National Ballet of Canada First Soloist Jenna Savella Retires After 22 Years
Savella will perform the title role in Helen Pickett's EMMA BOVARY before being honoured onstage by the company.
The National Ballet of Canada has announced that First Soloist Jenna Savella will retire after 22 years with The National Ballet of Canada at the end of the 2025/26 season. Savella will perform the title role of Helen Pickett's Emma Bovary on opening night May 29 and will be honoured onstage by the company on May 31, 2026.
"After 22 unforgettable years as a dancer with The National Ballet of Canada, it feels bittersweet to close this chapter that has been my whole life. I am so grateful to have lived my dream, dancing so many incredible roles and embracing the opportunities I've been given along the way. My experiences, both on and off the stage, have shaped me into the person I am today and are woven with countless milestones, moments of overcoming challenges and, best of all, joy and endless laughter. I have so much gratitude for the support I've felt from everyone in the organization and I will deeply cherish the memories we've made together. I will miss my life at the National Ballet but I'm excited to embark on a new journey and embrace a renewed sense of balance in my life,” said Savella.
“Jenna's contribution to The National Ballet of Canada has been immeasurable. Over more than two decades, she has distinguished herself as an extraordinary and versatile performer, dancing an immense range of repertoire with grace, power and artistry. We will deeply miss her warmth and spirit and celebrate her remarkable career with gratitude and admiration,” said Muir.
Savella was born in Vancouver and trained at DanceWest and Lavrova Classical Ballet Academy in Surrey, British Columbia and Canada's National Ballet School. She joined the National Ballet as an RBC Apprentice in 2004 and was promoted to First Soloist in 2015. An artist of remarkable range, Savella's performances have spanned the great classics as well as works by Balanchine and contemporary works, moving effortlessly from the crystalline beauty of the Snow Queen in The Nutcracker to the melancholic lead of The Man in Black, both by James Kudelka. Her devastating power as Bronislava in John Neumeier's Nijinsky was unforgettable and earned her the Rolex Dancers First Award in 2015. Most recently, Savella helped create the title role in Helen Pickett's Emma Bovary, embodying the spirit of collaboration and curiosity that have always defined her artistry. Equally admired for her generosity as a colleague, Savella was twice honoured with the David Tory Award, in 2015 and 2024, named after former Vice Chair of The National Ballet of Canada's Board of Directors, for her consummate professionalism and dedication to the company.
The National Ballet of Canada congratulates Savella on an outstanding career and wishes her all the best in her next chapter.
Catch Savella in Emma Bovary on May 29 and 31 and in Wayne McGregor's MADDADDAM, onstage June 13 – 21.
Casting for Emma Bovary / Kismet has been announced.
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