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: 21 June 2019
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