Where Are They Now?
The following posts are brief biographies of some of our dancer, musician and staff Alumni, Guest Artists and other affiliates. If you are Alumni and would like to share where you are and what you are doing, we would love to post a message here for your fans and fellow Alumni to see. The National Ballet of Canada welcomes postings from all dancer, musician and staff Alumni. Include your name (current name and maiden or stage name, if applicable), the years you performed or worked with the company, what you have done since you left, and what you are doing now. Please keep your message to 25 words or less (we reserve the right to edit submissions for length and clarity). Your email address or website can also be included alongside your posting.
Email: alumni@national.ballet.ca
Mail: Attention: Alumni
The Walter Carsen Centre
The National Ballet of Canada
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Toronto, Ontario
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David Adams, 1928-2007 (Dancer 1951-1964, Choreographer) was a founding member of The National Ballet of Canada and a legendary part of the Canadian dance community. Adams moved on from the National Ballet for a career in London, gaining a reputation as an international star. He was a talented choreographer and trainer and in 1977 returned to Canada as Ballet Master with Alberta Ballet. He went on to teach at Grant MacEwan College and Ballet North in Edmonton and held the position of Artistic Director of Edmonton Festival Ballet from 1994 to his retirement in 1996. Website: davidadams.org Learn more > Share a memory >
Lawrence Adams, 1936-2003 (Dancer 1955-1960, 1963-1969) joined the National Ballet in 1955, filling the stage with his vibrant personality and athletic enthusiasm. After leaving the National Ballet in 1969 Adams together with his wife Miriam founded 15 Dance Laboratorium, Toronto's first experimental dance venue. Along with many dance heritage initiatives they founded Dance Collection Danse, Canada’s national dance archives and publishing house in 1986. Website: dcd.ca Learn more > Share a memory >
Miriam Adams (Dancer 1963-1969) Website: dcd.ca Learn more >
Ronald Alexander (Dancer 1973-1976) was formerly Principal and Dean of Admissions of The Nutmeg Conservatory in Torrington, CT. He danced with The National Ballet of Canada and the Frankfurt and Hamburg Ballet Companies from 1973-1981. He has worked as Chair of the Harlem School of the Arts, School Administrator for Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Principal of High School for Contemporary Arts in New York City. Presently he is the CEO and Founder of RKA Consultants in NYC. Ronald received a Masters of Fine Arts from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and a Certificate in Administration from City College of New York. Email address: RKAlex060651@aol.com
John Alleyne (Dancer 1984-1990, Resident Choreographer 1990-1991) Website: johnalleyne.ca
Kay Ambrose, 1914-1971 (Artistic Advisor 1952-1962) was instrumental in the growth of The National Ballet of Canada in its early years. Prior to joining the company, she was the Artistic Director of the Ram Gopal Dance Company in India and wrote and illustrated several books on ballet and classical Indian dance. She supported the development of the National Ballet both administratively and creatively, and designed over 25 productions in the company’s early repertoire. Share a memory >
Sebastian Angermaier (Dancer 1995-1996) continues to dance at Leipziger Ballett and was promoted to soloist during the 2002/2003 season. Email address: sebi@sebastianangermaier.de
Gary Arbour, 1947-2011 (Musician 1976-2005) Visit Gary Arbour Tribute > Share a memory >
Stephana Arnold (Dancer 1992-1995) went on to dance for seven years with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal as First Soloist, and later as leading dancer with Ballet BC. She now is a sought after guest teacher, guest dancer, actress and Certified Personal Trainer in the Vancouver area.
Judith Aspinall, 1933-2011 (Staff 1989-1996) grew up in St. John's, NL and went on to receive her English Literature Degree from Rosemont College in Pennsylvania. Throughout her professional career she worked with The Reader’s Digest, Time-Life International, Atomic Energy of Canada and University of St. Michael's College. She felt strongly connected to the arts and joined the administrative team of The National Ballet of Canada in 1989. Retiring in 1997, she saw her time at the National Ballet as a highlight in her career. Her generous spirit, her tremendous kindness and her compassionate nature touched all those who knew her. Share a memory >
John Aubrey, 1947-1989 (Dancer 1973-1980) trained as a figure skater before joining the company and won a number of medals representing the United States in international competitions as a member of the United States Figure Skating Team. He later joined The National Ballet of Canada and performed until 1980. After retiring from dance he coached ice skating for a number of years. Share a memory >
Frank Augustyn (Dancer 1970-1989) Learn more >
Walter Babiak (Conductor 1960-1966) went on to work with Festival Ballet, Vienna State Opera Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet as Music Director. His work included composing, arranging, adjudicating and prose writing. He continues to work within the music community. Email address: walter.babiak@sympatico.ca
Beverly Banfield Lowe, 1941-2011 (Dancer 1956-1960) was a vivacious member of the National Ballet in its formative years. After leaving the company, she received her professional accreditation from the prestigious Cechetti Society and became a prominent figure in the Maine dance community. She taught ballet for Polly Thomas, who founded the original Maine State Ballet, appearing in lead roles with the company. She also taught at The Dorothy Mason School of Dance, which later became Maine State Ballet. Beverly was the original Ballet Mistress and one of the founding board member of Maine State Ballet. She also owned her own ballet schools in Augusta and Hallowell. Share a memory > Read a memory >
Kristine Bogyo, 1946-2007 (Musician 1960's) played cello with The National Ballet of Canada and the Canadian Opera Company and was principal cellist with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra. She often appeared as a soloist with many Canadian orchestras. Inspired by her children, she founded the Mooredale Youth Orchestra and Mooredale Concerts in 1986. Alongside her husband Anton Kuerti she also founded the Northstars Concerts and the Festival of the Sound in Parry Sound, ON. Share a memory >
Karen Bowes-Sewell, GCFP (Dancer 1966-1972) is a Senior Scholar in Dance at York University where she taught ballet, conditioning for dancers, and somatic education as an Associate Professor from 1976 to 2010. Karen is a Certified Feldenkrais practitioner and member of the Feldenkrais Guild of North America. She and her husband Richard Sewell live in Grand Bend, ON near Lake Huron. Website: feldenkraisforall.com
David Bourque (Musician 1977-1983) left the National Ballet Orchestra to become a member of the clarinet section of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, a position he still holds today. Website: davidbourque.ca
Suzanne (Brown) Fitzpatrick (Dancer 1980-1984) continued her performing career playing the lead role of Meg in the Canadian production of Hal Prince's "Phantom of the Opera". In 1996, she opened the Healing Arts Centre, voted "Best Yoga Studio in Toronto" with her husband James, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She teaches Iyengar yoga and offers various healing disciplines including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy and Osteopathy at her centre.
