Kelowna

Photo: Adam Proskiw

Photo: Adam Proskiw

Photo: Adam Proskiw

Photo: Adam Proskiw

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Shoppers at Orchard Park Mall were treated to an open rehearsal of Ballet Kelowna Saturday afternoon.

The session gives a glimpse into the intense training undergone by the performers and has become a twice-yearly event.

"I think I've been to every one for the last four years," said Rebecca MacKay, a long-time supporter.

Photo: Adam Proskiw

David LaHay, founding Artistic Director of Ballet Kelowna.

"They become your friends.  It'll be sad if they have to close."

Ballet Kelowna announced early February that they will be forced to bow out of the Kelowna cultural scene unless significant external financial help is secured.

The Kelowna Ballet Society will still continue to exist, but as a scaled down version of its previous self with the hope that a new group of dance enthusiasts with renewed energy and vision will build a new legacy.

With the help of financial assistance from the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation and a group of local business people, Ballet Kelowna will continue with their free outreach performance at Orchard Park shopping centre and take part in a modified spring tour in March, before their grand finales in Kelowna and Summerland on March 15 and 16.

They will also go ahead with their Flower Power performance on June 15, with the hopes of winding up the company with a clean slate. Other events expected to take place include Hot Holiday Homes in November and The Nutcracker Making Memories Dec. 8.

Program and ticket information can be found at the groups website.