Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Ottawa honours RWB's Spohr

Ottawa's National Arts Centre is flying its flags at half-mast in honour of the late Arnold Spohr, whose dance troupe is there this week.

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is performing its recent full-length work Moulin Rouge Thursday to Saturday in NAC's largest venue, the 2,300-seat Southam Hall.

Related Items

Spohr, who built the RWB into an international presence during his tenure as artistic director from 1958 to 1988, died on Monday. He was 86.

"Arnold Spohr was a true beacon for Canadian dance and dancers," NAC dance producer Cathy Levy said in a statement.

"His commitment and love for the art form was infectious, and he has left behind numerous generations of dancers touched by his passion."

NAC, a federally funded performing arts venue, plays home to a symphony orchestra and a theatre and opera company.

It regularly presents the work of arts companies from across the country. In the spring of 2011 it will host a two-week event, Prairie Scene, highlighting the arts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Spohr was a Companion of the Order of Canada and a member of the Order of Manitoba. He received the Canada Dance Award and the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards for lifetime achievement in dance in 1998.

The RWB, led by artistic director André Lewis for the past 13 years, will close its home season in Winnipeg with a remount of Val Caniparoli's A Cinderella Story April 28-May 2 at the Centennial Concert Hall.

(You must be logged in to post your reaction)

Your reaction?

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

Poll

Manitoba has introduced legislation making helmets mandatory for cyclists under age 18. What's your opinion?

View Results

View Related Story

Proudly brought to you by:

The Dilawri Group

Ads by Google