COVID-19 Update

A Message from Artistic Director Karen Kain

The National Ballet of Canada is committed to continuing to connect with you, our audience, donors and community. Although our theatre is currently dark and our onstage 2020/21 season cancelled due to the continued uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic, our artists and our company are resilient and adaptable.

Our 2020/21 virtual season continues with Spotlight Series, a curated programme of commissioned dance films of new and existing work and short programmes featuring excerpts of ballets filmed at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Spotlight Series will feature the world premieres of Soul by Jera Wolfe, in a state of vanishing by Choreographic Associate Alysa Pires and Trase Pa by Kevin A. Ormsby. Making its digital premiere is The Dreamers Ever Leave You by Choreographic Associate Robert Binet. Learn more about Spotlight Series programming.

Spotlight Series

Launched in September, Expansive Dances began the National Ballet’s 2020/21 virtual season. A stunning triptych of dance films created by Choreographic Associates Robert Binet, Guillaume Côté and Alysa Pires, captured by acclaimed director Ben Shirinian, the films unfold in expansive spaces that subvert the state of confinement brought on by the pandemic, heralding hope for a brighter future.

Expansive Dances

Ensemble pour le Ballet

During this especially challenging time with the loss of performance revenues, the National Ballet needs support more than ever. Through the Together for Ballet campaign, donations will keep our artists active and healthy by maintaining their training; assist us in commissioning and performing new in this changed environment; and help us share our work digitally in programming such as Spotlight Series and Expansive Dance for free with the community.

Donate

A Note to Subscribers

All National Ballet subscribers have been contacted regarding their cancelled performances. We have been deeply touched by your commitment, generosity and understanding.

FAQs About the 2020/21 Season Cancellation

I am particularly disappointed that once again we must postpone the world premiere of my new production of Swan Lake, which will now be presented in the 2021/22 season, full details of which will be announced in the spring of 2021. We will return to the stage when it is safe to do so stronger than ever and until then, we will continue to share the artistry of our dancers virtually and, when possible, in socially distanced live performances.

This pandemic is the most serious crisis the performing arts has faced in my lifetime and I am deeply touched by the tremendous support shown to this company. All of us at the National Ballet are grateful for the continued commitment of our audience and donors. Thank you!
Karen Kain, C.C.
Directrice artistique