As a Vernon Photographer, I love working with varying organizations and athletic clubs in Vernon.

This year, I was honoured when the Okanagan School of Ballet asked me to photograph their talented dancers the night of their year end dance recital.

I can’t help but post a few beautiful portraits from our time together.

Last year,  the Okanagan School of Ballet is celebrated its 35th anniversary under the direction of Debbie Banks. It has been a bench mark of talent in our community and I was so excited to meet their talented dancers.

Banks attended the Banff School of Fine Arts for six consecutive summers, dancing in the workshop and festival ballet performances. She auditioned and was accepted as a corps member of the Alberta Ballet Company in Edmonton, and danced there for two years. The company toured extensively in the province, performing lecture demonstrations in schools and full-length shows in local auditoriums. The repertoire included classical ballet, contemporary, jazz and national works.

After returning to Vernon, Banks began teaching for the Canadian School of Ballet and became a registered teacher before starting the Okanagan School of Ballet.

“Children of former students are now dancing in the studio, enjoying the same experiences their mothers did,” says Banks, adding she has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

“The body has been giving me different signals but it doesn’t feel any different. The kids change, different faces, but it is all really the same. They love the music, love to dance, that is all there is to it.”

To see the discipline and love the dancers have for their craft was inspiring. With the older students, I was in awe of their talent, wishing I could go back in time and take dance lessons too! So much grace and pose!

Debbie has booked me for next year already and I look forward next years recital. Thanks Okanagan School of Ballet for entrusting me to capture these beautiful portraits!

Baby Bliss Photography specializes in newborn, baby & family photography in Kelowna and Vernon and works as a Vernon Photographer

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