The National Ballet of Canada

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The National Ballet of Canada

The National Ballet of Canada pulls back the curtain.
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One of the top international ballet companies, The National Ballet of Canada was founded in 1951 by Celia Franca. A company of 70 dancers with its own orchestra, the National Ballet has been led by Artistic Director Karen Kain, one of the greatest ballerinas of her generation, since 2005. Renowned for its diverse repertoire, the company performs traditional full-length classics, embraces contemporary work and encourages the creation of new ballets as well as the development of Canadian choreographers.

09/12/2026

From rising star to ballet icon to influential Artistic Director, Karen Kain shaped The National Ballet of Canada for more than half a century. Joining the company in 1969, she rose to international acclaim through her exceptional artistry, elegance and dramatic depth, becoming one of Canada’s most celebrated cultural figures. As Artistic Director from 2005 to 2021, she championed Canadian creativity, returned the company to the world stage, expanded the repertoire and fostered a new generation of artists. Her enduring connection to the National Ballet continues today as Artistic Director Emerita.

09/08/2026

We are kicking off our 75th anniversary season with some exciting partnerships!

🪙 The Royal Canadian Mint is commemorating the National Ballet’s milestone season with a special coin featuring the iconic golden egg from the company’s beloved production of The Nutcracker. The commemorative coin retails for $239.95 and is available for purchase at mint.ca.

📚️ The Toronto Public Library invites you check out A Legacy in Motion: The National Ballet of Canada at 75, an exhibition showcasing original archival materials from the company's beginnings in 1951 to the present day. Explore original design sketches, archival photographs, original programs and costumes worn on stage by dancers. On display September 26, 2026 to January 10, 2027 at the Toronto Reference Library.

This exhibition was curated jointly by Toronto Public Library Special Collections and The National Ballet of Canada. Learn more > https://bit.ly/4yhGhze

09/04/2026

One of the defining artists in The National Ballet of Canada's history, Veronica Tennant was renowned for her dramatic intensity, musicality and compelling stage presence. Personally chosen by Celia Franca and John Cranko to dance Juliet in Romeo and Juliet in 1965 at the age of 18, she later made history as Canada's first Aurora in Rudolf Nureyev's landmark 1972 production of The Sleeping Beauty. Her unforgettable performances helped shape the company's artistic identity and establish its international reputation.

09/03/2026

Heather Ogden bids farewell as Principal Dancer after 29 years at the end of the 2026/27 season.

Heather’s extraordinary career will be celebrated throughout the season, culminating in a farewell gala honouring her on June 8. This very special evening will feature excerpts of repertoire significant to Heather’s career along with a new work by former Artistic Director James Kudelka created especially for her, renewing a partnership that began in 1998 when she joined the National Ballet. A fitting tribute to a much-loved artist whose contributions have enriched both the company and dance in Canada.

“The National Ballet of Canada has been such an important part of my life for nearly 30 years. I joined the company when I was very young and, in many ways, I grew up here – as a dancer, an artist and a person. I’m deeply grateful for the many incredible roles I have had the privilege to dance and, above all, for the artists, choreographers and colleagues who have shaped and inspired me along the way. To take my final bow during the company’s 75th anniversary season feels especially meaningful. I am proud to be part of its history and hope that, in my own way, I’ve contributed something to a company that has given me so much." – Heather Ogden

One of Canada’s finest dancers, Heather is a quintessential classical ballerina – a beloved Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet and Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, always equal parts serenity and steel. She is also renowned for her interpretations of George Balanchine’s works and has delivered powerful performances in contemporary ballets including Nijinsky, MADDADDAM and the work of Crystal Pite.

As Heather prepares to take her final bow as Principal Dancer at the end of this season, the National Ballet honours her legacy of excellence, contributions to dance in Canada and the lasting imprint she has made on the company.

Learn more about Heather's farewell gala celebration > https://bit.ly/4zVzsFl

Thank you for everything, Heather. We can't wait to celebrate you. 💐❤️

09/01/2026

The National Ballet of Canada celebrates Ontario Culture Days with a FREE, family-friendly performance featuring the company's RBC Apprentices 🤍 Join us for a one-hour programme of classical and contemporary works, accompanied live by piano. Stay after the performance to chat with our dancers for a lively Q&A!

📅 Thursday, October 1
📍 Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis Street
🕐️ 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Limited availability! Register here > https://bit.ly/4gw9Lne

Karin Laldjising 📸 by Bruce Zinger

08/29/2026

Get ready for a ballet-inspired pitch! ⚾️🧑🏼‍🩰Thrilled to celebrate our 75th anniversary season at the Blue Jays 50th as Principal Dancer Genevieve Penn Nabity throws the honourary first pitch at tonight’s game against the Seattle Mariners. Go Jays, Go!

08/27/2026

Few artists had as profound an influence on The National Ballet of Canada as global ballet icon Rudolf Nureyev. From 1969 to 1979, his long association with the company as both a guest artist and choreographer helped raise its international profile and artistic ambitions. His landmark 1972 production of The Sleeping Beauty propelled the National Ballet onto the world stage, opening the door to international touring and a new era of artistic excellence. Through his mentorship, Nureyev also played an important role in the development of dancers including Karen Kain and Veronica Tennant.

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day 🐶 Meet some of our four-legged colleagues who are busy guarding studios, giving cuddles in between rehearsal and most importantly, bringing our dancers joy ❤️

08/25/2026

We're hiring! Company and Tour Manager – responsible for leading administrative, logistical operations and well-being support for dancers, guest artists and creative team members. If you are an organized, strategic planner with three years of experience in Company Management or five years of experience in Stage Management, apply before August 27! > https://bit.ly/4gpJmWP

📸 by Bruce Zinger

Address

145 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON
M5H4G1

Telephone

+14163459595

Website

http://national.ballet.ca/

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