2025
In memory of Stephanie Ballard
WCD is so saddened to hear of the passing of Stephanie Ballard, a dedicated artist who has been part of the WCD family for over 50 years. On behalf of WCD, we are sending caring thoughts, and love, as we remember and celebrate someone who was so special to our community.
May all the loving memories that Stephanie’s legacy brings to the world be fondly remembered. Our hearts go out to all the people who knew her, admired her work, and loved her; including the legacy of artists, friends, colleagues, students, the entire SCD family, and more.
Stephanie Ballard first connected with WCD in 1972 when she moved to Winnipeg from California to dance in WCD’s Apprentice Program at the age of 23. From the Apprentice Program, she joined WCD as a company dancer under the direction of Rachel Browne and shortly after, began her career as a choreographer at WCD. By 1979, she was the Artistic Director of the Apprentice Program of WCD. As a dancer, she worked with WCD up until 1983 when she went on to flourish as an internationally acclaimed choreographer.
Throughout her life she maintained her connections to WCD and continued to serve our Winnipeg community. She continued to connect and work with WCD for various initiatives and projects, including as WCD’s Archivist, as well as choreographing and remounting numerous works for WCD, advising and supporting.
For over 50 years, Stephanie’s interest in WCD’s activities – in who we were presenting, who the dancers were, and how the organization was doing, was felt by many. Over the past year her interest continued as she zoomed in to watch a show run of WCD’s 60th Anniversary Tribute Concert to Rachel Browne, offered to help with costume expenses and continued to support WCD as a donor. Stephanie was engaged in dance and community throughout her life, and her contributions are many.
WCD presented many works by Ballard, including “A Christmas Carol”, “Time Out”, “In Passing”, “George”, “Construction Company”, “The Snow Goose”, numerous new works and remounts for “Verge”, and more.
Stephanie passed away on Sunday, September 21.
Photo 1: Stephanie Ballard
Photo 2: Time Out (1981) Choreographer: S. Ballard Photo: Keith Freeman, Dancers: T. Robinson and S. Ballard
Photo 3: Christmas Carol (1981) Choreographer: S. Ballard, Photo: David Cooper, Dancers: G. Petursson-Hiley, J. Simkin, K. Foss, R. Jayne, K.Unsworth, P. Richardson, R. Cansfield, T. Robinson, D. Kuby, J. Saya
