Jan. 23, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EDMONTON – For one night only, ballet’s big night takes place this Saturday for Alberta Ballet’s Winter Gala, which features the full company and many up-and-coming dancers including a 17-year-old from Grande Prairie who is training with Alberta Ballet School. 

The showcase brings together more than 130 performers from Alberta Ballet Company and Alberta Ballet School, including Grande Prairie native, Lindi Denkema. Denkema, who is in Grade 11, began dancing in her hometown at a young age and went on to Alberta Ballet School after attending Summer Intensives, and the Affiliates Program. She auditioned and was accepted for Alberta Ballet School’s full-time academic and artistic program in Grade 9. (In addition to the world-renowned artistic curriculum, Alberta Ballet School’s academic program is ranked sixth out of Alberta’s 292 secondary schools.)

“I always knew about Alberta Ballet School, but I was only able to attend through the programs they brought to my town,” Denkema said. “I’m thankful for this because it allowed me to further my training in Grande Prairie until I was ready to move to Calgary.” 

Alberta Ballet's Taryn Samson, Director, Community Programs, said aspiring young dancers can access Alberta Ballet School training and programs through community outreach, the Affiliates Program, Masterclasses, and audition tours. 

“We recognize that Alberta has a lot of passionate and talented young dancers who are hungry for more opportunities to grow, but accessibility can be a barrier,” Samson said. “We can bring Alberta Ballet School training to these students and we hope to expand to more communities in the future to break down those barriers for even more children.”

From participating in classes at her local studio to performing with Alberta Ballet’s top talent, media are invited to speak with Denkema about her experience before she hits the Jubilee stage this Saturday in The Winter Gala. For tickets, visit albertaballet.com. 

Please email communications@albertaballet.com to arrange interviews with Denkema and Samson. 

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About Alberta Ballet 

Alberta Ballet ignites the curiosity and imagination of people in communities across the province, and beyond, by championing their stories and experiences through dance training, creation, and performances. Through both the originality of its programming and the talent of its classically-trained dancers, Alberta Ballet has become a world-class arts organization Albertans are proud to call their own.

About Alberta Ballet School

Alberta Ballet School is a comprehensive training facility for aspiring young dancers looking for a career in professional dance. Hosting more than 100 students from all corners of the globe at any one time, Alberta Ballet School graduates go on to secure professional dance jobs at notable companies all over the world. Alberta Ballet School is also the feeder training program for Alberta Ballet Company.