Ballet B.C. says goodbye to dancers and hello to several new faces

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      Ballet B.C. is welcoming five new dancers and four apprentices, and has moved one of its starring members up to Artist in Residence.

      The new members are Andrew Bartee, from the Pacific Northwest Ballet; Vancouver-born Christoph von Riedemann, from the Arts Umbrella dance program; Goh Ballet Academy grad and Washington Ballet alumnus Kirsten Wicklund; Richmond native Tara Williamson, of Alberta Ballet and Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal; and Scott Fowler, who has been a Ballet B.C. apprentice.

      "We are thrilled to be bringing in these new artists, whose unique individuality and passion will contribute in exciting ways to our artistic vision and future," artistic director Emily Molnar said in a press statement. 

      Leaving Ballet B.C. are some of its standout male performers: Vancouver-raised Alexander Burton, Thibaut Eiferman, and Daniel Marshalsay, as well as dancer Emilie Durville. No reasons were given for their departures.

      “We wish them much success as they embark on the next phase in their careers," Molnar said.

      Dario Dinuzzi, a four-year member of the company, starts his duties as Artist in Residence in the upcoming season. The position allows him to explore choreography, as well as develop skills in areas like teaching and rehearsal direction. Dinuzzi got his start performing as a juggler and flamespitter in Italy before studying dance. Then, he joined the Astra Roma Ballet, the junior company of Balletto di Toscana in Florence, and the acclaimed Aterballetto. As a choreographer, he presented works in Serata Carta Bianca with Aterballetto, part of Otello by Walter Matteini, and for the Junior Arts Umbrella Company. He has also created for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and Ballet B.C.’s choreographic workshop.

      The new apprentices at the company are Quebec native Nicholas Bellefleur, Halifax's Zoe Michalik, Japan-born Keigo Nozaki, and Vancouver's Maya Tenzer.

      Dario Dinuzzi becomes Ballet B.C.'s Artist in Residence.
      Michael Slobodian

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