Ballet Kelowna will open its 2024/25 season with a program called Ode, to mark the retirement of senior dancer Desiree Bortolussi. After 13 years with Ballet Kelowna, Bortolussi's time with the dance company will be celebrated with Ode on November 8 and 9 at the Kelowna Community Theatre.
The dancer was born and raised in Kelowna, BC on the unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan. She began her training at the Canadian School of Ballet.
After graduating in 2012, Bortolussi started her apprenticeship with Ballet Kelowna and was promoted to company artist the following year.
This foundation set the stage for a celebrated career, marked by performances in works by renowned artists such as John Alleyne, James Kudelka, Simone Orlando, Alysa Pires, and Guillaume Côté, among others. As she concludes her remarkable journey with Ballet Kelowna for one more season, Bortolussi reflects with pride on her contributions to the company91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s diverse repertoire and the life-long relationships created with her beloved colleagues.
Bortolussi extends her heartfelt thanks to David LaHay for believing in her thirteen years ago, and to Simone Orlando, for her invaluable leadership, dedication, and unwavering support. She is so excited to embark on her final season with Ballet Kelowna and can91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t wait to share her love and gratitude with all who have supported her throughout her career.
After Ode, Bortolussi will be featured in the return of Simone Orlando91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s seductive Cuatro Estaciones and the riveting Bolero, from The National Ballet of Canada91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s Guillaume Côté, as well as the Canadian premiere of Trey McIntyre91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s The Reassuring Effects (of Form and Poetry).
Tickets and information are available at