Erik Bruhn (Guest Dancer 1964-1965, Resident Producer 1973-1976, Artistic Director 1983-1986) Learn more > Share a memory >
Cassie (Abhinna) Burke (Staff 1982-1990) is now living and working as a Stress Coach and Quantum Biofeedback Specialist in Caledon, ON. Website: glowinghealth.ca
Gary Burne, 1934-1976? (Dancer 1967-1968) prior to joining The National Ballet of Canada, was a member of The Royal Ballet and Stuttgart Ballet where he created many memorable roles in ballets choreographed by John Cranko in the 1950's and 1960’s. He joined the National Ballet for the 1967/68 season, and then returned to South Africa and danced with the CAPAB Ballet Company (now the Cape Town City Ballet Company). Share a memory >
Natalia Butko, 192-?-1999 (Dancer 1951-1954) first performed with the Boris Volkoff Canadian Ballet in the 1940’s and was one of the bright stars in the early Canadian ballet community. She performed at the Canadian Ballet Festivals between 1948 and 1950, and joined The National Ballet of Canada at its founding in 1951. She left the company in 1954 to pursue her dance career on television. After retiring from the stage she continued to be involved backstage with Wardrobe Department of the Canadian Opera Company, and later as a dresser at the O’Keefe Centre. Share a memory >
Assis Carreiro (Staff 1983-1993) is now the director of DanceEast, the National Dance Agency for the East of England and has been in the UK for 10 years. DanceEast recently hosted Rural Retreats: Ballet into the 21st century, which saw the largest ever gathering of ballet directors from around the globe. Email address: assis@danceeast.co.uk
Todd Carter (Dancer 1977-1987, Staff 1988-1991) currently works as a Software Designer/Developer with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. He married National Ballet Development Coordinator Cathy Hierlihy in 1993 and together they have two children, ages 9 and 5. Email address: todd.carter@sympatico.ca
Marcel Chojnacki (Dancer 1955-1959) lives in Quebec and although almost 80, he continues to perform with a flamenco group and teaches dance. For several years he has played in the 1st violin section of the Philharmonia Mundi Orchestra in Montreal.
Brendan Collins (Dancer 1986-1988 & 1989-1990) went on to dance with Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Basel Ballet in Switzerland, Deutscheoper in Germany, and the Royal Swedish Ballet where he performed as a Principal dancer until 2008. He is presently Ballet Master with the Royal Swedish Ballet and an international guest teacher. When in Cananda, he returns as a guest teacher with the National Ballet.
Katherine Collingwood, 1952-1980 (Dancer 1973-1974) performed with the Niagara Frontier Ballet Company (The American Classical Ballet) prior to joining The National Ballet of Canada for the 1973/74 season. She went on to perform briefly with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, but was forced to retire from dancing in 1975 when she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Collingwood’s story is chronicled in the book Twilight of a Dancer: The Story of Katherine Collingwood and Her Heroic Battle with ALS by Rosemary DeGraff. Share a memory >
George Crum, 1926-2007 (Music Director and Conductor 1951-1984) was a multitalented artist who brought strength, growth and laughter to The National Ballet of Canada. During his tenure with the National Ballet Mr. Crum provided orchestrations and arrangements for numerous works in the company's repertoire. He served as Music Director and Conductor of for 33 years, and continued to arrange orchestrations for dance and to appear as a Guest Conductor on numerous occasions following his retirement. In 1984 Mr. Crum was named ‘Music Director Emeritus’ in tribute of his years of service and his many accomplishments. Share a memory >
Ainslie Cyopik (Dancer 1982-1983) moved to Vancouver and danced with Ballet BC for 10 years (1986-1996). She then taught Iynegar yoga for several years and worked in the film industry. After many years of creating her own dancewear, she now has a successful dancewear clothing company, AinslieWear.
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Peter Daminoff (Musician 1960-1961) after touring with the National Ballet Orchestra, went on to join the Toronto Symphony in 1963 and was a member for 35 years. He is now a freelancer and band leader and enjoys a lot of free time in semi-retirement. He still has fond memories of his time with the ballet. Ciao to all.
Donald Dawson, 1961-2009 (Dancer 1979-1988, Choreographer) began his studies with Ballet Russes star Alexandra Baldina and went on to graduate from the School of American Ballet. In 1979 he joined the National Ballet and was promoted to Soloist in 1986. Dawson's eclectic dance talents also expanded into choreography and he regularly contributed pieces to the company’s Choreographic Workshops. His work Inner Drop entered the National Ballet’s repertoire in 1986. After leaving the company he went on to become a long-time member of Ballet Jörgen. Share a memory >
Kristen Dennis (Dancer 1994-1998) went on to dance with Alberta Ballet and Ballet BC, then transitioned to teaching dance in 2003. She and husband Craig Glen welcomed son, Mason Elliott Glen into the world in September 2005. Currently Kristen is the Artistic Director of RNB Dance & Theatre Arts in North Vancouver, BC.
Robert Desrosiers (Dancer 1971-1972, Choreographer) Learn more >
Michael Downing (Dancer 1988-1994) is currently living in Los Angeles, CA and working as director/filmmaker. He attended the American Film Institute on scholarship and has since been nominated for a Genie Award for Best Live Action Film. Email address: michaeljdowning@hotmail.com.
Dominique Dumais (Dancer 1987-1998) Learn more >
Sandy Evan-Jones (Staff 1974-1981) is a United Church of Canada minister for three rural congregations north of Goderich and is working toward a PhD in New Testament Studies. Email address: sandyes@hurontel.on.ca
Michel Faigaux (Dancer 1995-1998) continued his dance career with Alberta Ballet, and as a guest artist with many international companies. He currently guest teaches for The National Ballet of Canada and Dance Teq, and runs a successful renovation company, Red White Reno. He is now married, and is expecting his first baby, due in 2011. Email address: michel@redwhitereno.com
Dewi Fairclough (Dancer 1985-1987) is presently a Sales Representative with Bosley Real Estate after being Cabin Crew Manager with British Mediterranean Airways. After performing with the National Ballet he was in Cats at Massey Hall and the original production of Phantom of the Opera, and also assisted choreographer Gillian Lynne on the Pickwick National Tour in the United Kingdom.
Linda Fletcher (Dancer 1965-1972) currently lives in Northeast Ohio. She works as the Resource Development Manager for the Center for Families and Children and as a Wine Consultant for West Point Market. Email address: lfletcher3@roadrunner.com.
