The British choreographer David Dawson, whose appointment was announced after the successful premiere of his new ballet The Four Seasons, will join his predecessors James Kudelka, John Alleyne, Constantin Patsalas and Grant Strate. His first major premiere will be a full-length work for the National Ballet’s 75th anniversary season in 2026/27.
David Dawson Appointed a new Resident Choreographer at National Ballet of Canada
The National Ballet of Canada has a new resident choreographer, David Dawson, who has served in a similar role with HET Nationale Ballet in the Netherlands.
David Dawson. Photo by Karolina Kuras. Photo courtesy of The National Ballet of Canada.
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Commenting on the new resident choreographer, Hope Muir, artistic director of the company, said: „It is my great honour to appoint David Dawson as The National Ballet of Canada’s Resident Choreographer. I have a deep admiration for his commitment to expanding the boundaries of classical ballet through his distinctive choreographic approach and style. I am so excited that has happened with The Four Seasons and this appointment. David’s work will inspire and move both our artists and audiences for years to come.“
Dawson himself, who worked for many years as Resident Choreographer (2004-2012) and then Associate Artist (2015-2025) with HET National Ballet, said: „I am so honoured to have been invited by Hope Muir to become the new Resident Choreographer of The National Ballet of Canada. I am truly excited about what the future will bring as we continue to explore the incredible artistic and creative opportunities that this position offers, and I look forward to becoming a part of this new vision and era of dance in Canada.”
David Dawson graduated from the Royal Ballet School and won the Prix de Lausanne in 1991. He started his career as a dancer with Birmingham Royal Ballet, then moved on to English National Ballet, and finally to Ballet Frankfurt under William Forsythe whose choreographic style he was heavily influenced by. Since 2002, he has been a full-time choreographer and his works have been performed by companies such as Teatro alla Scala, San Francisco Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Berlin Staatsballett, HET Nationale Ballet, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma and the Mariinsky Theatre.
Source: national.ballet.ca