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RWB dances way to surplus on last season’s operations

Despite a difficult economic climate and increased competition for entertainment dollars last year, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet had a spring in its financial step in 2011-12.

At its annual general meeting on Wednesday night, the RWB announced a surplus of $71,805 on last season’s operations. Executive director Jeff Herd cited the company’s ability to innovate and collaborate as the keys to its financial stability.

"We believe that it’s becoming more important to have a creative and agile organization to respond to changing trends and desires from our audiences," Herd said in a released statement. "Our unique partnerships, new touring models and exciting collaborations and projects are examples of the way the RWB is proactively ensuring a secure future for this organization."

Among the highlights of the RWB’s 2011-12 season were two new works from acclaimed choreographers, a northern-Manitoba tour (the company’s first in half-a-century), tours of the U.S. and Canada, and co-production of a new creation by international dance star Twyla Tharp.

The RWB’s touring production of Moulin Rouge — The Ballet drew sold-out crowds during its 17-city U.S. tour; by the end of its run last April, the ballet, which had its premiere in 2009, had been seen by more than 100,000 people, making it the most successful production in RWB history.

The RWB’s 2012-13 season opens Oct. 17 with the Canadian premiere of Twyla Tharp’s The Princess and the Goblin, an international co-production with Atlanta Ballet. The season schedule also includes the festive classic Nutcracker (Dec. 20-30), The Sleeping Beauty (March 6-10) and Moulin Rouge — The Ballet (May 1-5).

History

Updated on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 1:33 PM CDT: Corrects date of Nutcracker.

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