Walter Foster, 1923-2003 (Dancer 1951-1953) served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. He first studied dance with Mildred Wickson and danced with the Mildred Wickson Ballet Company from 1949 to 1951. During this time he also danced with the Boris Volkoff Ballet Company and New Dance Theatre before joining The National Ballet of Canada in 1951 as a charter member. He left the company in 1953 and joined the Janet Baldwin Ballet Company. After retiring from the stage in 1959, he worked at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, serving in many roles including Classical Music Programming, Announcer, and Benefits Counsellor. Share a memory >
Jennifer Fournier (Dancer 1986-2008) Visit Jennifer Fournier Tribute >
Glenn Gilmour, 1938-2011 (Dancer 1958-1964, 1965-1970) began ballet lessons at the Renee Russell School of Dance and travelled to Toronto in 1958 to train with Betty Oliphant and Celia Franca. Later that same year he joined The National Ballet of Canada. In 1964 he was promoted to Principal Dancer, and shortly after toured around England with Ballet Rambert before returning to the National Ballet for the beginning of the 1965 season. Gilmour retired as a dancer from the company in 1970 and trained with Canada’s National Ballet School to become a teacher. He became a Fellow and Examiner for the Imperial Cecchetti Society of Teachers of Dance and taught at a number of professional dance schools in Canada and Europe, including the Royal Swedish Ballet School, the Royal Danish Ballet School and Company and the Edmonton School of Ballet. Gilmour is remembered as a master teacher who inspired numerous young dancers at Canada's National Ballet School, as well as students in his freelance work in Toronto, Pickering and Vancouver. Website: Share a memory >
Lois Gochnauer (Dancer 1964-1966) received her Juris Doctor and Master in International and Comparative Law. A member of the New York Bar, she practiced law in Washington, DC before joining the U.S. Foreign Service. She served as a diplomat in the Dominican Republic, Hong Kong and Toronto. She also served as Senior Advisor on International Women’s Issues for the U.S. State Department and the Clinton White House. She is a writer and public speaker on women’s issues, particularly violence against women. She retired from the Foreign Service in 2003 and continues to write and lecture, and has returned to performing in the theatre. She divides her time between New York and Florida.
Jacques Gorrissen, 1945-2012 (Dancer 1968-1998) Condolences can be sent to Morley Bedford Funeral Home. Visit Jacques Gorrissen Tribute > Share a memory >
Uko Gorter (Dancer 1987-1989) married Susan Janke in Toronto in 1988. They now live in Kirkland, WA (near Seattle). He is currently a free-lance illustrator and still performs character roles for the Pacific Northwest Ballet. He is also a board member of the American Cetacean Society. Susan is an interior decorator and teaches at Pacific Northwest Ballet. Look them up when you're in the Seattle area. Email address: uko@ukogorter.com Website: ukogorter.com
John Goss, 1942-1986 (Musician and Associate Conductor 1970-1986) studied piano and organ in Toronto and England, becoming an Associate of the Royal Canadian College of Organists in 1962. His association with The National Ballet of Canada began when he became a rehearsal pianist in 1968, becoming Assistant Conductor in 1970. At the time of his death in 1986 he was Associate Conductor for the company. Tragically, John was killed in a car accident while on vacation in Barbados in 1986. Following his death The John Goss Organ Scholarship Fund was established in his memory through The Royal Canadian College of Organists. Share a memory >
Alexander Grant, 1925-2011 (Artistic Director 1976-1983) Visit Alexander Grant Tribute > Share a memory >
Sarah Green (Dancer 1986-1995) received her degree from Columbia University after leaving the National Ballet. She married Mark Motyl, a bond salesman, and together have two sons and daughter. E-mail address: ssgreen@optonline.net
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David Haber, 1927-2008 (Staff 1951-1956, Artistic Director 1973-1975) began his long association with the arts in 1948 with the Canadian Repertory Theatre Company in Ottawa before joining the National Ballet in 1951 as its first Stage Manager. Haber managed the first Canadian and U.S. tours as well as the company’s European debut before accepting a position with the William Morris Agency in New York where his clients included Marlene Dietrich and Mahalia Jackson. He was asked to produce an international arts festival for Expo 67 in Montreal following which he became programming director of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa where he founded the touring office, a program which eventually became part of the Canada Council for the Arts. In 1973 he was appointed Co-Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada and became Artistic Director the following year. He then returned to managing individual artists under the name Haber Artists Management Inc., which handled such Canadian acts as the Famous People Players and dancers such as Karen Kain, Frank Augustyn and Erik Bruhn. Haber and his partner had a long association with the Houston Ballet and established a scholarship fund to assist young men studying ballet and in his later years Haber became a dedicated fundraiser for HIV/Aids research and the Houston Ballet School. Passionate about the arts and generous with his attention to young artists, Haber is considered a key figure in the establishment of the cultural scene in Canada. Many of those he mentored went on to careers as successful artistic managers. Share a memory >
Paul Hangauer, 1935-2002 (Dancer 1962-1963) trained in New York and Germany, performing with ballet companies in Europe and the US. He also performed in a number of musical comedies and on television. After leaving the company he became a dance teacher and choreographer in Buffalo, NY, becoming director of Buffalo Dance Theatre and Buffalo Ballet Arts Studio by the 1970’s. He retired from the post of Chairman of the Performing Arts department of the Buffalo Seminary shortly before his death. Share a memory >
Cathy (Hierlihy) Carter (Staff 1989-1991) married former National Ballet Dancer and Scheduling Coordinator Todd Carter in 1993 and together they have two children, ages 9 and 5.
Warren Hudson, 1963-2012 (Staff 1990's) is fondly remembered as part of the crew behind the scenes of National Ballet performances. Prior to his backstage life, he spent nine seasons on the CFL with the Argos and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, was named the top Canadian in the 1990 Grey Cup and a West Division all-star in 1990 and 1992. He will be remembered as a true warrior on and off the field yet always a gentle giant, a mentor and teammate, a brother in I.A.T.S.E. - Local 58, a lifelong friend to so many. Share a memory >
Fergus Hunter, 193-?-2002 (Dancer 1951-1954) was a founding member of The National Ballet of Canda. He left the company in 1954 and danced in many CBC television shows, later becoming the owner/manager of Variety Arts and Showcase Studios in Manhattan, NY. Share a memory >
Margaret Illmann (Dancer 1989-1996) is now studying physiotherapy in West Australia and misses her 7 years with the National Ballet. Hello to my friends in Canada! Website: margaretillmann.com.au Visit Margaret Illmann Tribute >
Jerry Johnson, 1949-2005 (Musician 1995-2004) served in the military jazz band “The Airmen of Note” during the Vietnam War. He emigrated to Canada to study with philosopher Kenneth G. Mills and became a regular member of Howard Cable’s band in the Imperial Room of the Royal York Hotel, Nimmons ‘N’ Nine Plus Six and a first call musician in the recording and theatre industry. He joined the National Ballet Orchestra in 1995, leaving in 2004 to fight an extended battle with cancer. Share a memory >
Elizabeth Keeble, 1946-2012 (Dancer 1964-1968) loved dance from childhood and enjoyed a rewarding career as both dancer and teacher. After becoming one of the first graduates of Canada's National Ballet School, she went on to perform with The National Ballet of Canada and the Royal Swedish Ballet. Upon retiring from the stage, she taught many talented students back at Canada's National Ballet School and also in Australia. Share a memory >
Christopher Kiss (Dancer 1991-1997) continued to teach company class and perform as Guest Artist until 2004. Also teaching at the National Ballet School, it was time to explore the world as an entertainer on the world's best Cruise Line. He is now an award-winning multimedia designer and web professional, and currently lives and works in Hollywood as Art & Concept Director for a very successful internet company.
