The founding of Ballet Kelowna in 2002 continues the long-lasting ballet legacy of Gweneth Lloyd and Betty Farrally, co-founders of The Canadian School of Ballet (1938) and Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet (1939). The idea for starting a ballet company in Kelowna was initiated by then Canadian School of Ballet’s directors (1985-2011) Melville Brown and Lori Larson, along with Founding Artistic Director David LaHay. Ballet Kelowna, through its touring, school performances and outreach activities has visited more than 60 communities in Western Canada, giving audiences and students a wonderful opportunity to experience the energy and artistry of a professional ballet company. Under the artistic leadership of Artistic Director and CEO Simone Orlando, Ballet Kelowna brings excellent, inspiring and memorable dance to Kelowna and the Canadian west and fulfills its mandate to commission new work from emerging and established Canadian choreographers, while presenting masterworks from the world’s ballet canon.