Simone Orlando, new artistic director and CEO of Ballet Kelowna, has been a professional dancer and sought-after choreographer. She also has a particular affiliation with Ballet Kelowna, having created three ballets for the company.
“I have been a part of the company’s history, so it feels quite natural to be part of its future,” she says.
Through Ballet Kelowna she plans to support and mentor young professional dancers as well as offer master classes and workshops for local youth. “It’s important for young aspiring dancers to be exposed to and have the opportunity to interact with a professional company.”
Simone received her early training at Vancouver dance schools. When she was 15, Reid Anderson, Ballet BC’s artistic director, singled her out at a local dance competition and recommended that she finish her training at Toronto’s National Ballet School. When she graduated, Reid, who had just been appointed artistic director of the National Ballet of Canada, offered her a position with the company.
“It’s important for young aspiring dancers to be exposed to and have the opportunity to interact with a professional company.”
Simone also danced with Ballet BC for 13 years, where she worked with some of Canada’s most recognized choreographers. Her favourite principal roles include Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire, and Puck in The Faerie Queen.
She has performed on stages in Europe, Asia, North and South America and the Middle East. “I have to say, however, that audiences in small Canadian communities have been the most enthusiastic.”
Unfortunately, Simone sustained an injury: “I landed very awkwardly and tore the labrum in my hip while trying to work out a lift during the creation of a new ballet,” says Simone. “I had surgery to repair the tear and returned to work with Ballet BC, but the joint began to deteriorate after six months. It became apparent further surgery was required and I knew I would have to stop performing.”
Her choreographic career began while she was still dancing with Ballet BC. “I created many works for the Ballet BC Mentor program as well as independent projects. Then David LaHay invited me to be Ballet Kelowna’s first commissioned choreographer. Shortly after creating I Remember You for the company in 2005, I won the prestigious Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award and many commissions followed.”
From Simone’s early professional dancing days, she always had ideas about how to run a dance company, which led her to attend business school after her performing career was cut short in 2009. “From my perspective, the same principles and practices that are utilized to build strong businesses can and should be applied to managing a non-profit dance company.”
Simone looks forward to new approaches of helping Ballet Kelowna raise funds. “Together with the board, I will be focusing on developing and deepening relationships with audiences, donors, and supporters. I hope to provide increased opportunities for members and supporters to meet the dancers and witness the process of creating and rehearsing a new ballet.”
Simone assumes the helm at Ballet Kelowna September 1.
Read more of the original stories celebrated in our 30th-anniversary issue.
Best Cravings – Central Okanagan
Best restaurant winners - Kelowna, Lake Country and Peachland
United Way launches campaign for BC fire victims
As fires continue to devastate British Columbia, United Way is mobilizing efforts through “United for BC Wildfire Recovery,” a national initiative preparing for the recovery and rebuilding of communities across the province. Today, United Way is launching “United for...
South Okanagan Event Centre offer free ticket giveaway
Spectra Venue Management, operators of the South Okanagan Event Centre (SOEC), is launching a free ticket giveaway contest. The sweepstakes offers patrons a chance to win two tickets to every ticketed event at the South Okanagan Events Centre for one year. Starting...
Millennials gain competitive edge through YMCA employment programs
Many millennials feel lost when it comes to career planning and entering the work force. The YMCA of Okanagan is investing in this group by offering free youth employment programs to eligible individuals under 30, granting them a competitive advantage in today's...
Pelmewash Parkway transferred to Lake Country
The District of Lake Country and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure have signed an agreement for the transfer of ownership of Pelmewash Parkway. “Although we’ve had our share of challenging natural disasters and emergencies that have impacted many in...
Tedx Kelowna speakers wow sold out crowd
The 2017 TedxKelowna event was held at the stunning Quails' Gate winery property to a sold out crowd. Speakers included Ft. McMurray Fire Chief Darby Allen. After decades of fighting fires, first in his native England before immigrating to Canada, he climbed the ranks...