Tiffany Knight (Dancer 1995-2003) has started her own floral design business, Frolic, specializing in unique arrangements and exotic bouquets. She can also be seen in various commercials worldwide and both American and Canadian television series. Email address: tiffany@frolicfloraldesign.com
Earl Kraul, 1929-1999 (Dancer 1951-1970) was a founding member of The National Ballet of Canada, remaining with the company until his retirement in 1970. During his performing years he was also a Guest Artist with a number of companies in Canada and abroad. Following his retirement from the stage, he taught at the National Ballet School, York University and the Banff Centre and was Ballet Master of the Dance Company of Ontario from 1979 to 1981. In 1981 he moved to Vancouver to become Co-Director of the Dianne Miller Dance Gallery and also taught at Simon Fraser University. Share a memory >
Bill Kuinka, 1916-2008 (Musician) served in an army show unit during the Second World War. Afterwards he studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music, the Advanced School of Contemporary Music in Toronto and in New York. He taught himself to play the mandolin and guitar and also played the bass in several Canadian orchestras including the CBC Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and The National Ballet of Canada Orchestra however his specialty was the mandolin and he played mandolin solos with the Ivan Romanoff orchestra in performances and on recordings. He taught at various locations in the Toronto area and Wilfred Laurier University. His daughter Valerie plays the viola and is currently a member of The National Ballet of Canada Orchestra. Share a memory >
Jennifer Kropac (Dancer 1991-1998) went on to dance with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (1999-2003). After retiring from the stage she received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Waterloo. Currently she is pursuing a Master's in Child Study and Education from the University of Toronto. Jennifer is married to former National Ballet dancer Kevin Law. Email address: jenniferkropac@gmail.com
Martine Lamy (Dancer 1983-2005) Visit Martine Lamy Tribute >
Serge Lavoie, 1963-2004 (Dancer 1982-1997) began his association with the National Ballet when he partnered Martine Lamy in the 4th International Ballet Competition in Moscow in 1981 and won first prize for best partnership in the Junior Division. He joined the National Ballet of Canada in 1982 and during his tenure partnered many of the company’s ballerinas, including Karen Kain and Martine Lamy in roles such as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Albrecht in Giselle and the Prince in The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Mr. Lavoie was in demand as an international guest artist, performing at La Scala, Milan, the Spoleto Festival, London Festival Ballet, Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. He left the company in 1996 to perform with Columbia City Ballet in Columbia, South Carolina although he continued to make guest appearances with the National Ballet for a few years. Mr. Lavoie had been on staff as Ballet Master with Columbia City Ballet since 1997 and shortly before his deathhad given up performing to focus solely on that position. Share a memory >
Kevin Law (Dancer 1995-2001) received his degree in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo in 2006. He is currently an Institutional Equity Trader in Toronto. Kevin is married to former National Ballet dancer Jennifer Kropac. Email address: traderoute@gmail.com
Angela Leigh, 1927-2004 (Dancer 1951-1966) began her training with the Royal Ballet and Sadler’s Wells ballet school in London, England before coming to Canada. She became a founding member and Principal Dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, where she danced most of the leading roles in the classical and modern repertoires from 1951 to 1966. Angela also taught at the National Ballet and Canada’s National Ballet School, and as an Assistant Professor of Dance at York University. Her choreography credits include works for the National Ballet School, York University, The Canadian Opera Company, and Ontario Ballet Theatre. In later years Angela was a driving force behind starting Ballet Victoria, contributing as an artistic advisor, a board member and a coach for the dancers. In addition to her work with Ballet Victoria Angela also owned and operated Mantra Interior Design and worked on many residential and commercial projects. Share a memory >
Maria Lewis, 1939-2004 (Dancer 1960-1963) trained with Betty Oliphant, Founder of Canada’s National Ballet School, before joining the National Ballet of Canada in 1960. She danced with the company until 1963, later joining Les Grands Ballets Canadiens where she stayed until her retirement from the stage in 1967. In 1969 she returned to her native Vancouver to form the Maria Lewis Ballet Ensemble until she took over Ballet Horizons, establishing a new company named Pacific Theatre Ballet. She retired as director in 1980, continuing to teach at the company’s school. In 1985 Pacific Ballet Theatre became Ballet BC. Maria continued to teach and was named a Fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in 1997. Share a memory >
Kenneth Lipitz (Dancer 1971-1973) is currently a full-time Associate Professor of Dance at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, part of the Five College Dance Department which includes Smith, Mt Holyoke, Hampshire and Amherst Colleges. He, and his wife (of 30 years), Shelley Ziebel, own and direct the New England Dance Conservatory, a private school of dance near Springfield, MA. Their two children, Isadora (21), a dance major at the University, and Hayden (14) an aspiring NBA star, live in the small New England town of East Longmeadow, MA. Email address: ks4553@aol.com
Ana Maria Lucaciu (Dancer 1995-1997) after leaving the National Ballet moved to Copenhagen to dance with the Royal Danish Ballet. After five years in Denmark, she danced with the Augsburg Ballet in Germany for two years and the Contemporary Portuguese Dance Company in Lisbon for another two. For the past five years she has been dancing with Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, in New York city. She is currently studying towards her BA in dance. Hello to everyone at NBoC!
