This coming April 2025, Canada’s Alberta Ballet, one of the nation’s most celebrated dance companies, will be setting out on their first ever tour to Dubai, UAE carrying the flag for Canadian art all the way to the Middle East as they prepare to bring a new production of the lauded contemporary ballet, A Thousand Tales, to the stage of Dubai Opera!

Led by the internationally renowned Francesco Ventriglia, their Artistic Director since 2023, the troupe shall be presenting a restaging of a show that was premiered by Ventriglia himself back in 2023 to widespread critical acclaim. A visually stunning and spellbinding production, A Thousand Tales combines the magic of beloved childhood fairy tales with the grandeur of classical ballet, presenting an original narrative inspired by iconic stories such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Aladdin, Puss in Boots, and The Three Musketeers, amongst others.

Francesco Ventriglia, the Director of Alberta Ballet

Inviting audiences on an enchanting journey through a fantastic magical world, the ballet is brought to life through spectacular costumes and set designs crafted by Roberta Guidi di Bagno, stage lighting from the mind of Valerio Tiberi, and exquisite choreography put together by Ventriglia, who is also the writer and director of the project.

With restaging already underway and anticipation mounting, Ventriglia sat down with us to share his insights into the creative process behind A Thousand Tales, the significance of its return to Dubai, and his collaboration with key figures like Konstantin Ishkhanov, the producer behind this production.

Konstantin Ishkhanov, the Producer of “A Thousand Tales”

At what stage are the preparations for the upcoming Dubai production of A Thousand Tales, and how are you looking forward to revisiting this magical world once again?

“Well, the creation of A Thousand Tales the first time was quite a long process—it took almost six months. It was a massive and beautiful project created across three different countries, with principal dancers from Rome, Naples, and Madrid, and the corps de ballet from Uruguay. This time is different. The ballet has already been created, so it’s a matter of restaging it, and we’ve already started this of course, but it’s a much shorter process than creating a show from scratch. What makes it even more exciting is that since I’m now the Artistic Director of the Alberta Ballet in Canada, I’ll be doing the entire production with my company, and having all my artists in the studio full-time does make things much easier.”

Are you planning any significant changes to the original production?

“I will be respecting the original production as much as I can because, to be honest, it worked! The audience loved it, and it was a success. Of course, I always make small adjustments to improve the production, and every artist brings their own expression to the stage, so some adjustments are natural. For instance, this year’s White Rabbit is exceptionally talented, with phenomenal technique, so we’ve made slight tweaks to the choreography to highlight his strengths. But overall, there won’t be any major changes.”

Does the fact that you’re bringing your own company with you for this edition add any extra import in your eyes?

“Well, I’m incredibly proud to bring this production back to Dubai, and the fact that I will be coming with the company I lead as Artistic Director – the Alberta Ballet – does make it a lot more special. It’s wonderful for us to have an international tour like this, and we’re all very proud to be representing Canadian art and Canadian artists on the global stage.”

Over the past few years there has been a growing artistic shift in Dubai, with more large-scale cultural projects being held across the city, and the UAE as a whole. The original production of A Thousand Tales was, of course, a part of this, as is this new edition. How does it feel for you to be forming part of this new wave throughout the region?

“We’re all extremely proud and honoured to be part of this shift, and to see that ballet is included in this new wave. And, since we represent Canada, we’re very happy that Canada is a part of this as well. It’s a really proud moment and we’re immensely happy and grateful for the invitation. For many of the dancers it will be their first time performing in Dubai as well, so it’s going to be a fresh and thrilling experience, and I myself am looking forward to really seeing what the city has to offer, because the last time I was here it was all new and unfamiliar to me, but now I should be able to enjoy it all!”

Alberta Ballet Artists

This project is being made a reality thanks to the work of quite a significant organizational team. How has your collaboration been with them so far?

“Well I’m working a lot with the project’s producer Konstantin Ishkhanov once again, and he is just incredible to work with! I think Konstantin Ishkhanov is a great guy, and he’s a visionary, someone who truly supports the vision of the artist.

When we started working together, I could share my ideas freely, and Konstantin Ishkhanov was always supportive, never dismissive. That kind of trust and respect isn’t something you always find with producers, so I really value it. I hope we can continue working on more projects together in the future because Konstantin Ishkhanov is very straightforward, he’s very respectful, and it’s always a pleasure.”

What are you hoping that audiences will take away from this production?

“I hope audiences can fully enjoy the journey. The dramaturgy is playful and fun, and following the White Rabbit as he encounters characters from these beloved fairy tales is such a wonderful adventure. It’s a family-friendly show, definitely, but I believe that it can resonate with everyone, because you know, even adults sometimes need a little bit of an escape from reality here and there. Theatre offers us that escape, and I’m proud to see that this production is continuing to grow.”

Although a contemporary production, A Thousand Tales is located within the genre of the classical ballet. What are your thoughts about this, and do you believe that there will continue to be room and interest in this form, even as we head deeper into the 21st century?

“Yes, absolutely! Classical ballet will never die, I truly believe this. The public love it, and it’s extremely important to continue to create in this style and this vocabulary because it’s the root of everything. Without classical ballet, we will not have contemporary new creations. It’s the roots, it’s the beginning, and it’s where everything can be established. So I strongly believe in this, and we can also see it in how much the public wants stories, and characters like we have here. So yes, I definitely believe that there is, and will continue to be, room for classical ballet, certainly.”

