Medhi Walerski on Ballet BC’s 2025 UK Tour and New Works

Choreographic contrasts and emotional resonance in new works by Crystal Pite and Johan Inger

“Both works explore themes that are deeply human,” says Medhi Walerski, Artistic Director of Ballet BC. PASSING speaks to memory, identity, and transformation. It is sensitive, vulnerable, and taps into the unconscious. Frontier explores the unknown, the limits of possibility, and the interplay between the tangible and the intangible.”

That pairing of emotional interiority and abstract scale shapes the Canadian company’s return to the UK this spring. Touring from 20 May to 11 June 2025, Ballet BC presents UK premieres by two of contemporary dance’s most recognisable choreographic voices: Johan Inger and Crystal Pite. The tour is facilitated by Dance Consortium, which brings international dance to large-scale UK venues.

Inger’s PASSING: a landscape of memory and transformation

Commissioned in 2023 and performed by a cast of 20, Inger’s PASSING incorporates influences from folk dance, swing, and hip hop. The movement language is wide-ranging and theatrical, underpinned by a score combining Amos Ben-Tal, Erik Enocksson and Moondog.

“In this work, the dancers showcase a wide range of skills, from tap dancing and singing to embodying various characters,” says Walerski. “They also demonstrate great freedom in exploring their artistry. They often surprise me with their creativity and dedication.”

The piece reflects Inger’s long-standing relationship with the company and draws attention to Ballet BC’s ability to hold intensity and levity in the same breath. For Walerski, the final section stands out. “If I were to jump on stage now, I’d love to be part of the last section of PASSING, sharing the stage with the entire company.”

Commissioning the piece also offered insight into Ballet BC’s creative ethos. “The dancers have shown an incredible ability to give, adapt, and respond to a choreographer’s vision without limits,” says Walerski. “Working with Johan Inger has reinforced how essential creativity, freedom, hard work, collaboration, and support are in the process. He has a humoristic approach that dancers really respond to, and his presence in the studio brings a real joy. These qualities not only shape the work but also strengthen the company as a whole.”

Pite’s Frontier: fear, precision, and the force of the unknown

Alongside PASSING is a reimagined version of Frontier, originally created by Crystal Pite in 2008 for Nederlands Dans Theater. Redesigned for Ballet BC, the new iteration features 24 dancers, including four from the Rambert School in London.

Walerski describes the work as both enigmatic and technically demanding. “In Frontier, what stands out to me is their commitment to bringing Crystal’s vision and movement quality to life. They are meticulous, precise, and fearless.”

With its hooded shadow figures and use of choral music by Eric Whitacre and breath-based textures by Owen Belton, the piece reflects Pite’s interest in what lies beyond the seen. “I hope the audience sees a reflection of their own humanity and walk away with a sense of wonder, about themselves, about others, and about the world we share,” Walerski adds.

Touring internationally, thinking expansively

For Walerski, who became Artistic Director in 2020, touring is part of a larger ambition to place Ballet BC on the international stage. “This tour shows that, no matter where we are in the world, Ballet BC’s dancers and the work we present deserve to be seen.”

He attributes the company’s rising profile to both the artists and the programming. “Ballet BC’s reputation has grown quickly, and a big part of that is the incredible caliber of our dancers. These are 20 of the world’s best contemporary dance artists, who come to us from all over—we have current company artists from Italy, the US, Taiwan, Canada, and Mexico. Their versatility, technical capability, and commitment to our craft is truly exceptional. Time and time again choreographers tell me what a remarkable group it is to work with.”

“Our repertoire also plays a key role. We present unique creations, often works made specifically for us, as well as pieces by some of the most in-demand and innovative choreographers of our time. Audiences have come to trust that what we will show them—whether or not they are already familiar—will move them, inspire them, give them something to think about.”

Looking ahead, Walerski says Ballet BC will continue to broaden its artistic and geographic reach. “I want Ballet BC to continue growing as a company that invests artistically in presenting new voices while honouring the choreographers who have shaped and continue to shape our art form. We aim to expand our reach, deepen our artistic impact, and challenge what dance can be. This tour is just one step in that journey.”

Dance Consortium and Ballet BC’s UK context

The tour is presented by Dance Consortium, which since 2000 has coordinated visits from over 50 international companies to UK venues. Ballet BC last appeared in the UK in 2018, to strong audience and critical response.

Walerski, who previously danced with NDT and appeared in Frontier himself, is looking forward to making a return visit. “Performing in London at Sadler’s Wells was definitely a highlight for me. I remember connecting with the audience there in a very personal way after the show. I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with audiences all across the UK again.”

Featured Image: Ballet BC dancers Sidney Chuckas and Luca Afflitto. in PASSING by Johan Inger. Photo by Michael Slobodian__107

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Ballet BC runs 20 May – 11 June 2025 at Sadler’s Wells and other UK venues. For more info or to book, click here.

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