Jerome MacCarthy, 1952-1988 (Dancer 1972-1973) trained at the Joffrey Ballet School and was a member of The National Ballet of Canada in its 1972/73 season. He also performed with the Joffrey II company and the Zurich Ballet before joining the Stuttgart Ballet in 1982. In 1986 he joined the faculty of the Stuttgart Ballet School. Share a memory >
Brian Macdonald (Dancer 1951-1953) Learn more >
Cynthia MacLennon, 1933-2009 (Staff 1956-1975) graduated from the MacDonald Institute in Guelph and launched her career as one of the first costume cutters with The National Ballet of Canada. During her nearly 20 year tenure with the National Ballet she was much beloved and dressed Founding Artistic Directory Celia Franca. She later worked for the Stratford Festival until her retirement in 1998. Other career highlights included working with Sir Laurence Olivier at the Chichester Festival in England, in Australia on productions for the new Sydney Opera House and with Robin Phillips at the Grand Theatre in London, ON. Share a memory >
Caitlan Maggs (Dancer 1976-1980) went on to perform with Desrosiers Dance Theatre from 1982 to 1988. From 1989 to 1998 she taught at l’Ecole Supérieure de Danse du Québec in Montréal. In 1999 she became Artistic Coach at Cirque du Soleil followed by Head of Artistic Training in 2005. She lives in Montreal with her husband and 3 sons and would love to hear from you. Email address: caitlan.maggs@cirquedusoleil.com
William Marrie, 1968-2002 (Dancer 1990-2002) trained at L'Ecole Superieure de Dance du Quebec and the Banff School of Performing Arts, joining The National Ballet of Canada in 1990. He was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2001. In addition to dancing many of the principal roles in the company's repertoire he was a Guest Artist with American Ballet Theatre. In 2002 he left the company to perform in MOVIN' OUT, a Twyla Tharp-Billy Joel musical in New York. He was one of Canada’s rising stars, a classical dancer of exceptional dramatic power who is remembered for his dynamic stage presence. Share a memory >
Sophie Martin, 1929-2012 (Staff ca. 1959-ca. 1979) was an active member of the Canadian theatre community, clothing artists from most of the large performing institutions including Stratford Shakespeare Festival, the Shaw Festival Theatre and The National Ballet of Canada. After moving to Canada from Austria, she sewed and made hats before graduating to cutting, using a designer's sketch to cut out the material that will be made into costumes. She is remembered for her creation of the Snowmen and Gingerbread Men from Celia Franca‘s The Nutcracker, the Cockerel and Hens from La Fille mal gardée and the large hats from The Merry Widow. Share a memory >
Howard Meadows, 1931-1994 (Dancer 1951-1964, Staff 1972-1994) trained in Montreal with Gérald Crevier and joined The National Ballet of Canada in 1951 where he remained until 1964 when he returned to Montreal to work in the fashion industry and teach ballet. In 1972, he returned to the National Ballet as Wardrobe Assistant and in 1980 he was promoted to Wardrobe Master, a post which he held until his death in 1994. The National Ballet’s Costume Archive is named in his honour. Share a memory >
Graeme Mears, 1967-1998 (Dancer 1990-1995) began his ballet training in Victoria, BC before entering Canada’s National Ballet School. In 1987, Graeme joined Ballet British Columbia in 1987 before becoming a Second Soloist with the National Ballet in 1990. In 1995 he left the company and danced with the Hamburg Ballet and Ballet de l’Opera National de Lyons in France. Graeme was particularly admired for his work in contemporary choreography and appeared in works by internationally known choreographers such as John Alleyne, James Kudelka and John Neumeier. Share a memory >
Fred Mills, 1933-2009 (Musician 1968-1972) a 1992 Grammy nominee, studied at the Juilliard School in New York and was a founding member of the American Symphony Orchestra in 1961. He also played in a number of other orchestras including Principal Trumpet with the New York City Opera Orchestra. In 1968 he joined The National Ballet of Canada Orchestra and was appointed Solo Trumpet with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa. He left the National Ballet in 1972 when he became a member of the Canadian Brass. Through his superb musicality and originality he helped lend legitimacy to the art form of the brass quintet with Canadian Brass until he left the group to join the University of Georgia's music department in 1996. Share a memory >
Gregory Mitchell, 1951-2004 (Dancer 1972-1973) studied at the Juilliard School and was trained by some notable dancers including Antony Tudor. He was a member of The National Ballet of Canada in 1972 and 1973 before joining the Eliot Field Ballet in 1976. He later earned a reputation for his work on Broadway and in television and films. His credits include Chicago, Song and Dance and Merlin. Mitchell was well-known for the strong masculine presence he brought to the stage. Share a memory >
Anne Steele Moses (Dancer 1963-1967) went on to dance in various TV and stage shows, then worked in the TV industry for many years. Married National Ballet dancer (now actor) Sam Moses, they have two sons and three beautiful grandchildren and live in Toronto. Email address: samanne68@yahoo.ca
Alastair Munro, 1941-1985 (Dancer 1964-1971) was born in Ottawa where he began his dance training before coming to Canada’s National Ballet School. In addition to dance, Munro was also a figure skater and in 1958 he won the Canadian Figure Skating Pairs Championship. In 1964 he joined The National Ballet of Canada as a member of the Corps de Ballet and in 1966 was a competitor at the Varna International Ballet Competition. Munro left the National Ballet in 1971 and went on to become a Principal Dancer with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet from 1973-1978, following which he was the Acting Company Manager of the Washington Ballet and School. In 1983 he returned to his native Ottawa where he taught dance until his death. Share a memory >
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Thomas Nicholson (Dancer 1973-1977) married Lisa Slagle of the Joffrey Ballet in 1993, and together they are the owners of Ballet Academy of Texas and Directors of Ballet Ensemble of Texas in Coppell, a Dallas area suburb. Email address: dudford@verizon.net.
Charlotte (Holmes) Norcop, 1933-2008 (Staff 1960-1964) attended University College at the University of Toronto where she studied Literature and English. In the 1950’s he worked in the properties department at the Stratford Festival before she became the Publicity Assistant and Assistant to the General Manager with The National Ballet of Canada. She was later with the Ontario Arts Council from 1965 to 1982, first as theatre and dance officer and then director of operations. Charlotte was also an active volunteer with the National Ballet and served on the board of Canada’s National Ballet School Foundation and Dance Collection Danse. She will be remembered by many for her passionate commitment to the arts in Canada. Share a memory >
Rudolf Nureyev, 1938-1993 (Guest Artist, Choreographer) Learn more > Share a memory >
Betty Oliphant, 1918-2004 (Ballet Mistress, Artistic Associate and Associate Artistic Director 1951-1975) trained in England and after moving to Canada became Ballet Mistress at the National Ballet when it was founded in 1951. In 1959 she co-founded Canada’s National Ballet School becoming its first Principal and Artistic Director, and remaining there until she retired in 1989. In addition she was Associate Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada from 1969 to 1975. In 1979, on he occasion of the School's 20th Anniversary, she was named Honourary Founder in Perpetuity of the National Ballet School. During her period at the National Ballet School she trained most of Canada's leading dancers, many of whom joined The National Ballet of Canada or went on to become members of major ballet companies worldwide. Learn more > Share a memory >
