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Artist profile - Paul Reich
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Paul Reich, seen above with the Atlantic Ocean in the background, on tour with Les Ballet Jazz de Montréal in 1984. Photo supplied from Paul Reich's personal collection.
After 28 years of service with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Paul Reich has retired from his position as Arts Development Consultant – Dance.
Paul’s remarkable career with the AFA has been defined by his unwavering dedication and deep commitment to the arts community across Alberta. His impact has been especially felt in the dance sector, where his support and mentorship have helped countless individuals and organizations benefit from access to AFA supports and services. Paul’s extensive knowledge and passion for the arts have shaped the AFA in meaningful ways, and his legacy will continue to inspire us.
Paul Reich performing in the Alberta Ballet production of "Coppelia" in 1985 at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Photo supplied from Paul Reich's personal collection.
In the lead up to his retirement, we sat down with Paul for a brief Q&A interview below.
Tell us about your career as a dancer: What type of dance was your primary discipline, where did you train, where did you typically perform, and do you have any performances that were highlights that you would like to share?
Like many dance kids, I started in jazz where there was maybe two boys in the class. As I progressed, I was told that if you want to become “professional” I must take ballet. This guidance was not received with much understanding or enthusiasm. Regardless, my teacher shipped me off to an audition at the School of Les Grands Ballet Canadiens where I was accepted into a class with 25 other boys. A bit of a change for a kid from a small town. The intense physical demands of daily training in a French language environment felt like I had landed on the moon.
Paul Reich performing for the Alberta Ballet in 1986 at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Photo supplied from Paul Reich's personal collection.
Turns out it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I had the opportunity of going on to become a member of Ballets Jazz Montréal and later the Alberta Ballet and Ballet North. Touring and performing for audiences in many parts of the world was the most rewarding part of the job. I am grateful to my first teacher for mentoring me in the right direction.
Through my years as Ballet North’s General Manager and here at the Arts Branch, I have tried to follow this example of supporting young dancers and all artists when they needed it the most. I always felt that I owed a debt of gratitude, and I hope I have repaid in some small way the opportunities created for me through the efforts of my teachers and the dance community pioneers in Canada.
Looking back on your AFA career, what moments stand out as the most personally meaningful?
Having the opportunity of working with a like minded team that have a passion for the arts has been a real privilege. I have been very lucky in that regard.
Paul Reich performing with Ballet North in 1987 with dance partner Sandy Croft. Croft went on to become Artistic Director of Cirque du Soleil's production of Mystère and Oh in Las Vegas. Photo supplied from Paul Reich's personal collection.
How have you seen the arts sector evolve during your time, and what changes have been most surprising or inspiring to you?
I continued to be so impressed by how organizations continually adapt to very challenging circumstances. COVID-19, the post-pandemic period has had such a significant impact on the arts community. How artists and organizations come up with creative structural shifts in operations and program delivery is nothing short of amazing and I have the upmost respect for arts administrators, in particular, that shoulder much of this responsibility.
What advice would you give to emerging artists or arts professionals entering the field today?
For young artists, search out the best training you can find and learn from anyone and everyone that is more advanced. Young professionals can be successful if they stay open-minded to any opportunity and seek collaborations that help them grow. Improving technically and artistically is a one step at a time process. Madame Ludmilla Chiaraff, OC, founder of Les Grands Ballet Canadiens gave me the best advice, “Everyone is on their own schedule.” This advice proved very helpful over the years both in my professional and personal life.
Can you share a project or initiative you’re especially proud of, and what made it so significant to you?
It was a very satisfying experience to increase the number of participating schools in the Artists & Education program from 120 to 320 with many schools located in very rural areas. This meant an additional 60,000 students could partake annually in hands-on arts workshops across a range of arts disciplines. As a kid from a small town, that felt good.
Paul Reich performing in the Alberta Ballet production of Spanish Pas de Deux - Nutcracker with dance partner Barbara Moore in 1986. Photo supplied from Paul Reich's personal collection.
