Calgary diva preps for Elton John ballet

Dave Richards will likely be the only person wearing six-inch platform heels at Thursday's opening night of Alberta Ballet's new production based on Elton John's music.

Love Lies Bleeding will premiere at Calgary's Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on Thursday night, followed by performances in Edmonton.

John approached the Alberta Ballet about the project after seeing the company's well-received dance to the music of Joni Mitchell in 2007.

The ballet's artistic director, Jean Grand-Matre, who choreographed Love Lies Bleeding, asked Richards to appear in drag at opening night. It was an invitation that Richards, who goes by the name "Deva Dave," gladly accepted.

"Elton John is a big deal for pop culture. Elton John in Calgary and in anticipation that he may be here, that's a bigger deal for Calgary," explained Richards, a hairstylist.

"I don't think necessarily for the gay community but for human beings as a whole, Elton John is very significant. We struggled with him. We journeyed with him and his drug problems and all these things, all his growths and his highs and lows."

Deva Dave will be wearing a black sequined gown designed for the occasion, six-inch heels, and a wig.

Richards said John's music holds special meaning for him.

"This for me is life coming full circle. Moving from the Caribbean and growing as a human being and also coming out. So [Elton John's] music has a lot to do with my coming out and my growth as an individual."

Organizers have not confirmed if John or his Canadian partner, David Furnish, will be attending the premiere in Calgary.