Jennifer Orr, 1956-1983 (Dancer1974-1977) entered Canada’s National Ballet School at the age of 8 and studied there for 8 years. While at the school she appeared in a 1967 National Ballet performance of Cinderella before joining the company in 1974 as a member of the Corps de Ballet. She remained with the company until 1977 and later established and became Director of Edmonton’s Summerfest. Share a memory >
Gregory Osborne, 1954-1994 (Dancer 1983-1989, 1991-1992) trained in the United States, joining the Ballet Repertory Company in 1974, and, in 1975 American Ballet Theatre. He remained with them until 1983 when he joined The National Ballet of Canada. During his years with the company he danced most of the major roles in its repertoire as well as appearing as a Guest Artist with many companies throughout the world. After leaving The National Ballet of Canada in 1989 to pursue a career as an independent dancer, he returned often as Guest Artist in appearing in Don Quixote, Etudes and Sphinx and Swan Lake. Share a memory >
Sylvia Palmer (Dancer 1960-1967) obtained her M.F.A. degree and is now director of Southern California Youth Ballet and Black Mountain Dance Centre in San Diego, CA. She teaches for the California State Summer School of the Arts during the summers, and teaches Benesh Notation in seminars for the RAD and Cecchetti organizations. Email address: sylvpalmer@aol.com
James Pape (Brother Luke), 1910-2003 (Set and Costume Designer) was a student at the Ontario College of Art where he learned how to paint. Throughout the 1930’s he supported himself as a bookkeeper taking dance classes in the evening with Boris Volkoff from 1936 to 1942 and represented Canada at the International Tanzweltspiele at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics. He joined the Canadian Army Medical Corps during the Second World War following which he returned to Toronto and became an interior designer. In 1951 he came to The National Ballet of Canada to design the costumes for the company’s first productions of Coppélia and Les Sylphides. In 1952 he joined the Mount Saviour Monestery in New York State. Share a memory >
Constantin Patsalas, 1943-1990 (Dancer 1972-1979, Resident Choreographer 1980-1986) trained in Germany at the Folkwang Hochschule and spent three years with the Deutsche Opera Am Rhein before joining The National Ballet of Canada in 1972 as a Soloist and Choreographer. In 1979 he won the Boston Ballet's Choreographic Showcase prize for his work Piano Concerto which showcased his imaginative choreography. He was appointed Company Choreographer in 1980 and Resident Choreographer in 1982, remaining with the company until 1986. During his time with The National Ballet of Canada he created a number of works for the company, including Inventions, Black Angels, The Rite of Spring, Angali, Nataraja, Canciones, l’Ile Inconnue, Oiseaux Exotiques, Concerto for the Elements: Piano Concerto and Lost in Twilight. Share a memory >
Greg Patterson (Staff 1980-1990) is now Director of Development for WaterTower Theatre in Texas. He has worked for American Ballet Theater, Orange County Performing Arts Center, Los Angeles Opera and Atlanta Opera as Director of Marketing and/or Development. He and his partner Gordon live on a ranch in Terrell, TX and raise championship Dressage and Hunter Jumpers. Email address: gpatterson@watertowertheatre.org
David Peden (Dancer 1987-1990) left the National Ballet and danced with Pacific Northwest Ballet and English National Ballet. He subsequently received a diploma in teaching at The Royal Academy of Dance. He has been the Ballet master for Singapore Dance Theatre, Ankara State Ballet, Turkey and Freelance International Teaching, and is currently a teacher at The Royal Ballet Upper School, Covent Garden, London. Email address: davidp@royalballetschool.co.uk
Cathy (Carr) Penman (Dancer 1956-1964) works part time at Seroyal as a Sales Trainer and Coach. She also volunteers at a Hospice caring for terminally ill patients in the last month of their life. She has taken up piano again and enjoys feeling like she is performing. She lives in King City with Bill, her husband of 39 years, and has 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren. She also has 3 dogs - 2 goldens and 1 chocolate lab.
Kevin Pugh (Dancer 1978-1991) Visit Kevin Pugh Tribute >
Doug Purvis, 1949-2008 (Musician 1972-2008) began tuba lessons with Hubert Meyer of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 1964 and was thereafter accepted at the Eastman School of Music where he studied with Donald Knaub and Cherry Beauregard. Following the completion of his Bachelor of Music in 1972 he studied with Arnold Jacobs of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and began his tenure as Principal Tuba with The National Ballet of Canada Orchestra, a position he held until his untimely death in 2008. Doug also had an extensive career as a freelance player including time with the Canadian Opera Company, Hamilton Philharmonic, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Esprit Orchestra, and the Hannaford Street Silver Band in addition to studio recording. Share a memory >
Nadia Potts (Gomez) (Dancer 1966-1986) has been a Professor and Program Director of the Dance Programme at Ryerson University since 1989 and authored the book Betty Oliphant: The Artistry of Teaching. Email address: npotts@ryerson.ca Visit Nadia Potts Tribute >
Craig Randolph (Dancer 1978-1984) continued dancing with English National Ballet until 1994, after which he worked for the ballet staff of both the English National Ballet School and company until 2002. That year saw a radical change when he took up residence at a Buddhist monastery in northern California, where he ordained as a bhikkhu (monk) in the forest-dwelling tradition of Thailand. His ordained name is Ahimsako Bhikkhu. He currently lives at a monastery in rural England. Email address: ahimsako@gmail.com
Hamish Robertson (Staff 1975-1978) left the ballet to become the Music Officer Finance of the Canada Council. Since then he has managed two symphonies (The Hamilton Philharmonic and Niagara), was the National Fundraising Director of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and managed a number of short term consulting gigs. He is married for the second time to Bev and lives in Brantford, ON. Email address: hamish_robertson@hotmail.com
Ian Robertson, 1940-2006 (Dancer 1958-1961) was a strong supporter and teacher of Russian classical ballet, having been influenced by a performance of the Bolshoi Ballet at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1959. He joined the National Ballet in 1958 and after three seasons with the company moved to London, England where he studied at the Royal Ballet School and danced with London’s Festival Ballet and Walter Gore’s London Ballet. In 1964 he was invited to study with Alexander Pushkin in Leningrad, following which he danced with Les Grands Ballets Classiques, Ballet Internationals de Paris and the Zurich Opera Ballet. After a career-ending knee injury, he returned to Canada where he taught all over the country. In 1988 Ian returned to St. Petersburg for the Vaganova Accademy’s 250th anniversary and was invited to take the teachers course, becoming the first westerner to graduate from this two-year program. He continued to teach students at the Scotiabank Dance Centre in Vancouver, BC until a year before his death and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Vancouver Ballet Society. Ian’s influence will be felt for many years to come. Share a memory >
Clinton Rothwell (Dancer 1968-1981) is the Artistic Director of the Huntsville Ballet Company in Huntsville, AL. Clinton’s wife Carrie assists him as Ballet Mistress to the company. Email address: crothwell256@comcast.net
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Je-an Salas (Dancer 1994-2008) taught ballet for Dance Teq from 2008 to August 2011 and has been a PMA®-Certified Pilates Teacher since June 2011. She graduated from the Ron Fletcher Program of Study as a Qualified Fletcher Pilates® Teacher in 2009 and became a licensed Facilitator for the Fletcher Pilates®, Inc. in 2010 and is the owner of Articulate Bodies® - A Fletcher Pilates® Studio in Yorkville. Je-an was appointed Resident Pilates Teacher for The National Ballet of Canada in 2008 and she lives with Adam Leavens, R.M.T. in the Pape and Danforth area. Her daughter Monica Lei Lau is studying Kinesiology at York University.
