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TBD
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.
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.
Participants will be announced in our eNewsletter, Ballet News, and on social media and will be posted here as soon as they are confirmed.
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Top Photo: Erik Bruhn in Giselle (1966).