Closing the Curtain: Twin Alberta Ballet Icons Bid Farewell After 15 Years of Enchanting Performances

The final curtains draw near as the Alberta Ballet's double-bill spectacle of "Der Wolf" and "The Rite of Spring" not only concludes the season but also marks the grand finale for twin sisters, Alexandra and Jennifer Gibson. After years of exquisite artistry, the duo gracefully takes their last bow, bringing their remarkable 15-year journey with Alberta Ballet to a poignant close.

Their dance odyssey commenced at the tender age of nine, leading them to the Alberta Ballet School in 2009. "I've been dancing for 27 plus years, so a long time," reflects Alexandra, a seasoned soloist. Now at 34, the sisters, who have danced in tandem their entire lives, choose to retire together, a testament to their unbreakable bond. "We're looking forward to celebrating such a wonderful career at Alberta Ballet and taking some time to really explore some new passions," shares Alexandra. "Whether dance is a focus or not, we're not sure, but it will always be a part of our lives.

In their reflective moments in Calgary, the Gibsons reminisce about their standout roles in Christopher Anderson's "Cinderella" and Helen Pickett's "Petal." Jennifer, a distinguished principal dancer, muses, "Ballet is one of those art forms that is rooted in tradition, which is what makes it so special and uniquely challenging because you're carrying generations of knowledge with you every time you step on stage.

For Francesco Ventriglia, Alberta Ballet's new artistic director, distinguishing between the twins was initially a puzzle, yet their individuality soon shone through. "They are very, very similar, but two completely different artists," he reflects. "They have different range, different colors, they're two different persons. They're very similar, but not." Ventriglia expresses gratitude for the privilege of witnessing the culmination of their illustrious careers, stating, "For me, it was a joy to be able to share with them the last part of their career. I know how much they gave to this company over the last 15 seasons, so personally and on behalf of Alberta Ballet, what I can say to them is only, thank you.

As the Gibsons prepare to embark on their next chapter, joined by several retiring dancers from "Der Wolf" and "The Rite of Spring," including Jennifer's husband, Ventriglia's sentiments echo the company's sentiments: "They've done an incredible job, and I'm sure their next chapter in life will be as brilliant as it was with us." Amidst the artistry of "Der Wolf," a reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood, and the evocative "Rite of Spring," the Gibson sisters' departure leaves an indelible mark on Alberta Ballet's rich legacy.

Closing the Curtain: Twin Alberta Ballet Icons Bid Farewell After 15 Years of Enchanting Performances

The final curtains draw near as the Alberta Ballet's double-bill spectacle of "Der Wolf" and "The Rite of Spring" not only concludes the season but also marks the grand finale for twin sisters, Alexandra and Jennifer Gibson. After years of exquisite artistry, the duo gracefully takes their last bow, bringing their remarkable 15-year journey with Alberta Ballet to a poignant close.

Their dance odyssey commenced at the tender age of nine, leading them to the Alberta Ballet School in 2009. "I've been dancing for 27 plus years, so a long time," reflects Alexandra, a seasoned soloist. Now at 34, the sisters, who have danced in tandem their entire lives, choose to retire together, a testament to their unbreakable bond. "We're looking forward to celebrating such a wonderful career at Alberta Ballet and taking some time to really explore some new passions," shares Alexandra. "Whether dance is a focus or not, we're not sure, but it will always be a part of our lives.

In their reflective moments in Calgary, the Gibsons reminisce about their standout roles in Christopher Anderson's "Cinderella" and Helen Pickett's "Petal." Jennifer, a distinguished principal dancer, muses, "Ballet is one of those art forms that is rooted in tradition, which is what makes it so special and uniquely challenging because you're carrying generations of knowledge with you every time you step on stage.

For Francesco Ventriglia, Alberta Ballet's new artistic director, distinguishing between the twins was initially a puzzle, yet their individuality soon shone through. "They are very, very similar, but two completely different artists," he reflects. "They have different range, different colors, they're two different persons. They're very similar, but not." Ventriglia expresses gratitude for the privilege of witnessing the culmination of their illustrious careers, stating, "For me, it was a joy to be able to share with them the last part of their career. I know how much they gave to this company over the last 15 seasons, so personally and on behalf of Alberta Ballet, what I can say to them is only, thank you.

As the Gibsons prepare to embark on their next chapter, joined by several retiring dancers from "Der Wolf" and "The Rite of Spring," including Jennifer's husband, Ventriglia's sentiments echo the company's sentiments: "They've done an incredible job, and I'm sure their next chapter in life will be as brilliant as it was with us." Amidst the artistry of "Der Wolf," a reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood, and the evocative "Rite of Spring," the Gibson sisters' departure leaves an indelible mark on Alberta Ballet's rich legacy.

As the curtains draw to a close on Alberta Ballet's stirring interpretation of "The Rite of Spring," audiences are left with a profound appreciation for the enduring power of art to challenge, provoke, and inspire. Through meticulous choreography and the timeless score of Stravinsky, the production not only honors its historical roots but also ignites a sense of wonder and awe for the future of ballet. As the final performances at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium approach, let us continue to celebrate the legacy of "The Rite of Spring" and the boundless creativity it continues to evoke in generations to come.