Gillian Saunders (Dancer 1985-1990) left to pursue a career in musical theatre and is currently the Head of Dance at Sheridan College in the Music Theatre Performance Programme. She recently received her M.A. in Dance from York University. Email address: gillmike@sympatico.ca
Stephanie Slater (Dancer 1994-1997) went on to dance with La La La Human Steps in Montreal and toured worldwide. She currently lives in Toronto and is a registered Yoga teacher and certified Pilates instructor. Email address: stephslater_yogapilates@yahoo.ca Website: stephanieslater.ca
Lois Smith, O.C., 1929-2011 (Dancer 1951-1969) Visit Lois Smith Tribute > Learn more > Share a memory >
Phyllis Spira, 1943-2008 (Dancer 1967-1968) began her dance training in South Africa before attending The Royal Ballet School in 1959. She joined the Royal Ballet’s smaller company in 1960, now the Birmingham Royal Ballet, where she soon ascended to the role of Soloist. She left the company in 1963 to return to South Africa where she danced with the Johannesburg P.A.C.T. Ballet, and later the Capab Ballet,and formed a partnership with Gary Burne. During the 1967/68 season the pair performed as Principal Dancers with the National Ballet. Spira was the only South African dancer to bear the title of Prima Ballerina Assoluta, which was granted to her in 1984. She retired from dance in 1988 and in 1991 received South Africa’s highest civilian award for excellence, the Order of Meritorious Service Gold. Her example and leadership have left a lasting impression on classical ballet in South Africa. Share a memory >
Grant Strate (Dancer 1951-1962, Staff 1958-1970, Resident Choreographer 1964-1970) Visit Grant Strate Tribute > Learn more >
Veronica Tennant (Dancer 1964-1989) Website: veronicatennant.com Learn more >
Deborah Todd (Thompson) (Dancer 1978-1988) is the Executive Director of the Ontario Equestrian Federation and has an incredible husband and five beautiful children. Email address: execdir@horse.on.ca
Claire Vince (Dancer 1989-1992) returned to Sydney, Australia. She completed a communications degree and has since worked as Senior Publicist and Publicity Manager for Opera Australia, Sydney Festival and Sydney Opera House. She is currently the Senior Publicist at Houston Grand Opera Company in Texas. Email address: clairevince09@gmail.com
Elizabeth Volpé Bligh (Musician 1976-1982) has been the Principal Harpist with the Vancouver Symphony since 1982, and harp sessional instructor at the University of British Columbia since 1985. In 2010, she performed at the Festival of the Sound and the American Harp Society Conference in Tacoma, and was on the harp jury for the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal Standard Life Competition. She was the Chairman of the Host Committee of 11th World Harp Congress in Vancouver, BC, July 24-30, 2011. She will be teaching and performing at the Canadian International Summer Harp Institute and the International Harp Workshop in Italy in 2012. Website: elizabethvolpebligh.com
Paul Winston, MD BSc FRCPC (Dancer 1989-1995) is now a physician of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation practicing in Victoria, BC and specializing in neurorehabilitation, electrophysiology and sports/arts medicine. Based at Victoria General Hospital, he is a clinical instructor with the University of British Columbia. Dancing has been replaced with running in the beauty of the west coast, swimming, snowboarding and all things related to keeping a six year old busy. Email address: paul.winston@viha.ca
(Penelope) Anne Winter (Dancer 1956-1961) left the National Ballet and performed with London's Festival Ballet for two years before retiring from dance. She currently lives in Toronto and works as a Psychotherapist. Email address: pannewinter@gmail.com
Jane Wooding (Dancer 1972-1978) lives in the Toronto area with husband Ronald Shaffer. She has taught both dancers and teachers at Canada’s National Ballet School, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, York University, George Brown College, and Quinte Ballet School. Jane is presently Guest Teaching and is an Examiner for the Cecchetti Society of Canada. Email address: jwooding123@hotmail.com
Your Story is Our History
To celebrate The National Ballet of Canada's 60th anniversary season we are collecting stories and memories about the company from alumni, audience members and supporters both past and present. We are proud of our extraordinary history and by telling us your story you will be helping to preserve the heritage of the company. Celebrate 60 glorious years with us by sharing your treasured National Ballet memories.
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"When I used to play the harp in the National Ballet Orchestra I was able to watch part of the show from the orchestra pit. The final performances of Celia Franca's Nutcracker were always hilarious, in particular the improvised mayhem during the battle scene. I don't know whether the audience was aware that the Three Blind Mice (complete with dark glasses and canes), and the inept Laurel-and-Hardy Stretcher Bearers for the cookie were not part of the usual choreography. I was always captivated by the humour of this production. The Mouse King was killed by being scared to death by a stuffed cat. After the scene with the fantastic dancing dolls, (carried off, stiff as boards), two gentlemen did the "After you, Alphonse" routine until one finally had to get off the stage. I have not seen a Nutcracker since that I love as much as this one."
- Mrs. Elizabeth Volpé Bligh, Alumni, Orchestra Member 1976-1982
“I joined The National Ballet of Canada Orchestra in September 1980 on trombone. My first performance with the company was in Montreal on the 1980 fall tour. I have been to many places in the world that I wouldn't have gotten to if it were not for the ballet tours - Newfoundland to British Columbia, Germany four times, Italy, Luxembourg, and the United States. I even went through Checkpoint Charlie before the Berlin Wall came down. My 31 years with the company have been a terrific experience. I have performed The Nutcracker 642 times with the National Ballet. Fortunately it is terrific music.”
- David Archer, Orchestra Member, 1980 to present
"As the Wardrobe Coordinator for the National Ballet I spend most of each performance wandering around in the dark backstage waiting for things to go wrong. I am armed with a plethora of safety pins, a handy pair of sharp scissors, a flashlight and several already threaded sewing needles. I clearly remember several vivid moments of several ballets, and not necessarily because of the dancing! In the early days of The Merry Widow there was a very memorable wardrobe moment. There is a very romantic Pas de Deux danced by Valencienne and her beaux Camille (performed for us that night by Caroline Richardson and Peter Ottmann) danced out in the garden by the gazebo. On this particular Sunday matinee, Valencienne's lace hem got caught on the row of military buttons on Camille's uniform jacket. Quick on his feet, Peter tried to rip off the lace hem to detach himself from Caroline, but this just led to more lace coming off the hem because the lace was very strong. As they danced more and more lace unravelled from the dress and it started to look like festive bunting draped all over Caroline's legs as she arabesqued. Both Peter and Caroline must have been completely distracted trying to figure out how to deal with yards of lace entwining them as they danced but it never showed. I, in the meantime was watching from the wings. I knew I had my scissors handy but was not about to make my National Ballet stage debut to go to them and help cut the lace off. As I watched more lace unravel I sent someone to get my larger scissors, in case they decided to come to the wings for my assistance. But no, they kept dancing. They finished the Pas de Deux as if nothing had happened, Peter bent down and gathered up an armful of lace, they bowed for a standing ovation and thunderous applause from the entire audience and slipped away into the gazebo to continue their secret rendezvous.
