At Ballet Edmonton, we believe the arts are for everyone. Dance has the power to connect, to welcome, and to create a sense of belonging, especially for those who are new to our city or who may face barriers to accessing live performance. Through the generous support of Simons, Ballet Edmonton is proud to offer sponsored tickets for newcomers to attend our performances as part of our Art Connects program. This partnership helps ensure that live dance remains accessible to underserved and equity-deserving community members across Edmonton.

Creating Access, Building Belonging

For many newcomers, attending a live ballet performance can be a first step toward feeling connected to their new community. Simons’ sponsorship removes financial barriers and opens the doors of the theatre to individuals and families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience professional dance. This initiative is about more than tickets, it’s about inclusion. It’s about creating welcoming cultural spaces where people from all backgrounds can gather, reflect, and share in a collective experience. When newcomers sit alongside long-time audience members, the arts become a bridge, linking stories, perspectives, and communities.

A Shared Commitment to Community

Simons’ support of Art Connects reflects a deep commitment to accessibility, equity, and community well-being. By investing in arts access, Simons is helping strengthen Edmonton’s cultural fabric and ensuring that the city’s vibrant arts scene truly belongs to everyone. For Ballet Edmonton, partnerships like this are essential. They allow us to extend our impact beyond the stage and into the community, supporting connection, curiosity, and creative exchange.

With Gratitude

We are incredibly grateful to Simons for their leadership and generosity. Their sponsorship makes a meaningful difference in the lives of newcomers and helps Ballet Edmonton continue to grow as a welcoming, inclusive cultural organization. Together, we are opening doors, to the theatre, to the arts, and to a shared sense of belonging in our city.

For Immediate Release Ballet Edmonton Appoints new Chief Executive Officer Edmonton, 18 August 2025: The Ballet Edmonton Board of Directors today announced that after an open and competitive process, they have selected Les Sereda as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. “We are truly delighted that Les Sereda will bring his arts leadership to Ballet Edmonton at this pivotal point in the company’s history,” said Board Chair Trudy Callaghan. “Les shares the board’s mindset that our resident, contemporary ballet company is a key contributor to building a vibrant city. Along with the bold talent of Artistic Director Kirsten Wicklund, Ballet Edmonton is poised for its next phase of growth as an innovative voice in Canadian dance.” Les Sereda is an accomplished producer and arts leader with over twenty years of experience in media production and the performing arts. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions across dance, film, and live performance, consistently delivering ambitious projects through strategic vision and strong organizational management. During his time with the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, Les led the development of innovative new productions and successfully directed a sixteen-city U.S. tour in partnership with the National Ballet of Ukraine. He has also owned and managed production companies for over two decades, producing documentaries, 3D films, national advertising campaigns, and significant cultural initiatives in Canada and internationally. “I’m thrilled to join Ballet Edmonton at such an exciting time in the company’s evolution. This organization has a remarkable legacy and incredible potential, and I look forward to working with the talented team to build on that foundation,” Les said. Ballet Edmonton is a contemporary ballet ensemble under the leadership of choreographer and Artistic Director Kirsten Wicklund. Ballet Edmonton’s vision is driven by a passion and curiosity to explore new ideas. We offer audiences, both at home and across Canada, original, inspired contemporary dance that reflects our Artistic Director’s adventurous curatorial vision. Our repertoire is by nationally and internationally recognized and emerging choreographers with distinctive voices. We provide professional arts employment to an ensemble of dancers, technicians and arts professionals to support the creation of new work to present to the community.