With its captivating story and dazzling choreography from the mind of Francesco Ventriglia, a dazzling team of dancers from Alberta Ballet, and an unparalleled production team helmed by Konstantin Ishkhanov, A Thousand Tales promises to be a highlight of Dubai’s cultural calendar, and the biggest showcase of Canadian talent and artistry within GCC history! Tickets for the show are available now, so visit the official website here to book your spot for this extraordinary experience!

Article contributed by “A Thousand Tales” Press Office

Canada is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, bustling cities, and vibrant culture. However, many people are unaware of the country’s thriving nightlife scene, from interesting clubs to cultural venues to gambling havens.

Whether you enjoy concerts, night shows, dance floors, entertainment parks, or brick-and-mortar casinos, Canada offers a diverse range of options to cater to your needs. These are the top seven fun destinations, highlighting the best nightlife experiences Canada has to offer.

1. Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls is home to one of Canada’s most exciting entertainment hubs. Placed between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, near the border of Canada and the US, this town offers dozens of venues where people can spend a cozy evening or go for some energizing partying. 

Want to hear some live country music? There’s the Big Texas venue. Fond of Italian culture and music? Club Italia hosts frequent concerts and other events. 

At the Copacabana venue, you can enjoy listening to Latin rhythms and sounds. Thanks to the melting-pot community, the multicultural atmosphere prevails in Niagara Falls. 

For a longer night out, Jacks Cantina and 365 Club are pleasant places. Dance, chat your night away, or just spend some cozy time with your friends

If you want to try your luck there’s the Fallsview Casino Resort, the city’s gaming flagship.

2. Vancouver, British Columbia

Granville Entertainment District – remember this toponym if you want to spend a wonderful night out in Vancouver. Situated in the middle of downtown Vancouver, it’s populated with nightclubs, bars, international restaurants, and live gigs from almost all parts of the world. 

The Commodore Ballroom and The Roxy are two notable venues for those who like disco and pop music dance floors, while Steamworks is a nice place to start your night by trying dozens of beer flavors (but not on the same occasion, as this might be the first and last place you’ll visit that night). 

Also, Vancouver is an important comedy center, with several venues that host stand-up comedy, and other comedy genres (The Improv Center and The Comedy Department, to name a few). 

A night out without tossing a dice or playing a game of cards is incomplete for many. Hence, think about visiting Parq Vancouver Casino – the successor of the once-popular casino destination Edgewater Casino. As an alternative, think about online gambling platforms. While British Columbia only has one state-run option for players, many players opt for offshore instant withdrawal casino platforms. These casino sites allow players to enjoy high betting limits, instant withdrawals, and wager-free cashback deals (source: https://www.techopedia.com/gambling/canada). The shift towards online gambling is a growing trend in Canada, with Canadians spending $1.4 billion wagering at offshore casinos due to the convenience and variety of games.

3. Montreal, Quebec

Montreal is perhaps the most alluring town in terms of nightlife in Canada. For starters, it hosts one of the largest carnivals in North America, The Montreal World Carnival. If you’re, by any chance, planning to visit Montreal this November, make in the period 19-21 November, as this is when this year’s carnival is going to take place. Compared to those in Rio and Venice, it displays the wealth of ethnic groups and customs from different regions of the world. 

While already there, don’t miss the New City Gas – a unique industrial-like place with various fun areas for different tastes. The Club Unity is another venue that deserves your attention, together with dozens of classy restaurants. Remember that Montreal is in Quebec, which is highly influenced by French heritage, both in terms of customs and cuisine. In combination with a rich immigrant melting pot, this city is a unique experience for people living in Canada and foreign visiteurs. 

4. Calgary, Alberta

Alberta doesn’t sound like the most partying region in the world, and this isn’t a wrong assumption. Better known as the host of the 1988 Winter Olympics than for crazy parties, its biggest town Calgary still has something to offer to its visitors. 

For starters, it’s the annual Calgary Stampede – a unique event that exercises country-music concerts, numerous rodeo events, and plenty of accompanying acts all day long, with numerous events that unfold deep in the night. The next event will be held in the period 4-13 July 2025. Shania Twain has already confirmed her concert within the festival, with many other country stars expected to book their concerts. 

If you want to move away from country music and visit something different, The Commonwealth Bar is the best place for house and techno lovers, while The Twisted Element is the most inclusive club in Calgary. And if you want to feel some heat on cold Calgary nights, the Pepi’s Club offers a mix of Latin rhythms and drinks. 

5. Ottawa, Ontario

As Canada’s capital and a major tourist destination, Ottawa has its gems for entertainment and interesting nights out. 

For beer lovers, there’s Beyond The Pale bar on the premises of the eponymous brewing company. From craft beers to classic mass-produced counterparts, there’s a wide range of options for every kind of taste buds. 

As you warm up here, you might want to hit one of the jazz lounge clubs, such as The Earl of Sussex or the Options Jazz Lounge. You can even have a nice meal while listening to jazz standards and the sounds of modern jazz. 

To dance the night away, go to Babylon or The Mercury Lounge. Disco, house, power pop, you’ll find different types of music fun at these places.

If you happen to come to Ottawa in September, don’t miss the Latin Sparks Festival, where you can have loads of fun and dance long into the night. 

Conclusion

This is the end of our tour of the most appealing nightlife town in Canada. Let’s mention the elephant in the room, as well: we didn’t cover Toronto because it’s a safe bet for exciting nightlife, and most guides have already dived deep into the festivals, venues, and other places that make the capital of Ontario unique. 

As you’ve seen, Canada’s towns offer a diverse range of nightlife experiences across major cities. From Niagara Falls to Vancouver, each location provides a unique combination of fun options, highlighting the country’s local cultures and attractions.