The Ballet Kelowna studio recently underwent an unusual makeover after the dance company taped 36 used pointe shoes to a wall. 

The duct-taped shoes are a playful jab at a piece of work that was recently sold at an auction for $6.2 million and consisted of a banana duct-taped to a wall.

Using a photo of their studio's wall covered in shoes, the dance company made a social media post and announced the beginning of their annual fundraiser campaign titled Relevé: Help Us Rise.

“Many of these pointe shoes cost upwards of $150 a pair and are just a small fraction of what a professional dance company goes through in a season,” stated a press release.

“Similar to bananas, pointe shoes of professional dancers may last less than a week, as the canvas and glue that makes up the shoe breaks down quickly with repeated wear.”

Photo Credit: Abigail Sawchuk

The campaign is looking to raise $25,000 throughout December to help the dance company continue to be able to woo local audiences, provide an adult dance program and more.

“We believe that art should be accessible to everyone, and we are proud of the cutting-edge contemporary dance works that we produce locally, on a shoestring budget,” said Artistic Director and CEO Simone Orlando.

“While there are international success stories of artists making millions, many small, regional arts organizations struggle to raise necessary funds while continuing to face increasing costs. For Ballet Kelowna’s Relevé: Help us Rise campaign, we have decided to give away one signed pointe shoe with every donation of $250 and up from Dec. 2 to Dec. 31, 2024. We are also happy to provide a strip of duct tape.”

Founded in 2002, Ballet Kelowna is the only professional dance company in the BC Interior and has commissioned more than 70 original dance works.  

Donations can be made online at this link, by e-transfer at donate@balletkelowna.ca, by phone at (250) 762-6105 or in person at 2283 Leckie Rd.