On 23 December 2014, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recognized the founding in 1939 of the entity that eventually became the Royal Winnipeg Ballet as an Event of National Significance. The plaque text reads as follows:
“Founded in 1939 by Gweneth Lloyd and Betty Farrally, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) was one of the earliest ballet companies in Canada and the first to achieve professional status. It successfully adapted classical ballet to the national context by creating an eclectic and accessible repertoire that incorporated Canadian themes. With its national tours beginning in the 1950s, the company fostered an appreciation for ballet across the country. Under the leadership of artistic director Arnold Spohr, the RWB rose to international fame through the 1960s to become one of North America’s most widely travelled dance companies.”
Commemoration ceremony by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (December 2014)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough
Commemoration plaque by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet building (June 2019)
Source: Gordon GoldsboroughSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.89106, W97.14621
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Manitoba Organization: Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Manitoba Plaques for Persons, Events and Sites of National Historic Significance
New Releases and Backgrounders: The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Parks Canada.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 8 September 2024
Historic Sites of Manitoba
This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only.
Browse lists of:
Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | OtherInclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner.
Site information is provided by the Manitoba Historical Society as a free public service only for non-commercial purposes.
Send corrections and additions to this page
to the MHS Webmaster at webmaster@mhs.mb.ca.Help us keep history alive!
