Joshua Beamish Launches New Ballet Company in Vancouver

Vancouver will welcome a new ballet company next year, spearheaded by local choreographer Joshua Beamish. The company, named Ballet Vancouver, aims to create a vibrant platform for classical, neoclassical, and narrative ballet performed en pointe. The official launch is scheduled for April 2026, featuring a diverse program that showcases both international and local talent.

The inaugural season will include four distinct works, highlighted by the premiere of “After the Rain,” a two-part piece by renowned English choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. Furthermore, Beamish is collaborating with Indigenous artist and fashion designer Yolonda Skelton on a new work, emphasizing the company’s commitment to inclusivity and representation in the arts.

Ballet Vancouver’s programming will feature esteemed talent, including former American Ballet Theatre artist Stephanie Petersen, Vancouver native Benjamin Freemantle, and performer Julian Hunt, who previously toured with the acclaimed dance company Kidd Pivot. Additionally, the season will showcase Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s “Redemption,” a narrative exploring the story of a fallen angel, alongside the Vancouver reprise of Wen Wei Wang’s modern reimagining of “Swan Lake,” titled “Swan.”

The company has established an advisory committee that includes Wendy Whelan, associate artistic director of the New York City Ballet, as well as current and former principal dancers from the National Ballet of Canada, including Heather Ogden and Chan Hon Goh. This diverse group aims to guide Ballet Vancouver in achieving its artistic vision and elevating the local ballet scene.

Beamish, originally from Edmonton and raised in Kelowna, has made a significant impact on the dance community since moving to Vancouver in 2004. At the young age of 17, he founded Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY, producing works that have been commissioned by prestigious institutions such as The Royal Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada.

With the establishment of Ballet Vancouver, Beamish aims to fill a gap in the city’s cultural landscape, providing a dedicated space for dancers and audiences to experience a range of ballet styles. The company’s focus on both classic and contemporary works promises to engage a wide audience, making ballet more accessible and relevant in today’s artistic climate.

The announcement was initially reported by The Canadian Press on September 9, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Vancouver’s arts scene as the city prepares to embrace its newest dance company. With an ambitious lineup and a commitment to showcasing diverse voices, Ballet Vancouver is poised to become a vital part of the local cultural fabric.