40 Years of One Night Stands: The Story of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Dir. Jeff McKay | Canada | 72 mins | Documentary
Produced by Patti Ross Milne and Merit Jensen Carr; Narrated by Brent Carver

Born out of nothing in the middle of nowhere, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet set the ballet world on prairie fire. From Flin Flon to Moscow, it wowed audiences and critics alike with its youth, vitality and innocent excitement. Gweneth Lloyd and Betty (Hey) Farrally founded the company.

But it was a mercurial and charismatic character named Arnold Spohr, basketball player turned ballet dancer turned artistic director, who over three decades propelled this feisty Canadian ballet company to its place amongst the world’s best.

This full length version contains much footage not seen in the abbreviated television version – including more about the Australian tour, interviews and rare archival footage!

“A must-see - it recounts how a fragile dance group from the Prairies survived challenge and misfortune to become one of the world's premier ballet companies.”  - Globe and Mail

View the Trailer