Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinksi Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, announced that former Principal Dancer Greta Hodgkinson has been appointed to the position of Apprentice Programme Director. The appointment became effective July 1 at the start of the 2025/26 season.
“I am delighted to congratulate Greta on her appointment as Apprentice Programme Director,” said Muir in a statement. “Her exceptional experience as one of the company’s most acclaimed and beloved dancers makes her uniquely suited to mentor the next generation of artists. I have no doubt she will make a profound impact as she guides these young dancers at such a pivotal point in their careers.”
Greta Hodgkinson was born in Providence, Rhode Island. Her training came at the Festival Ballet of Rhode Island and Canada’s National Ballet School. She joined The National Ballet of Canada in 1990, and became a Principal Dancer in 1996, a position she held until retiring from the stage in 2020.
From 2020 until 2025, she held the role of Artist-in-Residence with the NBC, up until her appointment to Apprentice Programme Director.
As a ballerina, she was lauded for a combination of superb technique paired with a dramatic sensibility. She has performed every leading role in the traditional repertoire, and many in contemporary ballet. Roles were created for her by many renowned choreographers, including William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Glen Tetley, John Neumeier, Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, Wayne McGregor, James Kudelka and Crystal Pite.
In the position, Hodgkinson will work closely with the RBC Apprentices. The RBC Apprentice Programme is designed to bridge the gap between student and professional dancer, and it offers graduates of professional conservatories a contracted position for about 10 months.
During that time, they will build their technical skills, and adopt a professional schedule. The dancers participate in the YOU dance program, which entails preparing specific repertoire for performance.
They can benefit from the advice of the NBC’s artistic staff, as well as coaching and more.
Congratulations to a dance veteran on her new role with the company.
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