Celia Franca

Dancer

1921-2007; lived and worked in Ottawa.

Born in England; moved to Ottawa circa 1974.

First artistic director of the National Ballet of Canada, she was an important influence on the development of ballet in Canada.

In 1951, the National Ballet of Canada gave its first public performance under her direction. She directed the company until 1974.

First dance artist inducted into the Order of Canada in 1967.

In 1978, co-artistic director (with Merrilee Hodgins) of the School of Dance in Ottawa.

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