As a dancer, a leader, and the company's founding President, Jean Orr has been part of Ballet BC's story since before it had a name. At 96 years old, she sat down with us to reflect on a life devoted to dance and why she still believes the best is yet to come.
Can you tell us about yourself?
My name is Jean Orr and I am one of the founders of Ballet BC. My story began in Edinburgh, Scotland with a Scottish mother and an English father, but I was raised on the prairies in Saskatoon when life brought my family to Canada. I have always felt deeply, proudly Canadian.
I married a Montrealer and lived in Quebec for a few years before moving to BC for my husband’s career years later. I have 6 children, 19 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. I wanted two children, my husband wanted four and somehow we ended up with six!
What inspired you to become a dancer?
My mother simply loved dance. She had me start out with Highland dance back in Saskatchewan—swords and all—but everything changed when someone suggested I try ballet. Before long, dance had consumed my life, and I was in the studio five days a week.
What did early career look like for you?
We moved to Ottawa when I was a teenager and I joined the Ottawa Classical Ballet. I will never forget when the company mounted Giselle for the first time in Canada – I was only 18 years old, playing the titular role accompanied by a full orchestra. By 1951, I was a member of the first professional company of the Winnipeg Ballet. We toured from coast to coast, eventually performing for Princess Elizabeth the year before she became Queen – it was that very performance that earned the company the title “Royal”.
What was it like to be the founding President of Ballet BC?
A short while after my husband and I moved to Vancouver, I became the founding President of Ballet BC. It was a thrilling time of creation, sparked by the vision of David Y.H. Lui. David was a marvelous impresario who brought world-famous works to Vancouver. He was determined to see Ballet BC succeed and he saw to it.
I often wonder how we managed in those early days. Our dancers were nomadic, rehearsing in any space we could find across the city. Yet, from the very beginning, we performed on the stage of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre – David made sure of that.
We were one of the first organizations to ever do a car raffle. It was the most successful thing we did for several years in a row.
How does it feel to see the organization where it is today?
When I look at where Ballet BC stands today, “remarkable” is the only word I can use. I am so immensely proud of what this company has achieved. To the board members past and present: thank you for your tireless work. To see our company finally settled in its own home on Granville Island is truly impressive.
What does your involvement with BBC and dance look like at this stage of your career?
I still love attending performances, though at 96 years old, my own dancing days are behind me. It brings me such joy to see the company constantly moving forward, enhancing the experience for new generations of audiences. I truly cannot wait to see the next program.
Our success is a story that defies comprehension. When David, Sheila Begg, and I began this journey, we never imagined Ballet BC would become the global force it is today. My only wish is that David was here to see it.
Why should people support Ballet BC?
I hope you find inspiration in my story and choose to be a part of this company’s astonishing future. It fills my heart to see how far we have come and I would be so honoured to have you join us for the journey ahead. Please consider a gift to our Spring Matching Campaign today, your support will have twice the impact as we build a wonderful future for the next generation of dancers and dance lovers.
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT
