The National Ballet of Canada

On September 30, The National Ballet of Canada recognizes and commemorates the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honouring the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. We reflect on this painful history and recognize that learning the truth from First Nations, Métis and Inuit knowledge keeps an important step on the path of reconciliation. We encourage you to read the 94 actions outlined in the Truth and Reconciliations Commission > https://bit.ly/3N5Bhbv

TICKETS ARE ON SALE to the final production of the National Ballet's . Christian Spuck's alluring new makes its North American premiere, June 13 – 25. Buy your tickets today > https://bit.ly/3Awj3Nc

Alexander Jones and Katja Wünsche. Photo by Gregory Batardon. Courtesy of Ballett Zürich.

Say "adieu" to Principal Dancer and Choreographic Associate Guillaume Côté as he retires after an illustrious 26-year career with the National Ballet. TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE to , a celebration of one of Canada’s greatest dancers featuring world premieres by Côté himself, Ethan Colangelo and Jennifer Archibald. Onstage May 30 – June 5 > https://bit.ly/3XYKJnk

📸 by Matt Barnes

takes flight March 8 – 22. TICKETS ARE ON SALE to Artistic Director Emerita Karen Kain's highly acclaimed new staging of this great classic > https://bit.ly/46mhWvH

Artists of the Ballet 📸 by Karolina Kuras

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! Don't miss the highly anticipated North American premiere of David Dawson's , a contemporary ballet that embodies Max Richter’s sublime reimagination of Antonio Vivaldi’s violin concerto. Presented with the world premiere of Marco Goecke's and the 50th anniversary of Antony Tudor's . Onstage February 26 – March 2 > https://bit.ly/3XGw27d

Artists of Het Nationale Ballet. 📸 by Eric Gerritsen.

The most magical event of the year, is onstage December 6 – 31. Book early to avoid disappointment! TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE > https://bit.ly/3ZEsg0B

Artists of the Ballet 📸 by Karolina Kuras

TICKETS ARE ON SALE 🎟️ One of the most breathtaking works in the classical canon, , is haunting tale of love, betrayal and forgiveness. Onstage November 20 – 24 > https://bit.ly/3WnmA83

Artists of the Ballet 📸 by Daniel Neuhaus

The opens with Sol León and Paul Lightfoot’s sensational , a mesmerizing theatrical experience set to the music of Philip Glass. On a programme with Sir Frederick Ashton's glorious and , a special solo performance by Principal Dancer Guillaume Côté in his final season. Onstage November 9 – 16. TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE > https://bit.ly/3yhKaer

📸 by Carlos Quezada

Congratulations to Ayami Goto and Luiz Anselmo on winning the 2024 RBC Emerging Artist Apprentice Award, recognized for their artistic growth and exceptional talent as Apprentices during the 2023/24 season!

📷 by Karolina Kuras

All of us at The National Ballet of Canada are heartbroken to hear of the loss of Ernest "Ernie" Abugov. Ernie was Stage Manager with the company for 42 years, retiring in 2015. He was loved by all for his warmth, professionalism, good humor and commitment to supporting artists. He never forgot a name, a face or a note of music and will be deeply missed by generations of dancers and staff who had the good fortune to work with him. He passed away on September 10, 2024 and was 77 years old. We send our love and sincere condolences to his beloved partner Sandra, his family and many friends.

Get to know new Corps de Ballet member Hamish Lowe:
 
⭐ I started dancing when I was five years old and trained at Canada’s National Ballet School. I also spent one year training with Northern Ballet. 
 
⭐ I love watching and would love to one day dance Albrecht. 
 
⭐ My favourite step isn’t really a step, but I really like balancing. 
 
⭐ The ballet I’m looking forward to dancing most this is – it’s just such a classic.
 
⭐ A fun fact – my dad and I have a woodworking shop in our basement which is where I spend most of my free time!

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Subscribing to the has its perks! Save up to 50% off regular ticket prices, secure your seats before tickets go on sale to the public, enjoy free exchanges, great discounts at local restaurants and more! Our most popular ballets SOLD OUT last season - reserve your seat today > https://bit.ly/4fBgHwP

Spencer Hack 📸 by Karolina Kuras

Principal Dancer Jurgita Dronina will say farewell after 10 brilliant years at the end of 2024/25. She will be returning to Europe to pursue international career opportunities.
 
