Ballet Edmonton is a contemporary dance ensemble in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We commission new work from a range of Canadian and international choreographic voices each season to present to the community in Edmonton and across Canada, and each seasonal production is a mixed program format.
We work to inspire all Albertans through the evolution of ballet told through a contemporary lens and encourage the whole community can join us.
Diego Ramalho is a Brazilian born choreographer, performer, and Artistic Director of Ballet Edmonton. Since joining the company in 2018, he has played a key role in its artistic evolution, contributing both as a dancer and as a choreographic voice.
His original works include Valei-Me (2021), which toured nationally and was presented at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, as well as Misericordiae (2019), ’Til Leaves Fall (2022), and Indelible Stain (2026). His choreography is recognized for its physicality, musicality, and contemporary sensibility.
Originally trained in Brazil with roots in breakdance and Capoeira, Diego brings a dynamic and collaborative approach to creation. His artistic voice has been shaped through collaborations with a wide range of established and emerging choreographers, helping to define a practice that is both grounded and exploratory.
As Artistic Director, Diego is committed to fostering a creative environment where artists are supported and challenged, while continuing to expand Ballet Edmonton’s presence locally and nationally. His leadership reflects a belief in the power of contemporary ballet to connect with audiences and build community through shared experience.
Yoko Kanomata is an accomplished dancer, educator and rehearsal director whose international career has spanned Canada, Japan and the United States. Recognized for her artistic excellence, leadership and collaborative approach, she brings a wealth of experience in performance preparation, dancer coaching, repertoire maintenance and artistic development.
Yoko danced with Ballet Edmonton from 2019 to 2024, becoming an integral part of the company’s artistic journey under the direction of Wen Wei Wang. From 2022 to 2024, she also served as rehearsal director, leading rehearsals, coaching dancers, supporting repertoire development and helping to onboard new company members and guest artists.
Her performing career includes engagements with Atlanta Ballet, Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY, Coastal City Ballet and Hitomi Takeuchi Ballet Company in Japan. Most recently, she served as ballet teacher and rehearsal director at Hitomi Takeuchi Ballet Studio in Fukushima, Japan, where she taught dancers of all ages, directed rehearsals and mentored the next generation of artists.
Ballet Edmonton is delighted to welcome Yoko back to the organization as rehearsal director, where her deep understanding of the company’s artistic identity, combined with her extensive international experience, will continue to nurture and inspire the artists of Ballet Edmonton.
Ballet Edmonton’s dancers are a team of collaborative, creatively driven and curious artists with a devotion to dance and its possibilities. We celebrate individuality in tandem with the profound energy of an ensemble and use this as a vehicle to make an impact on our audiences. These artists come from diverse backgrounds and skill sets, coming together every day to interpret and honour the voice of each maker who we welcome into our space.
Trudy Callaghan
Marnie Kiel
Christine Myatt
Jennifer Clermont
Les Sereda
Allison Rudzitis
