Growing up in Saskatoon, Keaton Leier says the dream of making ballet his life could sometimes feel impossible but this month, he returns home having made that dream a reality.

It will be special to feel the transformation over the years

Leier will take to the stage with colleagues from the National Ballet of Canada in the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s At The Ballet. It will be the first time he’s performed at home since he was a child.

“It’ll be a very special moment for me, coming back to Saskatoon, presenting my work as the professional I’ve become,” says Leier. “It will be special to feel the transformation over the years and to share my creativity with friends, family, and the audience.”

The energy they bring to the show, it feels colossal

Backed by the SSO and led by Judith Yan, Leier and his fellow dancers will perform selections from classic ballet repertoire like Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, as well as the world premiere of Emmy-nominated composer Paul Leonard-Morgan’s Atmosphere choreographed by Leier.

“Saskatoon audiences don’t get to see the National Ballet of Canada often,” says Leier. “Being able to collaborate with a full orchestra and the energy they bring to the show, it feels colossal. It’s a beautiful thing having so many artists working together to build something.”

The audience will see ballet classics and be part of the world premiere, both brilliant art forms at their best

The timing couldn’t be better for At The Ballet as it comes during the National Ballet of Canada’s 75th anniversary season and the performance is part of the company’s Sharing the Stage program touring dancers outside of Toronto. Conductor Judith Yan says there’s so much beauty in this performance.

“This is a one-of-a-kind concert, a true collaboration between the SSO and the National Ballet of Canada,” says Yan. “The audience will see ballet classics and be part of the world premiere, both brilliant art forms at their best.”

I want them to know your dreams are possible

Leier hopes his performance will excite the audience and leave a lasting impression on young, aspiring dancers in his hometown.

“I want them to know that dreams are possible,” says Leier. “Let your passion drive you wherever it leads.”