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The recent passing of Vancouver impresario David Y.H. Lui, a leading figure in the arts and culture community for more than 40 years, has been deeply felt by the dancers and staff of Ballet BC. A recipient of the Order of Canada in 2000, David was one of the founders of Ballet BC, the director of the cultural component of Vancouver’s Dragon Boat Festival, a founding member of the BC Arts Council and a driving force in the development of the Scotiabank Dance Centre.

Born and raised in Vancouver, David attended Kitsilano High School before heading to the University of BC in the 1960s where his interest in dance peaked. He remained fascinated by dance in the 1970s and 80s, building a small black box theatre on Richards Street in Vancouver. He was largely responsible for ushering in the dance boom of the 1970s, when he introduced Vancouver audiences to some of the world’s great dance companies and inspired a generation of artists and audiences.

In 1985, he worked with Jean Orr, president of the Vancouver Ballet Society, and major arts funders from Vancouver to resurrect ballet in the city after Pacific Ballet Theatre folded. The result was the founding of Ballet BC.

David’s life was dedicated to nurturing the growth of arts and culture in Vancouver and across Canada. He was always thoughtful, wise and generous with his time and expertise. David was a unique and endearing presence in our community, a throwback to the impresarios of the past. He will be greatly missed.