Media Release
2026/27 Promotions Announced
Isaac Wright Promoted to First Soloist Tene Ward Promoted to Second Soloist
June 16, 2026... Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, announced today promotions for the 2026/27 season: Isaac Wright to First Soloist and Tene Ward to Second Soloist.
“It is my honour and pleasure to recognize these two exceptional dancers with well-deserved promotions. Over the past year, Isaac’s artistic and professional development has been extraordinary to witness but equally important is the genuine sense of joy he brings to both the studio and the stage. His optimism, generosity and dedication enrich our entire company and make him a deeply valued colleague.
Tene has also demonstrated a remarkable evolution as an artist. She brought a new level of maturity, confidence and depth to her work this season, the result of her self-reflection and determination to continually grow. She has embraced the breadth and diversity of our repertoire with openness, curiosity and ambition, qualities that are essential to thriving at The National Ballet of Canada.
Congratulations to Isaac and Tene on these well-earned achievements. I look forward to celebrating their continued success in the years ahead,” said Muir.
Isaac Wright was born in Belleville, Ontario and trained at Quinte Ballet School of Canada and Canada’s National Ballet School. Isaac joined The National Ballet of Canada as an RBC Apprentice in 2015 and danced with Ballet Jörgen and Les Grands Ballets before re-joining the National Ballet’s Corps de Ballet in 2019. Isaac was promoted to Second Soloist in 2024. Isaac’s roles include Lensky in Onegin, Icicle in The Nutcracker, Pussycat in The Sleeping Beauty, March Hare in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Homais in Helen Pickett's Emma Bovary.
Tene Ward was born in Sydney, Australia and trained at Canberra Festival Ballet School in Canberra, Australia, The Australian Ballet School and European School of Ballet in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Tene joined The National Ballet of Canada in 2018 as an RBC Apprentice and became a member of the Corps de Ballet in 2019. Most recently, Tene performed in the world premieres of Procession, choreographed by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber, and Gush by Alyssa Martin and has also danced Spanish Dance in Swan Lake.
Retirements and Departures
As previously announced, Principal Dancer Siphesihle November is departing the National Ballet at the end of the 2025/26 season and will join Dutch National Ballet as a Soloist for the 2026/27 season. First Soloist Jenna Savella retires from the National Ballet at the end of the 2025/26 season after 22 years with the company and was celebrated onstage following a performance of Helen Pickett’s Emma Bovary.
Also retiring from the stage at the end of this season are Second Soloists Kathryn Hosier and Miyoko Koyasu and Corps de Ballet member Trygve Cumpston.
Corps de Ballet member Jason Ferro will be departing the National Ballet to pursue other opportunities.
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2025/26 Season Sponsor: BMO Financial Group
Siphesihle November is sponsored through Dancers First by Jerry Lozinski, O.C. & Joan Lozinski, O.C.
Kathryn Hosier is sponsored through Dancers First by Donna Meyers & Doug Richmond.
The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Canada Council for the Arts; the Ontario Arts Council; the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council; the Government of Canada – Department of Canadian Heritage with the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages; and the Government of Ontario with the Honourable Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Minister of Sport.
Isaac Wright and Tene Ward. Photos by Karolina Kuras.
For more information and interview opportunities, please contact:
Touchwood PR
Andréa Grau, Founder and OwnerChelsea Cabello, Senior PublicistSydney Clarke, Publicist
NBOC@touchwoodpr.com
The National Ballet of Canada
Catherine Chang, Associate Director of Communications & Content Strategy
Sarah Johnsen, Interim Communications Manager
Media@national.ballet.ca