Cameron Fraser-Monroe explores Indigenous controlled burns with Ballet Kelowna
Cameron Fraser-Monroe, a Tla’amin First Nation choreographer and dancer, has created a new ballet titled *Cikilaxwm: Controlled Burn* with Ballet Kelowna that explores Indigenous controlled burns as a response to Canada's worsening wildfires. Set in a dystopian future, the production blends classical ballet, traditional Indigenous dance, and theatrical storytelling to highlight cultural knowledge and environmental solutions. The work was inspired by both a musical composition by Cris Derksen and a National Indigenous Fire Gathering in Penticton, B.C.
- ▪Cameron Fraser-Monroe is a member of the Tla’amin First Nation and a choreographer for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Ballet Kelowna.
- ▪Cikilaxwm: Controlled Burn is a full-length ballet set in a dystopian future where wildfire season lasts all year and features a young Indigenous firefighter learning about cultural fire practices.
- ▪The ballet was inspired by Cree composer Cris Derksen’s piece Controlled Burn and a National Indigenous Fire Gathering in Penticton, B.C.
- ▪Fraser-Monroe combines classical, contemporary, and traditional Indigenous dance forms, drawing from oral history and collaborative choreographic methods.
- ▪Ballet Kelowna’s artistic director Simone Orlando praises Fraser-Monroe’s intelligent movement vocabulary and strong narrative approach to dance.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Open this photo in gallery:Cikilaxwm: Controlled Burn, choreographed by Cameron Fraser-Monroe (pictured in black turtleneck).Abigail Sawchuk/SuppliedShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountIn the world of ballet, Cameron Fraser-Monroe is something of a unicorn. A member of Tla’amin First Nation, he grew up in Vernon, B.C., and while his classical dance credits are extensive – he’s a choreographer for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, an artistic associate at Ballet Kelowna and has performed around the world – he’s also steeped in the world of theatre. An artist-in-residence at the National Theatre School in Montreal, Fraser-Monroe seeks to create new work that has a robust understanding of its own dramaturgy.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Globe and Mail.
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