First Native ballet launched

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John Kim Bell, founder and president of the Canadian Native Arts Foundation (CNAF) hosted an official ceremony Feb. 4 to launch the first full-length Native contemporary ballet, In The Land of Spirits.

The ballet will make its debut at a gala performance at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa in November with a subsequent national tour extending into 1989.

"In The Land of Spirits is unique because never before has a major artistic production, produced by a Native organization been staged for a Native and non-Native audience," said Bell. "The ballet will be promoted to bring Canadian Native culture to mainstream Canada with Native involvement at every level of production."

The ballet is adapted from the Ojibway creation story, the Legend of Winona. It will meld traditional Native mythology, culture and music with state of the art technology.

Professionally trained ballet dancers of Native descent will be featured in the lead roles, with sets designed by esteemed Native artist, Maxine Noel. The original score will be provided by noted Hungarian composure Miklos Massey who has also studied traditional Native music.

The Canadian Native Arts Foundation was founded in 1985 by John Kim Bell, a former apprentice conductor with the Toronto Symphony and New York Philharmonic Orchestras. The CNAF, a non-profit organization, was established to support and promote talented, young Canadian Native artists who would not otherwise enjoy the opportunity to do so.

For further information please call, Judy Tobe (416) 588-3328.