2025
Dancers
of Tomorrow

Featuring the 2025/26 Professional Program Students, Post-Graduate Students and the Alberta Ballet Trainees
Saturday, June 13, 2026 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

Francesco Ventriglia | Artistic Director, Alberta Ballet

To the Talented Students of Alberta Ballet School

The best way to predict your future is to create it.” - Abraham Lincoln

As we gather for this year's Dancers of Tomorrow, I am filled with immense pride and admiration for each of you. Your talent and dedication have illuminated our school community, and I’m excited to celebrate the remarkable journey we’ve undertaken together.

Reflecting on this season, your performances at The Winter Gala stand out, showcasing your artistry alongside our company dancers. That night was a beautiful testament to your courage and creativity, offering a glimpse into the bright futures you are building.

Tonight, you take the stage as the stars of this performance. This event isn’t just a showcase; it represents your hard work, resilience, and the incredible growth you’ve achieved throughout the year. Each of you brings a unique story and spirit that enrich our artistic family.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our dedicated faculty, whose support and guidance have been instrumental in your development. Their unwavering commitment to your success is what makes Alberta Ballet School a nurturing environment for aspiring artists.

I also want to extend my congratulations and gratitude to Ashley McNeil, our School Director, whose vision continues to inspire and shape our community. Her artistic leadership has paved the way for countless opportunities, fostering a space where creativity and talent can thrive.

Congratulations to all of you on your accomplishments, both in dance and academics. You are the heartbeat of Alberta Ballet School, inspiring us with your passion and dedication. Together, we are creating a vibrant community filled with dreams, possibilities, and endless potential.

Let’s embrace this moment and look forward to the bright paths ahead!

All costumes were prepared by Quynh Chestnut, Head of Wardrobe, Alberta Ballet School

Ashley McNeil| Director, Alberta Ballet School

Welcome to Alberta Ballet School’s final performance of the 2025/26 school year!

As we reflect on this season, I want to express how incredibly proud I am of each and every student in our professional program. The growth I have witnessed extends far beyond technique, strength, and artistry in the studio. While your dedication to ballet has been inspiring, what is also notable is the growth you've shown as individuals. Your resilience, discipline, confidence, kindness, and ability to overcome challenges both inside and outside of ballet.

This year has also been particularly special as we celebrated four of our graduates joining Alberta Ballet. Their achievement is a testament to years of hard work, perseverance, and passion, and serves as an inspiring example of what is possible through dedication and commitment. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with them and our entire community. To our students, thank you for your hard work, commitment, and willingness to push beyond your comfort zones. To our parents, thank you for your unwavering support, encouragement, and trust. Your commitment plays an essential role in each student's journey, and we are grateful to partner with you in helping these young dancers grow. As well, thank you to our dedicated and talented faculty and staff. Your achievements this year have made a lasting impact on our students and school community.

Success in ballet is measured not only by technical accomplishments but also by the character developed along the way. It has been a privilege to watch our students mature into thoughtful, determined, and inspiring young people. Congratulations on all that you have achieved this year, I look forward to seeing your achievements and growth come to the stage.

All costumes were prepared by Quynh Chestnut, Head of Wardrobe, Alberta Ballet School

Performance Schedule

Welcome Speech, Ashley McNeil, Director of Alberta Ballet School

7:00 PM

Intermission (20 minutes)

Thank You to the Young Professional Musicians Collective!

Conductor, Founder and Director
Liz Zabala

Flute
Gabrielle Marquis
Sweta Babladi

Soprano Saxophone
Aidan Rigor
Thomas Hüve

Clarinet
Renn Villaluz
Hannah Fralic

Bass Clarinet
Matthew Henders

Trumpet
Emily Holowka

Trombone
Thomas Cook

Bass Trombone
Tom Gorman

Piano
Anika Acasio

Percussion
Scott Morgan

Violin 1
Sebastian Paternina Ortiz
Ana Gonzalez

Violin 2
Gabriel Ngai
Sterling Davidson Center

Viola
Ruby Jackson
Ethan Young

Cello
Anya Liwanag
Phoebe Xu

Double Bass
Reiss Challoner

Learn more about Alberta Ballet School!

Alberta Ballet Donors help Alberta Ballet School advance its mission.

Alberta Ballet School cultivates, trains and empowers the next generation of professional dancers, ensuring our students are prepared to excel in post-secondary studies or pursue a thriving dance career, be it in Alberta or beyond.

Their training is a foundational activity of Alberta Ballet's charitable mission, and our valued donor community makes it possible to help advance the career aspirations of these talented and dedicated dance students.

Alberta Ballet School’s Annual Winter Showcase is your generosity in motion. To learn more about donor impact, email us at donate@albertaballet.com.


Behind the scenes, a whole community helps us inspire you with dance!

Alberta Ballet School gratefully receives funding support from:

 BOARD OF DIRECTORS