Internationally renowned, Vancouver-based choreographer Joshua Beamish marks two decades of artistic innovation with a star-studded 20th Anniversary Gala at the Vancouver Playhouse on May 29 and 30, 2025.
The event will showcase a selection of Beamish’s most celebrated works, performed by an ensemble of distinguished dancers from leading ballet companies across North America, including San Francisco Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Edmonton, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and Ballet BC.
Beamish began his choreographic career at the age of just 17 when he founded his own dance company, MOVETHECOMPANY, in Vancouver. Beamish’s company has since taken him around the world, presenting and touring his works through North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, including commissions from The Royal Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, Vancouver Opera, Cape Town Opera, New York Choreographic Institute, Compañía Nacional de Danza de México, and more.
The gala will feature five compelling pieces that trace Beamish’s choreographic journey over the past 20 years:
- Trap Door Party: A dystopian exploration of conformity, returning to Vancouver for the first time since 2010. Original cast member Amber Barton reprises her role alongside dancers Ariana Barr, Juan Duarte, Justin Rapaport, Calder White, and Kirsten Wicklund.
- Lollapalooza: Beamish’s inaugural work for The National Ballet of Canada, set to John Adams’ dynamic composition. Performed by Harrison James and Frances Chung, both principal dancers with San Francisco Ballet.
- Marcato: An athletic piece examining shifting power dynamics among five male dancers. Featuring Julian Hunt, Jordan Lang, Diego Ramalho, Duarte, and Rapaport.
- STAY: A sensual, meditative duet exploring the uncertain future of a relationship, performed by Harrison James and Stephanie Petersen.
- Endless Summer: A celebration of idyllic summer memories set to The Beach Boys’ music. This piece will be newly reworked for a larger ensemble, including Barr, Duarte, Hunt, James, Lang, Petersen, Ramalho, Rapaport, Wicklund, Paula Cobo Botello, and Kyra Soo.
Attendees are also invited to a pre-show artist talk from 6:45-7:15 p.m. at the Vancouver Playhouse, where Beamish and Rehearsal Director Heather Dotto will reflect on their 20-year creative partnership.Tickets are available from $45 at joshuabeamish.com
Last modified: May 30, 2025
