Mission Dance Company presents
20th ANNIVERSARY GALA

Mission Dance Company presents an exciting and exclusive ‘Red-Carpet’ Gala in celebration of its 20th Anniversary with Evelyn Hart, our Honourary Guest and Canadian Ballet Icon.

This ONE NIGHT ONLY Gala brings together some of the most recognized and beloved ballet, flamenco, modern & neo-classical works from around the world. This will be a truly stunning ‘must-see’ event featuring special performances by Artistic Director, Tanya Vadurova-Bakala, Principal Artists; Annette Bakala; Olivia Latendresse, and celebrated local musicians.

The funds raised from this event will go to support and enhance the Mission Dance Company mandate of providing Dance and Mentorship Education, Career Development & Professional Guidance, and extensive Live Performance Opportunities for all Emerging Dance Artists in the Okanagan Valley. This one night only event looks to celebrate the many milestones the company has achieved over its 20-year history and its ongoing contributions to the rich artistic and cultural landscape of the city, and region.

Mission Dance Company productions aim to inspire and excite audiences and to ignite the heart of our community!

Join us Friday March 15th, 2024 at 7:30pm and show your support of Mission Dance Company as it launches its next 20 years here in the heart of the Okanagan.

HIGHLIGHTS of this full evening of dance performances include:

*Experience the walk down the red carpet and have your photo taken on Gala night;

*Come down memory lane with us to remember all the achievements of Mission Dance Centre & Company over the last 20 years;

*Witness the powerful and stirring performances of Mission Dance Company Performers & Gala Featured Artists;

*Be inspired by the very special appearance of our Honourary Guest, Evelyn Hart;

*Experience a featured performance by Artistic Director, Tanya Vadurova-Bakala;

*Attend the post-performance reception to meet & greet your favourite dancers and VIP ticket holders will have bonuses and the rare opportunity to attend a private ‘VIP’ post-show reception with Evelyn Hart and Tanya Vadurova-Bakala;

*Everyone will have the chance to bid on a selection of unique silent auction items, purchase a signed poster by the stars, and have your photo taken with their favourite dancers of the Mission Dance Company!

Ticket details:

PREMIUM TICKETS INCLUDE: Premium seating + exclusive opportunity to get a photo taken with Evelyn Hart & receive a complimentary signed poster by Evelyn Hart.

VIP TICKETS INCLUDE: Premium seating, exclusive opportunity to get a photo taken with Evelyn Hart, receive a complimentary poster signed by Evelyn Hart + complimentary glass of champagne PLUS private reception with Evelyn Hart (Honourary Guest), Tanya Vadurova-Bakala (Artistic Director) and principal dancers.

About Evelyn Hart:

As ballet dancers go, Evelyn Hart started her training late, making her sterling career and accomplishments all the more remarkable.

Born in Toronto in 1956, she began her training at 14, in London, Ont. She attended the National Ballet School in Toronto before moving to Winnipeg at 17 to study at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s professional division. She joined the RWB corps de ballet in 1976, was promoted to soloist in 1978 and to principal dancer in 1979.

In 1980, Hart won a bronze medal at the World Ballet Competition in Japan; later that year, Hart became the first Canadian to win a gold medal at the International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria – considered the Olympics of ballet – for the pas de deux Belong, choreographed by Norbert Vesak.

Besides her spectacular artistic accomplishments, Hart is recognized for her contribution to the development of the RWB and the art form of dance as a whole. Many of the classics of the company’s repertoire (including Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty) were brought in specifically to showcase her talents.

Her biography, "Evelyn Hart: An Intimate Portrait", by celebrated Vancouver dance critic Max Wyman, was published in 1991; Moment of Light: The Dance of Evelyn Hart, a 50-minute film by Winnipeg filmmaker Gordon Reeve, debuted on national television in 1992.

In 2005, Hart left the RWB to dance as a freelance artist. On Aug. 23, 2006, she danced her swan song at the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario. She also danced as a guest artist with Toronto’s ProArteDanza, ending a 31-year career.

Hart’s awards and honours include: the Officer of the Order of Canada (1983), elevated to Companion in 1994; Jean A. Chalmers Award (2000); inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in Toronto (2000); named a “Friend” by Vancouver’s “Friends for Life” for her lifetime contribution to the organization (2000); Lifetime Artistic Achievement (Dance) Governor Generals Performing Arts Award (2001); two ACTRA Awards for best variety performer; YM-YWCA Woman of the Year (1987); Laureate of Excellence, University of Manitoba Health Science Centre Foundation; honorary doctorates from the University of Manitoba and McMaster University (Hamilton); Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2006); Member of the Order of Manitoba (2006).

(Biography source: The Nellie McClung Foundation).