February 19, 2007

“It is with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the death of Celia Franca. The fame of classical dance in Canada is largely attributed to the talent, tenacity and the generous spirit of this great woman, the first dancer to be invested into the Order of Canada, initially as Officer in 1967 and then promoted to Companion in 1985.  Celia Franca also received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards in 1994.

A passionate dancer from very early on, Celia Franca founded the National Ballet of Canada and the National Ballet School and has been its heart and soul until now. She invested all of her energies in the promotion of this exquisite form of body language, conveying her love of dancing to many generations of students and spectators.

The arabesques, the elegance and most of all the brilliance of this leading dancer are already missed, but will forever remain engraved in our hearts. To all of those who mourn her loss, we offer our most sincere condolences.”

Michaëlle Jean

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Media information
Marilyne Guèvremont
Rideau Hall Press Office
(613) 998-7280
www.gg.ca