“As I celebrate my 10th season with The National Ballet of Canada, it is with immense gratitude that I say farewell to this company and the Toronto audience. I have had the privilege to experience some of the best years and some of the best performances of my career here. I will forever cherish memories created with The National Ballet of Canada and will take the experience gained with me on the next chapter of my life and career back in Europe.” – Jurgita Dronina
 
Thank you for an exceptional decade of dance, Jurgita!

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Just announced! Principal Dancer Christopher Gerty is the winner of the 2024 Dancers First Award, recognized for his incredible debuts in the title role of John Cranko’s and as Espada in Carlos Acosta's last season. Congratulations, Christopher!

📸 by Karolina Kuras

Get to know one of our newest Corps de Ballet members, Keira Sanford:

⭐ I started dancing when I was 3 years old and training professionally at Canada’s National Ballet School when I was 11 years old, which is where I graduated from!

⭐ I am really looking forward to dancing in this season because it’s one of my favourite ballets. I particularly love the second act with the wilis and it will be my first time dancing this.

⭐ My dream role would be to dance the lead role in a storytelling classical ballet like Swan Lake, Giselle or La Sylphide. I absolutely love the challenge and excitement of dancing new contemporary works as well, however I think it would be really special to dance the roles that made me initially fall in love with ballet and inspired me to become a professional ballet dancer.

⭐ Toronto has so many local cafés – I can’t pick a favourite! In fact, I always make an effort to try a new one when going out for coffee or tea. It’s always so much fun to find places in Toronto that are little hidden gems.

⭐ I am from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and have three older siblings! I love going home every summer to visit family, friends and the places I grew up and love. An interesting fact about me is that I love to paint and draw, and I usually paint things inspired from places I visit like Peggy’s Cove and the Tangled Garden in Grand-Pré when I am home.

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The National Ballet of Canada celebrates Ontario ! Join us at The Walter Carsen Centre for a one-hour rehearsal as the artists of the National Ballet prepare for the upcoming tour to London and Paris, take a free In Studio beginner ballet class and hear directly from the artists with a short Q & A. No previous dance experience required and is for participants ages 10 and up. See you in the studio > https://bit.ly/47jhLBv

📸 by Karolina Kuras

Introducing Erica Lall, one of our new Corps de Ballet members!

⭐ What is my favorite ballet to watch? Wow, this is a hard one! I'll have to go with Romeo and Juliet. It's one of the most 'human' works and I feel it’s the most relatable. There is love, heartbreak, grief, joy and so many emotions we experience in our lives. And just the feeling of 'I would do anything for love' that I think many have experienced. It's heartbreaking but so beautiful.

⭐ My favourite ballet to dance? This is also hard to decide but I'll have to say either Swan Lake or Giselle. There's nothing like breathing together in the Corps de Ballet. I don't even know how to explain it but it's just an elevated level of connection.

⭐ I'm looking forward to dancing all of the pieces in the 2024/25 season! I love full-length ballets and these are all new versions for me. So I'm enjoying the challenge of having to re-train my muscle memory to do new steps. I am also really looking forward to . It's a beautiful work and dancing to Phillip Glass music is always magical.

⭐ Toronto recommendations? I've only been here for a month but I'm such a fan of how much Caribbean food is around. My mom is Jamaican and dad is Trinidadian, so I am always craving some feel good Caribbean food.

⭐ I am the co-founder of Opportunitix, a Houston, Texas-based non-profit that provides underprivileged students of the arts tickets to performances at the highest level in cities from New York City to Los Angeles.

📸 by Karolina Kuras

The most magical time of the year is right around the corner. Sign up for Ballet News and don’t miss your chance to buy tickets before the public on sale! Sign up today > https://bit.ly/3XtlSYB

📸 by Karolina Kuras

Are you looking for rehearsal space in the GTA? With Creative Action’s Open Space programme, the National Ballet provides over 2,000 hours of studio space each season at The Walter Carsen Centre, free of charge, to independent choreographers for one to two-week periods. To apply, visit > https://bit.ly/4g1UGax. We look forward to welcoming you into our studios!

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