This Indigenous choreographer brings a unique perspective to ballet

When you think of ballet, the image that comes to mind might be tutus, and gentle movement set to classical music.

But the first-ever Artist in Residence at Ballet Kelowna, is bringing a new perspective to the art.

Cameron Fraser-Monroe is a member of the Tla’amin First Nation and grew up studying various forms of Indigenous dance; grass, hoop, and a range of other stage performances. By the age of 15 he moved to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, going on to perform with several big companies.

“Like all artists, the things that come out are really a representation of my training and of my background,” Fraser-Monroe told Kelowna10 with a calm confidence. “So, you see all of that present in the work; ballet, contemporary, and traditional First Nations dance.”

His piece, ‘taqəš’ [tawKESH], is based on the traditional Coast Salish story of how Raven returns the water, a story he said is quite pertinent to the times we live in now as it deals with themes of greed and how one person controlling all the resources isn’t good for their community or themselves.

“There are not a lot of First Nations people working in ballet with these large companies,” he said. “I’m really fortunate to be here and be able to share some of that knowledge with these dancers.”

Fraser-Monroe’s piece will be one of three works featured during Ballet Kelowna’s ‘Aspirations’ program, alongside a new work by award-winning choreographer Robert Stephen and a remount of ‘Bolero’ from Guillaume Côté of The National Ballet of Canada.

The event will be running at the Kelowna Community theatre, November 4th and 5th at 7:30 p.m.