to forget the dance. One of the best dances I’ve seen in my life. I’m very impressed and have an even stronger respect for Ballet Kelowna.