Alberta Ballet shows off k.d. lang-inspired Balletlujah!

Alberta Ballet recently gave a sneak peek in Calgaryofitsnew production Balletlujah!a tribute toCanadian music legendk.d. lang.

The contemporary ballet featuresthe singer'smusic and tells the story of a love affair between two women.

The gay singer is not only the inspiration but has been a key collaborator in the production.

The ballet, set to her music,is about her life growing up in a small prairie town. Thefinal number is her beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen'sHallelujah,which she sang at the Vancouver Olympic Games.

Jean Grand-Matre, the ballet's artistic director and choreographer, says Lang was hesitant to take on the project when he first approached her.

"But after we did the opening ceremonies at the Vancouver Olympics, where I was also director of choreography, and her magnificent performance at that timewhichis one of the highlights of her careerwe knew we had to work together, and we had to create a balletin Alberta where she was born," he said.

The pop and country singer known for hits such asConstant Cravingand Miss Chatelainehas won four Grammy Awards and eight Junos.

Lang, who grew up in Consort, Alta., is also known for her support for animal rights and Tibetan human rights.

The world premiere will be in Edmonton on May 3-4 and then in Calgary May 9-10.

The ballet continues Grand-Matres series of tributes to the works of famous musicians, including Joni Mitchell, Sir Elton John and Sarah McLachlan.