Contemporary ballet will blend with Indigenous storytelling during the 2024/2025 season opener at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
Ballet Kelowna presents Taqəš and Other Works on Sept. 14. In addition to the show, there will also be an opening reception for a Salish weaving exhibition, plus a traditional welcome, and more.
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.
Choreographer Cameron Fraser-Monroe uses his classical ballet training and weaves it together with traditional Coast Salish grass and hoop dancing in this performance.
Set to several songs by Polaris Prize-winning composer and singer Jeremy Dutcher, Taqəš tells the traditional story of “Raven Returns to Water” which centres around ῤoho (raven) and walθ (frog).
Before the performance, the evening will begin with a traditional welcome from Chief Johnathon Prest and Elder Eddie Gardner of the Sqwá (Skwah) First Nation.
People can also take in Stó:lō Salish weaving exhibit Salish Story Weavings of S'olh Temexw, curated by Joy Hall. The display features intricate designs and profound narratives woven into each piece made by the following Sto:lo Salish weavers: Teqwotenot, Frieda George (master weaver); Poleqtanot, Saylesh Wesley; Teqwotenot, Roxanne Dool; and Gwasgwasinek, Natalie Jimmie.
The exhibit celebrates the rich cultural heritage, oral histories, and transformation stories of Sólh Téméxw (Our Land) and the Stó:lō people. Emcee Á'a Líya Warbus will explain the cultural journey of the woven pieces.
The weaving exhibition will be on display until January.
Visitors will have the chance to support the preservation and revitalization of the Halq'eméylem language by donating to the Stó:lō Shxwelí Halq'eméylem language program. A donation box will be available on-site throughout the evening.
Stó:lō Bannock will also be on site serving traditional appetizers.
Also, just before the evening’s main event, people will hear from choreographer Fraser-Monroe. His introduction will give a glimpse into the creative process behind the ballet, plus he will also speak at the end of the performance as well.
Taqəš and Other Works will also feature Bolero, choreographed by Guillame Côté and The Cowboy Act, choreographed by Fraser-Monroe.
Event schedule:
- 6 p.m. - Doors open
- 6:30 p.m. - Welcome ceremony by Chief Johnathon Prest and Elder Eddie Gardner
- 6:35 p.m. - Salish weaving exhibit with introduction by emcee Á'a Líya Warbus
- 7 p.m. - Reception and exhibit viewing with Stó:lō Bannock
- 7:30 p.m. - Season launch welcome ceremony, followed by Ballet Kelowna’s Taqəš performance
- Post-performance: Talkback with Cameron Fraser-Monroe
Taqәš and Other Works by Ballet Kelowna is coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $49 with discounts for those in the Patron Programs and can be purchased at the Centre Box Office, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).
