60th Anniversary Special Events
Ballet History Video
Watch a talk by Writer and Historian James Neufeld on the history of The National Ballet of Canada.
Watch video
The Tutu Project
The tutu is ballet's most universally recognized symbol and to celebrate the National Ballet's 60th anniversary, 60 tutus will be created and displayed during the 2011/12 season. The collection will include costumes from great moments in the company's history and original pieces created by artists from Dance Victoria, The Port Theatre, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Alberta Ballet, Giles Deacon for The English National Ballet, designers from the Fashion Design Council of Canada, and YOU!
Tutus have recently been created by members of the public at regional and national festivals, such as Word On The Street Toronto, Toronto Pride, Culture Days, and the official Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa. Stay tuned for more opportunities to participate!
To learn more, visit The Tutu Project Virtual Exhibit
For more information, please contact Heather Blom, Development Coordinator, Special Projects hblom@national.ballet.ca
The Tutu Project is sponsored by The Volunteer Committe, The National Ballet of Canada.
Class on Stage
Watch The National Ballet of Canada's dancers take their daily class on stage at the Four Seasons Centre.
Learn more
Archival Display
An archival display showcasing the company’s rich history will be on display at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts and various cultural institutions throughout the city of Toronto during the 2011/12 season. Check back to see where the display will be next!
Upcoming Appearances
May 26 & 27, 2012
The Gretchen Ross Production Centre for The National Ballet of Canada as a part of Doors Open Toronto
June 1 – 17, 2012
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts during performances of Hamlet and Chroma & Song of a Wayfarer & Elite Syncopations
Doors Open Toronto
As part of Doors Open Toronto, everyone is invited to The Gretchen Ross Production Centre for The National Ballet of Canada. Enjoy this rare opportunity to see where all the sets, scenery and props are built for the National Ballet’s renowned productions and meet the talented members of the production team.
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Passion to Dance: The Story of the National Ballet of Canada - Updated and Re-issued by James Neufeld
Writer and historian James Neufeld updates his acclaimed book Power to Rise, which brilliantly chronicles the story of The National Ballet of Canada. Originally published in 1996, the new version, now called Passion to Dance, features many new interviews and images. Passion to Dance is published by Dundurn Press and is available at The National Ballet of Canada's Ballet Boutique during the performance season and in bookstores now.
Win a copy of Passion to Dance!
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. Throughout the 60th anniversary season we will draw one submission per month to win a copy of Passion to Dance.
Your story is our history! Celebrate 60 glorious years with us by sharing your treasured National Ballet memories.
Share now
The Pursuit of Perfection: A Life of Celia Franca by Carol Bishop-Gwyn
The first full biography of The National Ballet of Canada's Founding Artistic Director Celia Franca, Carol Bishop-Gwyn's The Pursuit of Perfection tells Franca's story from her humble beginnings in London's east end to founding the National Ballet and her 24 years as Artistic Director. Published by Cormorant Books, The Pursuit of Perfection is available at The National Ballet of Canada's Ballet Boutique during the performance season and in bookstores now.
Learn more about the author