EFB 05-06/GR

The Edmonton Festival Ballet presented Grass Roots on February 25th, 2006 with special guests Edmonton Contemporary Dancers, Citie Ballet, Orchesis, and Viter Ukrainian Dancers.

Grass Roots was a full-length ballet conceived of and choreographed by Nancy Hamilton and Terra Mahood. It was inspired by a book written by Alberta author David Bouchard called 'If You're Not From the Prairie . . .'. The production was a multi-media experience and included live accompaniment by cellist Kate Woodman and violist Shannon Graham. It was narrated by Stan Aikema, and images of the beauty and starkness of the prairies were projected. Themes included Cold, Snow, Sun, Wind, Grass, and Sky. Beautiful new costumes were designed and sewn by Kelly Ilkiw.

This was a catered event and one of the company's main fundraising events was run in connection with the performance. The Edmonton Festival Ballet Board created a beautiful scene in the Timms Centre lobby following the Grass Roots theme and the Silent Auction and Wine Auctions were both very successful.