ORIGIN marks the beginning of a new chapter for Ballet Edmonton under the artistic leadership of Diego Ramalho. In his first season as Artistic Director, Ramalho presents the world premiere of a new creation that reflects both his artistic journey and his vision for the company’s future. Bridging origin and evolution, identity and transformation, the work lays the foundation for a renewed artistic direction while remaining rooted in Ballet Edmonton’s commitment to bold, contemporary creation.
Continuing the company’s dedication to fostering new voices, ORIGIN also features a new work by an emerging choreographer from within Ballet Edmonton, celebrating the creativity of the artists who shape the company from the inside and providing a platform for the next generation of choreographic talent.
The program is completed by the return of Edmonton-born choreographer Joshua Beamish, currently Artistic Director of Ballet Vancouver, who brings his acclaimed work SALT to Ballet Edmonton.
SALT is inspired by the post-apocalyptic aesthetic of Mad Max: Fury Road. The work is situated in a not so distant future paradox where we are starved for fresh water, while drowning in salt water. The movement vocabulary is derived from states of dehydration, paranoia, experiencing mirages and delirium. The relationships explore the acceptance, melancholy and hope inherent in the desire to survive and the manipulation of power as fueled by opportunism and desperation.
SALT began as a commission for Santa Barbara Dance Theatre in 2016. Through the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the work was reimagined for Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY in 2024.
ORIGIN reflects on the foundations that have shaped Ballet Edmonton while embracing the possibilities that lie ahead. Join us for an evening of powerful choreography, exceptional artistry, and the beginning of an exciting new era for the company.
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.
Joshua Beamish founded MOVETHECOMPANY in Vancouver in 2005. His works have toured throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Commissions include The Royal Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Vancouver Opera, Cape Town Opera, New York City Ballet Principals Wendy Whelan for Restless Creature and Ashley Bouder for The Ashley Bouder Project, New York Choreographic Institute, Compania Nacional de Danza de Mexico and Toronto Dance Theatre, among others.
Joshua choreographed for the CBC Radio Canada series Ils Dansent and with Cirque du Soleil for World EXPO Shanghai. He was an inaugural Artist-in-Residence at The Joyce Theater’s Choreographic Center, in addition to residencies at The Banff Centre and Jacob’s Pillow.
Notable presentations include Lincoln Center/NYC, BAM Next Wave/NYC, The Joyce Theater/NYC, The Guggenheim Museum/NYC, Royal Opera House/London, Princeton University, Fire Island Dance Festival, The Harris Theater/Chicago, Artists in Action/Mumbai, Seoul International Dance Festival and the Bangkok International Festival. He was a community advisor for the Vancouver Foundation from 2020 to 2023 and served as a member of the City of Vancouver’s Artistic Advisory Committee from 2023 to 2026.
Joshua is the current artistic director of Ballet Vancouver, a professional dance organization dedicated to renewing public access to classical, neoclassical and narrative ballet in the city.
