The Manitoba government has announced $7.5 million in funding for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) campus capital project.

Flanked by RWB student dancers, Premier Heather Stefanson made the announcement from the company’s Founders’ Studio. 

“Manitoba’s internationally-renowned Royal Winnipeg Ballet has a long, proud tradition of excellence in training, creativity and performance,” said Stefanson. “Our government is proud to support our arts and culture organizations who play a significant role in fostering the development of tomorrow’s creative minds. This project benefits thousands of dancers, students and community members who access the ballet’s programming each year, while also supporting a vibrant downtown.”

Phase two of the project will see infrastructure improvements to the RWB studios, including energy efficiency measures and fully integrating the studios with the new studio living centre completed as part of phase one. 

In addition to the province’s pledge, the $30 million dollar campus expansion and modernization project has already secured $15 million in private funding and is slated for completion in March 2024. 

RWB Artistic Director and CEO André Lewis spoke with Classic 107’s Simeon Rusnak shortly after the announcement. 

Fast Forward

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents their celebration of contemporary dance works in Fast Forward. 

Taking place in the Founders’ Studio, the program features choreography by National Ballet’s Principal Dancer Guillaume Côté, RWB School’s resident choreographer Gabriela Rehak, Alumnus Cameron Fraser-Monroe and current Company Dancer Stephan Azulay. 

“It’s an opportunity to explore new possibilities for ballet,” says RWB Artistic Director and CEO André Lewis.

The RWB plans to donate 100% of the proceeds from Fast Forward tickets to the Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal established by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. 

For tickets and more details, visit: www.rwb.org