Karen has received many accolades recognizing her extraordinary contributions to the arts. She is Companion of the Order of Canada, holds the Order of Ontario, was the first Canadian recipient of the Cartier Lifetime Achievement Award and was named an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters by the Government of France.

In 2019, Karen became the first Canadian to be honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award, the highest honour conferred by the Royal Academy of Dance.

In 2021, she was named Artistic Director Emerita of the NBoC in honour of her impactful legacy.

“I owe everything to my education at the National Ballet School,” says Kain. As advice for current students, Kain offers: “Listen and learn and soak it all in. These are the building blocks for your future as an artist and for your ability to get a job. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to do extra work if you get to take extra classes. Take it all in and really absorb it and use it for your future."

Photo by Karolina Kuras courtesy of Karen Kain.