Alumni | Canada's National Ballet School

In the highly competitive world of ballet, there are many factors that contribute to a dancerʼs path from training in a studio to performing on the global stage.

At Canadaʼs National Ballet School, aspiring young dancers gain a strong foundation that readies them for future pathways and, upon graduation, it is now the norm for dancers to develop their training further at highly sought-after bridge programs. Competitive bridge programs such as our Company Life Program (CLP) prepare dancers for the rigours of dancing with a company while still within a supportive educational environment. Dancers develop as artists through new experiences and build the maturity, versatility and strength required for the life of a professional dancer.

The hard work, perseverance and dedication of a dancer can take them on a transformative trajectory and we are thrilled to celebrate a few of the appointments, opportunities and promotions of recent NBS alumni:

To view these recent graduates' journeys, click here.

More than 25 years ago, Sir Christopher Ondaatje established a prize in his name within Canada’s National Ballet School’s endowment, with an ambitious vision to create the largest ballet award in the country. 
Over the years, recipients of the Ondaatje Ballet Prize have gone on to build remarkable careers within leading companies in Canada and around the world. 

As we reflect on Sir Christopher Ondaatje’s generosity of spirit, some of our alumni shared heartfelt messages about how this award bolstered their careers in many ways.

Watch an alumni tribute to Sir Christopher Ondaatje here.

Photo by Andy Paradise, courtesy of The Independent

We were thrilled to have Ryan Tomash, NBS Alum and Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet and Royal Danish Ballet, with us in summer 2026. In addition to teaching technique and repertoire classes during our Summer Training, Ryan sat down with our students for an artist talk.

Discussing his education at NBS and his professional dance career, Ryan shared how curiosity and patience have propelled his artistic journey and the special community dancers are part of.

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Nadia Potts, a cherished member of the Canada's National Ballet School (NBS) community whose life was shaped by dance, friendship, and an unwavering commitment to teaching and learning. Nadia’s relationship with NBS began almost at the very beginning of the School.

Nadia first entered the world of ballet at the age of seven in Betty Oliphant’s Toronto studio. When NBS opened its doors in 1959, she continued her training under Betty Oliphant, graduating in 1964 as part of a formative generation that helped define the School’s early legacy.

After graduation, Nadia danced with the National Ballet of Canada for twenty years, rising to the rank of principal dancer. Those years were marked by artistic intensity, discipline, and extraordinary reliance among dancers, particularly during the demanding Rudolf Nureyev era. It was during this time that lifelong bonds were forged, none more enduring than those she shared with Vanessa Harwood-Scully and Linda Maybarduk Alguire. Known affectionately as “the Three Amigos,” their friendship was rooted in childhood, strengthened on stage and on tour, and sustained across decades as their lives evolved.

To read Vanessa and Linda's memories about the life of their dear friend Nadia, click here.

We were pleased to welcome 2025 Ken McCarter Award Laureates Artemis Gordon (TTP, Class of 1989) and Courtney Horvath (née Kozul, PBP, Class of 2001) to our campus in January for a student-led panel reflecting on their time at NBS and their professional journeys since graduation.

Moderated by senior students, the conversation offered insight, guidance, and inspiration to participants from our Professional Ballet and Teacher Training Programs, who also had the opportunity to ask questions. Arty and Courtney’s visit was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate two outstanding alumni for their remarkable achievements and innovative artistry.