Desiree Bortolussi takes to the stage for the final performances of her professional ballet career on Nov. 8 and 9. 

The Kelowna resident put on her first pair of dancing shoes at four years old and never looked back. Bortolussi has spent the past 13 years as a professional dancer with Ballet Kelowna. 

"I'm really excited to share one last time with the Kelowna community because they've really been behind me my whole life," Bortolussi said. 

Performing at the Kelowna Community Theatre, Ode includes three works all highlighting the talent of the retiring dancer. The works are Simone Orlando's Cuatro Estaciones, Guillaume C么t茅's Bolero, and the Canadian premiere of  The Reassuring Effects (of Form and Poetry) from American choreographer Trey McIntyre.

Bortolussi will be heading to school in the new year to study massage therapy, a treatment she said has been helpful through her career and will hopefully keep her involved with the dance community. 

Tickets for Bortolussi's final shows can be purchase through the Kelowna Community Theatre's box office or website.