Jurgita Dronina Awarded The Order Of Merit To Lithuania

Principal Dancer Jurgita Dronina has been awarded the Order of Merit to Lithuania. The distinguished honour was announced on July 6, 2018, Lithuania's 100th year of independence, by Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskait? in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The Order of Merit, which includes five ordinances and medals, is presented to Lithuanian citizens and foreign nationals for outstanding services promoting the country, expanding and developing international relationships and for distinguished merits in culture, science, business and other areas.

Ms. Dronina received the Order of Merit, Cross of the Knight, for her illustrious 14-year career in ballet. The acclaimed artist has been a Principal Dancer with The National Ballet of Canada since 2015. She is a former Principal Dancer with Royal Swedish Ballet and Dutch National Ballet and is currently also a Principal Dancer with English National Ballet.

The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Canada Council for the Arts; the Ontario Arts Council; the City of Toronto through the Economic Development & Culture Department; the Government of Canada - Department of Canadian Heritage, through the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage; and the Government of Ontario through The Honourable Sylvia Jones, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.