The next day we cut all the lace off all the Valencienne dresses.
I still meet people who tell me they were there for the show with all the lace. My Mom was in the audience and will tell you what she saw and Peter Ottmann tells the story wonderfully from a whole different perspective."
- Ms. Barbara de Kat, Wardrobe Coordinator, 1985 to present
"Celia Franca, Founder and Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada in the early years, was to us dancers both formidable and much to be respected. She was not a tall woman – perhaps 5’4” - and wore her long black hair drawn back severely into a bun at the nape of her neck. She was always fully made-up: pancake base heavily applied, plucked and penciled-in thinnest of arched eyebrows, painted perfect lips in a dark red colour, à la Clara Bow, and darkly mascara-ed eyes outlined heavily in dark kohl. Her prominent nose dominated her narrow face, but it was her cobra-like eyes which mesmerized me, a very young dancer keen to please. She was slender in size, but without an ideal dancer’s body. She had slightly bowed legs (which gave her wonderful elevation), and truly ugly feet - poorly arched and with large bunions. You would never guess the illusions she could create onstage as a dancer when you saw her stationary body.
Celia, or Miss Franca as we always called her, was still dancing when I joined the company in 1956, and she was the only artistically mature dancer in the company at the time. She must have realized that we young inexperienced dancers needed a role model to learn from. I would watch from the wings in awe as she portrayed a tragic Giselle in Giselle, a comic Swanilda in Coppélia, the mature Woman in His Past in Lilac Garden, the witty Operetta Star in Offenbach in the Underworld, the Italian ballerina in the satiric Gala Performance, or a bereaved parent in Dark Elegies. She displayed amazing range and an intuitive sense of timing. No other dancer in the company (or perhaps elsewhere) had this dramatic ability or profound musicality."
- Mrs. Jocelyn (Terell) Allen, Alumni, Dancer 1956-1964
"Here's a little anecdote from my four years with the National Ballet. As I recall, it was 1956, my second season with the company, and our U.S. Tour was coming to an end. We were performing one dreary night in Buffalo, with a scattering of filled seats in the audience, and I was performing the role of Dr. Coppélius in Coppélia. At a crucial moment, I open a curtain slightly upstage to check on Coppélia (danced then by former Artistic Director Celia Franca) sitting in a chair. To my astonishment I see not Celia, but Stage Manager David Haber resplendent in Coppélia's costume, his hairy legs protruding below the dress! Needless to say, I quickly closed the curtain, and the next time I opened it to my relief, the real Coppélia was sitting in the chair. I couldn't help noticing the dancers in the wings trying to stifle their giggles... and I desperately made the same effort on stage!"
- Marcel Chojnacki, Alumni, Dancer 1955-1959
In memory of Beverly Banfield Lowe, 1941-2011 (Dancer 1956-1960): "In the spring of 1956 Celia Franca was faced with the dilemma of 10 dancers leaving the budding National Ballet. One of the most difficult tasks for the company in those days was to find dancers who had compatible styles so that a uniformity was developed. Fortunately Betty Oliphant's school on Sherbourne Street provided students with just such a requisite. That year, far too early for us to start our professional careers, Celia, pressed to the wall, invited a number of we "babies" well under 18 to join the National Ballet. Two close friends, Beverly Banfield and Cathy Carr, were billed as "the heavenly twins" both being only 14 years of age.
Reading was our schooling, but receptions taught us the facts of life, a difficult grappling for any teenager, yet Beverly seemed to ride it like a seasoned surfer cresting the wave. She was always of good humour ready to make sure everyone else was up to their challenges. She had a natural beauty and talent and her warmth lit up the stage in many roles.
Sadly Beverly is the first from that particular era to leave us. She will be remembered in such roles as the Young Girl in Offenbach in the Underworld, the Pas de Quatre in Les Rendez-vous, and a Friend in Coppélia.
After marrying and settling in Maine, Beverly was determined to carry on her love of dance and ran her own ballet school for many years. Her husband Ralph their three children and her ballet friends will sorely miss Bev."
- (Penelope) Anne Winter, Alumni, Dancer 1956-1961
"It was about 1959, during Celia Franca's final performance of Giselle. It was also my last performance as I, a member of the Corps de Ballet, was leaving the company. The memory of tears streaming down my - and Miss Franca's - face is vivid all of these decades later. Along with the emotion at that time, how blessed I have always felt, to have shared that amazing experience with such an ICON of the Canadian ballet world."
- Mrs. Gloria Hutchinson, nee Bonnell, Alumni, Dancer 1956-1959
"Celia Franca, the consummate professional, adapted intelligently to whatever sized stage we were on-whether in opera house, high school auditorium, or hockey arena - stages varied hugely in size and surface, wing space and crossover space. While we usually had a warm-up class onstage before the show, taught by Celia, sometimes the scenery trucks had arrived late and the stage wasn’t ready for use. Celia then taught us how to warm up in the front of the house, holding on to the plush back of a seat for a barre - often on a sloping floor - and doing our pliés and grands battements there. If the stage became clear, we would continue our class onstage. She never missed a warm-up, and we learned to follow suit, although it was not always easy after a whole day on the bus. We also knew that she would notice if we didn’t. She didn’t miss anything."
- Mrs. Jocelyn (Terell) Allen, Alumni, Dancer 1956-1964
"I remember a special performance that I was in while I was in the Corps de Ballet. We were on a US tour and Rudolf Nureyev was our Guest Artist. We were performing Coppélia in Florida. Nureyev was dancing the lead role and he had just finished his first act solo. All of the corps were placed in very specific positions on stage during and after Nureyev's solo. When he was finished he turned his back to the audience and started walking towards me. All of a sudden he told me to get up off the seat where I was posed so he could sit down. For a split second I didn't know what to do because I had been told where I was supposed to be positioned on stage and was afraid to move. But then I came to my senses and figured that if Nureyev was telling me to get up I better listen. So, I got off my seat and he sat down and then put me on his lap. Boy was I excited. I will never forget getting a chance to sit on the lap of one of the most famous dancers in history."
- Miss Donna Rubin, Alumni, Dancer 1984-1988
"My Memory: I was cast in the ballet Kettentanz. I was a Corps de Ballet member and I had not danced anything in a solo role yet. I was injured and very nervous on the night of my first performance. After the performance, Karen Kain came backstage and gave me the nicest pep talk."
- Ms. Kathleen E. Trick, Alumni, Dancer 1972-1975