Kelsey Lewis joined Ballet BC as one of four Emerging Artists in the 2024/25 season, following her experience with the company’s 44 Summer Intensive.
Hailing from New York City and having trained with The Juilliard School, Kelsey’s introduction to Ballet BC came in the form of her acceptance to the 44 Summer Intensive in summer 2023. During the intensive, Kelsey had the opportunity to work with Ballet BC company artists, Artistic Director Medhi Walerski, and a number of other collaborators while experiencing the life of a professional dancer and learning company repertoire.
Programs like 44 allow pre-professional dancers to gain the artistry and versatility required for dancers with the world’s leading contemporary ballet companies. We asked Kelsey about her experiences with 44 and her time so far as an Emerging Artist.
Can you briefly share your journey from being accepted to the 44 Summer Intensive to becoming an Emerging Artist with Ballet BC?
I applied for the 44 Summer Intensive during my second year at Juilliard. I was accepted and participated in the intensive during the summer of 2023. My two weeks spent at the intensive was a fulfilling experience for me. Being able to learn from artists within the company as well as being exposed to repertoire that the company performed truly pushed me to demand more of myself as a young artist. Being in that space of an overflow of beautiful art made me eager to continue my experience with the company, ultimately leading to my desire to audition for Ballet BC. Receiving the news that I was selected as an Emerging Artist brought so much fulfillment to my heart as I knew that my experiences during 44 would be amplified with even more moments with the company.
How did the 44 Summer Intensive program shape your path and prepared you for a professional career? What specific aspects of the program made a lasting impact on you?
44 was a beautiful and effective way of giving me a glimpse into what life is like on a full scale being within the company. From learning repertoire, to being a part of a new creation, and collaborating with other artists, 44 incorporated many important aspects of what a professional artist’s day would entail within the company. One aspect of the program that I truly enjoyed was learning repertory. I had the chance to learn two contrasting works, Silent Tides and Heart Drive. Both works were both physically and mentally demanding yet it brought me so much joy to push myself in new ways. I also really enjoyed the lunch talks we had during the program as it allowed for me to connect with company members on a more intellectual level while also getting more detailed aspects of the company beyond the dancing.
Being selected as a 44 Summer Intensive participant is a significant achievement. What did it mean to you personally, and how do you see the program supporting emerging dancers as they transition into the professional world?
Being selected as a 44 participant granted me a sense of encouragement to be a part of a program of such high artistic caliber. I left the intensive feeling inspired by the information that I received throughout the two weeks. For me, this program is a great stepping stone for transitioning into the professional world. I had the chance to be exposed to works that were done in the company while still working with other young artists. Also, having a glimpse into a day by day schedule of company life helped me get a sense of the physical and mental demands of a professional. The 44 Summer Intensive created a safe and inviting space for young artists to express and cultivate their own voices on a professional level.
What is it about Ballet BC that drew you to audition for the company?
One of the aspects that really drew me to Ballet BC was the different repertories that the company performs. Ballet BC falls under many different umbrellas when it comes to the works that are brought in. There is so much beauty in how Ballet BC seamlessly performs so many different techniques in each of their pieces. Another aspect of Ballet BC that I was drawn to was this sense of community that I felt from the moment that I participated 44. Seeing how the company members worked together to teach during the intensive was a testament to how well they work together in a work space. That is also the beauty of the company being on a smaller scale, as it allows for more room to create stronger connections with those you work with everyday.
In your first season as an Emerging Artist, you have already had the opportunity to perform on some big stages including Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Théâtre Maisonneuve and The Soraya. Can you describe what those experiences have been like?
Being able to perform as an Emerging Artist on multiple stages has been nothing short of invigorating. Each time that I get to perform with the company on these grand stages fills my heart with so much gratitude. I always get a rush of excitement when the curtains come up and I see the audience for the first time. It’s been a delight to have so many new experiences in just my first few months with the company. I’ve been able to experience touring and flying to different places such as Montreal, Ottawa, and Los Angeles. I’ve also been able to perform with live music which was another unforgettable experience. The highlight of it all is being a part of the process leading up to these performances and witnessing first hand how these works come to life. There is so much joy that comes from bowing after these performances and hearing the roar of applause from the audience.
I’m having such a beautiful time with Ballet BC and I’m excited to see what’s to come!
Ballet BC’s Winter Campaign runs until December 31, 2024. When you make a gift to Ballet BC, you empower aspiring artists like Kelsey to achieve their dreams of a professional dance career.
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