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Karen Kain

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Karen Kain BIO

Ms. Kain is one of Canada's most renowned and committed arts leaders. She is the longest serving Artistic Director of the National Ballet since Founder Celia Franca and has led the organization with great success. She has had an invaluable impact, as both an artist and a leader, on the National Ballet as well as the arts in Canada and around the globe. One of the greatest classical dancers of her generation, she joined The National Ballet of Canada in 1969 and went on to a distinguished career that included international guest performances with such companies as Paris Opéra Ballet, Roland Petit's Le Ballet de Marseille, The Bolshoi Ballet, London Festival Ballet and The Hamburg Ballet. During her career she developed a close creative partnership with Rudolf Nureyev and often performed with him. Ms. Kain retired from dancing following a cross-Canada farewell tour in 1997 and took up the position of Artist-in-Residence, a role later expanded to Artistic Associate. She was appointed Artistic Director in 2005. Under her tenure, the National Ballet embarked on 23 international tours, commissioned, co-commissioned and co-produced 24 new works from international and Canadian choreographers, received worldwide acclaim for the calibre of dancing and achieved financial success with 10 years of operating surpluses and the completion of the $104 million Soaring Campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in the history of the National Ballet. Ms. Kain also launched CreativAction, a new initiative to support Canadian choreographers and the dance community and appointed three Choreographic Associates. Ms. Kain's commitment to education and community engagement saw over 5.9 million children and their families enjoy free programming during her time as Artistic Director.

Karen Kain STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
1980
Swanilda (Alternate)


Karen Kain Videos

Karen Kain News


Dance On Camera And Film At Lincoln Center Announce Lineup For 2024 DANCE ON CAMERA Festival, February 9�"12


Dance On Camera and Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) present the 52nd edition of the Dance on Camera Festival from February 9 to 12, 2024.

SIX THE MUSICAL Extends in Toronto Until February 11, 2024


The Canadian production of SIX The Musical will extend its run until February 11, 2024. Get more event and ticket information here!

The Joffrey Ballet Welcomes Five New Dancers To The Company


The Joffrey Ballet has announced the addition of five dancers to the Joffrey roster for the 2023-24 season. Learn more about the new dancers here!

Fall for Dance North Returns Next Month


Fall for Dance North (FFDN), Toronto’s premier international dance festival, will bring its diverse line-up of national and international dancemakers to venues across Toronto, from Sept. 26 to Oct. 7, 2023 – with all tickets (still!) priced at just $15. 

Fall for Dance North Unveils 9th Annual Festival Line-up Featuring Cassa Pancho's Ballet Black, Candoco & More


Fall for Dance North, Toronto’s premier international dance festival, has revealed mainstage events of its 9th annual programming, to take place at various venues throughout Toronto.

The National Ballet of Canada Promotes Spencer Hack To Principal Dancer


Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, have announced Spencer Hack has been promoted to Principal Dancer.  

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Announces SPRING SERIES: ELEMENTS


Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) will present the second programs of its 45th anniversary season: Elements, featuring several World and Company Premieres and acclaimed revivals. The 2022/23 Season 45: Sapphire Season continues with HSDC's Spring Series at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (220 E. Chicago Ave.) which will run March 23–April 2 with two mixed repertory performances, each performed four times. 

Banff Centre For Arts And Creativity Announces Chris Lorway As Incoming President And CEO


Banff Centre has announced that the Board of Governors has appointed Chris Lorway as the 8th President and CEO in its 90 year history. Lorway takes the reins effective April 10th, 2023.

Genevieve Penn Nabity Wins Rolex Dancers First Award


Genevieve Penn Nabity is the recipient of the 2022 Rolex Dancers First Award. The award was presented by Maxim Lamarre, President and CEO, Rolex Canada Ltd., at a dinner and presentation in Toronto last night. 

Ross Petty Productions to Present Farewell Holiday Spectacular PETER'S FINAL FLIGHT in December


Ross Petty Productions announces their farewell production at Toronto's historic Elgin Theatre this winter. PETER'S FINAL FLIGHT: The PAN-Tastical Family Musical! will run from December 2, 2022 to January 7, 2023.

Gustavo Dudamel Awarded The Glenn Gould Prize


One of the world's foremost conductors, renowned for his dynamic presence on the podium and his unwavering belief that music has the power to transform lives and change the world, Venezuelan-born conductor, violinist and music education activist Gustavo Dudamel has been chosen as the fourteenth Glenn Gould Prize Laureate.

Gustavo Dudamel Awarded the Glenn Gould Prize


One of the world’s foremost conductors, renowned for his dynamic presence on the podium and his unwavering belief that music has the power to transform lives and change the world, Venezuelan-born conductor, violinist and music education activist Gustavo Dudamel has been chosen as the fourteenth Glenn Gould Prize Laureate.

Principal Dancer Siphesihle November Dances with Cape Town City Ballet as a Guest Artist in ROMEO AND JULIET


Principal Dancer Siphesihle November has been invited to appear as a Guest Artist with Cape Town City Ballet, in South Africa, on August 25, 2022.

Free Outdoor Performances Announced At Harbourfront Centre, August 16-20


Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada has announced programming for Sharing the Stage at Harbourfront Centre which includes free outdoor performances on the Concert Stage, dance classes and interactive conversations.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Announces 2022/23 Season Featuring World Premieres & More


Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has announced the company’s 45th anniversary ‘sapphire’ season: a dynamic mix of world premieres and revivals of company and audience favorites.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Announces 45 Anniversary Season Featuring REFRACTION Program Debut & More


Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has announced the company’s 45th anniversary ‘sapphire’ season: a dynamic mix of world premieres and revivals of company and audience favorites. The 2022/23 Season 45: Sapphire Season begins with HSDC’s fall series Refraction at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.

Evan McKie Bids Farewell to The National Ballet of Canada


Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, have announced that Principal Dancer Evan McKie will depart from The National Ballet of Canada.

National Ballet Principal Artistic Coach Magdalena Popa Retires After 40 Years


Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director, today announced that Principal Artistic Coach Magdalena Popa will retire after 40 years with The National Ballet of Canada at the end of the 2021/22 season. Ms. Popa will remain on as part of the coaching staff as Artistic Advisor.

BWW Review: SWAN LAKE Soars in New National Ballet of Canada Production


It’s been nearly two years since the National Ballet of Canada had planned on premiering their new SWAN LAKE, but in this case late is definitely better than never. The stunning new production, directed by former Artistic Director Karen Kain, has finally arrived on the Four Seasons Centre’s stage.  

The National Ballet of Canada Announces Principal Cast of SWAN LAKE


Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada announced the principal casting for the world premiere of Swan Lake, directed and staged by Karen Kain. The newly imagined production will feature four debuts in the principal roles of Odette/Odile and Prince Siegfried. Get the show's schedule and more here. 

Karen Kain FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Karen Kain been in?

Karen Kain has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Karen Kain been in?

Karen Kain has not appeared in the West End.

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