See an amazing fusion of styles for the Kelowna ballet

There’s an explosion of energy, movement and emotion as Ballet Kelowna’s dancers go through one of their routines … and this is just rehearsals.

They’re preparing for their winter mixed program, Reflections, later this month which features four short works, all by choreographers from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) communities.

When Kelowna10 paid a visit, Canadian contemporary choreographer Esie Mensah was putting seven performers through their paces for her creation: (INNER) Beings.

“It basically speaks about the inner emotional baggage that we carry,” she explained about the piece. “What would happen if we had a chance to physically interact with it; physically got a chance to get to know it, battle it. And then, it’s really the question on who becomes triumphant: does the baggage consume you or do you end up walking with pride with your baggage?”

It’s a technical and challenging performance that combines all the elements of Afrofusion, a style that Mensah has been working on for over a decade.

“It amalgamates my knowledge in traditional contemporary West African dance with urban, modern Caribbean/Latin styles, all basically, formed into one,” she said, noting it gives her the flexibility to oscillate within her movement spectrum to create the way she wants.

“I hope my work sparks a conversation and allows people to think and feel differently and to see how the power of dance can really transform not just the folks that are on stage but those that get to witness it,” she said.

Mensah’s work will run alongside another world premiere - the poignant ʔɛmaxwiygə [ehmaxweega] from Ballet Kelowna's 2022/23 Artist in Residence Cameron Fraser-Monroe. Also, in the line-up is the in-person premiere of the eloquent Stolen Tide from Ballet Kelowna's own dancer Seiji Suzuki (which premiered virtually in 2021) and the remounting of the vigorous Split House Geometric from legendary choreographer and former Artistic Director of Ballet BC John Allyene.

The whole show centres on universal themes of love, loss, compassion, and overcoming emotional trauma and it's being referred to as an evening of contemplation and reflection, ultimately underscored by a vital hopefulness that promises to leave audiences uplifted and inspired.

For artists like Mensah, having four short pieces helps make ballet more accessible to the general public and highlights what Ballet Kelowna is capable of.

“We have such a diverse field of choreographers so it’s a beautiful way to experience ballet and even more forms that can expand their view and to enjoy an evening of dance.”

The mixed program Reflections runs at the Kelowna Community Theatre Feb.17 and Feb 18. at 7:30 p.m.