Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, announced that Associate Artistic Director Christopher Stowell will be leaving his post to return to his native US at the end of June 2022.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Chris for the support he provided during my transition into this role and to wish him all the best for the future as he returns home to explore new opportunities,” said Muir in a release.
A fond farewell…
After joining the National Ballet in 2017, Stowell worked closely with Artistic Director Emerita Karen Kain during the final years of her tenure, including playing a key role in the creative team for her production of Swan Lake.
“Chris has been an extraordinary partner for me over the last several years, providing leadership and support to our artistic team and guidance and mentorship to our artists,” said Kain. “I will be forever grateful for his contributions to the success of The National Ballet of Canada during my time as Artistic Director”.
In brief
- Stowell trained at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School and the School of American Ballet;
- He became a Principal Dancer at San Francisco Ballet for 16 years;
- Artistic Director of Oregon Ballet Theatre from 2003 to 2012.
“I came to Toronto in 2017 to work with Karen and capping my tenure with the National Ballet by partnering with her on this very special production of Swan Lake feels like the ideal time for this transition,” said Stowell. “Like many people, the uncertainty and challenges of the last two years have caused me to reevaluate my priorities and pursue a more balanced life. After five years in Canada, I feel the need to be closer to my family and creative home. I want to thank Karen, Executive Director Barry Hughson and all my extraordinary colleagues and friends at the National Ballet for their support and camaraderie and wish everyone the best as they enter this next exciting chapter in the company’s history.”
Stowell will be moving back to the US over the summer.
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