Donor Updates

Get to Know Erica Lall and Emma Ouellet

Your 2025/26 Dancer Representatives

Each season, two of our dancers take on the role of Dancer Representative for our donor community. For the 2025/26 season, Second Soloist Erica Lall is the representative who will connect directly with our Patrons’ Council donors and Corps de Ballet member Emma Ouellet will be the guide for our Friends’ Corps members.

You can look forward to personal insights into life at The National Ballet of Canada plus a behind the scenes look at aspects of the company that may be completely new to you. You’ll get this access via online and in-person events, as well as updates and interviews with your new Dancer Representatives. To kick off the season get to know a bit about them in the Q&A here!

Q: What brought you to The National Ballet of Canada?

Erica

I loved the idea of coming to Canada. My mom lived here for a few years as a child when my grandfather was earning his doctorate at the University of Toronto. When I came to audition, I reconnected with some family members. There’s a real sense of warmth here; from the people, the city and especially from Hope Muir, who made me feel truly heard. I was looking for something different and new, and a place where I could grow. I’m really glad I made this move.

Emma

Growing up just a few hours from Toronto, I was fortunate to be exposed to ballet at a young age. My family had season tickets to The National Ballet of Canada. I vividly remember sitting in the audience, watching the dancers who inspired me so deeply. They became my heroes. Early on, I dreamt of nothing more than one day performing on stage at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

When I auditioned for the National Ballet at 17, I didn’t expect to be accepted as I didn’t have much confidence in myself at the time. But I gave it my all and enjoyed the experience. Everything fell into place, and I received my contract just weeks before the pandemic began.

Q: Do you remember your first day of rehearsal with the company?

Erica

Oh yes! I joined two weeks late because I had to finish my season at American Ballet Theatre. Everyone already knew most of the choreography for the piece we were learning, and I was just trying to stay afloat! But everyone was so kind. So many dancers offered to walk through the steps with me, which meant a lot. Thankfully, it was summer, so I could regroup by walking to the Music Garden by the lake during lunch. It really helped ground me.

Emma

It was right in the middle of the pandemic. I was working with Lindsay Fischer (former YOU dance Artistic Director), but as apprentices, we were sort of isolated from the rest of the company and performing virtual YOU dance shows for kids in schools. Despite the unusual circumstances, I remember working incredibly hard because it all meant so much to me.

It wasn’t until about a year later that I had my first full rehearsal with the company and it was for Geroge Balanchine’s Serenade. I was part of a corps of beautiful, talented women – many of whom I had admired since I was a young student. Getting to know them, and starting to build friendships, trust and mutual respect, was unforgettable. And to have as my first ballet? I was on cloud nine.

Q: What does it mean to you to dance with The National Ballet of Canada?

Emma

I feel incredibly proud to be a Canadian dancing with The National Ballet of Canada and to have grown up with this company. It’s an honour to represent Canadian dancers and to be part of the company’s legacy.

I’m proud of myself for making it this far, and I’m committed to continuing to grow, push myself and learn from the incredible artists around me.

There are so many companies around the world, but honestly, I would choose this one again and again.

Q: You’re taking on the role of Dancer Representative for our donor community for 2025/26. What does donor support mean to you and your colleagues?

Erica

Donor support is everything. It makes our work possible – it helps supply everything from our pointe shoes and costumes to our health and wellness care. Beyond that, it’s about relationships. For dancers who don’t have family nearby, it means the world to know that someone in the audience is rooting for them. Our donors really care, and we feel that.

Q: Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season, what are you most excited for?

Erica

I’m always excited to grow and this season has many opportunities. I never want to become too comfortable in my dancing, so I’m constantly looking to improve my technique and artistry. I am really looking forward to Crystal Pite's Flight Pattern. I've dreamed of performing her work for many years and am loving diving into her movement!

Emma

I’m coming back from my first injury. It took a lot of determination and work to get back to dancing, and now I’m returning with a deep sense of gratitude for everything that lies ahead.

I’m especially excited for The Winter’s Tale. I grew up watching that ballet. I love the music, the storytelling, and everything about it. 

There’s also something so thrilling about exploring new creations, so I’m also looking forward to the return of Jera Wolfe and to revisiting his creative process. Another dream come true: Crystal Pite will be joining us this season! I’ve admired her for so long; I truly think she’s one of the most brilliant choreographic voices in contemporary dance today.

Top photo: Erica Lall and Emma Ouellet. Photo by Karolina Kuras.