Overview

Running Time

TBD

Dates

March 24, 2027

The Erik Bruhn Festival of Emerging Artists reimagines the former Erik Bruhn Prize as a showcase rather than a competition, reflecting Artistic Director Hope Muir’s ambition to better support young talent and reflect the tradition of collaboration and artistic exchange uniting the participating companies. Young dancers will still perform classical pieces and contemporary works created for the occasion, honouring the high standards Bruhn upheld as former Artistic Director and creating a rare opportunity to champion the stars of tomorrow together on one stage. 

The Erik Bruhn Festival of Emerging Talent is generously sponsored by John and Claudine Bailey.

Fast Facts

  • Each participating ballet company sends two dancers aged 18 – 23 to perform a contemporary work and a classical pas de deux and variations.
     
  • Each contemporary piece is a world premiere commissioned specifically for this event. 
     
  • The National Ballet of Canada has hosted the event in Toronto since 1988, reflecting Bruhn’s wishes and celebrating his legacy.
     
  • The event has long been a showcase for exceptional talent, with past participants including internationally celebrated dancers Julie Kent, Misty Copeland, David Hallberg, Marcelo Gomez, Friedemann Vogel, Johan Kobburg, Cory Stearns, Heather Ogden, Guillaume Coté, Isabella Boylston, Calvin Royal III and Siphesihle November.

  • The new format preserves the excitement of the event but shifts the focus from competition to artistic exchange, mentorship and professional exposure, reflecting the collaborative spirit of today’s global dance community. 

Historical Note

Erik Bruhn’s long association with the National Ballet began in 1964, when Celia Franca invited him to stage his La Sylphide, followed by Swan Lake in 1967, Les Sylphides in 1973 and Coppélia in 1975. He went on to serve as Resident Producer from 1973 to 1976 and as Artistic Director from 1983 until his untimely death in 1986. Throughout his tenure, Bruhn enriched the company’s classical repertoire and championed contemporary Canadian voices, commissioning works from choreographers such as Robert Desrosiers, Danny Grossman and David Earle. 

Mikhail Baryshnikov and Erik Bruhn in rehearsal for La Sylphide (1974). Photo by Lex Panhuyzen.

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Top Photo: Erik Bruhn in Giselle (1966).