Karen Kain
born: 1951Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Karen Kain trained at the National Ballet School of Canada. Joined the National Ballet Company in 1969 after graduating from the National Ballet School and was promoted to Principal Dancer within a year.
Won a silver medal at the International Ballet Competition in Moscow in 1973 with partner Frank Augustyn. Acclaimed by critics she has appeared, both with the National Ballet and as a guest artist, throughout North America and Europe.
Miss Kain has appeared in many television shows and films including two CBC documentaries and has written an autobiography: Movement Never Lies: An Autobiography. As well as holding several honourary degrees, she became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1976 and in 1991 was named Companion of the Order of Canada.
Miss Kain retired from the stage in 1997 and became artist in residence at the National Ballet of Canada in 1998. In 2001 she was appointed Artistic Associate at the National Ballet and holds this post until July 1, when she will become the new Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada.
