Creative Dialogues: The Agony and The Ecstasy

You’re Invited!
Creative Dialogues:
The Agony and The Ecstasy
Tuesday, February 2, 7:30 pm

Behind every standing ovation are countless hours of dedication, moments of doubt and the thrill of achieving something extraordinary. This is your chance to hear directly from three National Ballet artists at different stages of their careers as they reflect on the defining moments, challenges and exhilarating highs that have shaped their journeys.

Creative Dialogues: The Agony and the Ecstasy brings together Principal Dancer Chase O’Connell, Second Soloist Tene Ward and Corps de Ballet member Aidan Tully for an intimate, talk show-style conversation moderated by Veronica Tennant, Principal Dancer of the National Ballet from 1964 to 1989. From their first steps into dance to the triumphs and trials of life on stage, hear their personal stories and discover what it truly means to build a career in ballet.

Veronica Tennant After a stellar career as Principal Dancer with The National Ballet of Canada (1964 – 1989), Veronica has continued her creativity and passion for dance as an award-winning filmmaker, producer, director and writer.

Chase O'Connell Principal Dancer Chase joined the National Ballet as a Principal Dancer in 2025, after dancing for a number of years with Ballet West and Houston Ballet. Read Bio

Tene Ward Second Soloist Tene joined The National Ballet of Canada in 2018 as an RBC Apprentice and was promoted to Second Soloist in 2026. Read Bio

Aidan Tully Corps de Ballet Aidan Tully was born in New Zealand and trained at the New Zealand School of Dance. He joined The National Ballet of Canada as a to Corps de Ballet member in 2023. Read Bio

Buy Now

Top Photo: Agnes Su, Isaac Wright, Connor Hamilton and Veronica Tennant at an Agony & Ecstasy event.