National Ballet: Chan Hon Goh

Born in Beijing, China, she emigrated with her family, settling in Vancouver, where she studied in the professional programme at the Goh Ballet Academy. Upon graduation in 1988, she joined The National Ballet of Canada and has been a Principal Dancer since 1994.

Ms. Goh has employed her delicate lyricism and emotional depth to personify the essence of lead roles in ballets such as Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Onegin and the title roles in Giselle, Madame Butterfly and La Sylphide. Ms. Goh is known for the vibrancy and elegance she brings to her extensive Balanchine repertoire. She has had multiple roles created for her at the National Ballet and has been chosen to perform in the company premieres of works by contemporary choreographers John Neumeier, Christopher Wheeldon and Ji?í Kylían, among others.

Ms. Goh is a much sought-after international guest artist and has appeared with numerous companies throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. She is often invited to produce evenings of dance around the world. In addition, she was the first Canadian to receive the silver medal at the Genée International Ballet Competition in London, England and was a prize recipient at the Prix de Lausanne. In 2005, Ms. Goh received the New Pioneers Arts Award for her contributions to dance in Canada. Her autobiography Beyond the Dance: A Ballerina's Life was a finalist nominee for the 2003 Norma Fleck Award and the 2005 Rocky Mountain Book Award. Ms. Goh is the founder of Principal by Chan Hon Goh™, a manufacturer and distributor of ballet footwear.

www.chanhongoh.com | www.principalshoes.com

Media Quotes for Chan Hon Goh

In the Night
"Goh is at the height of her powers, where technical ability and dramatic insight converge. Her dancing these days feels freer than ever; she is totally present and committed to what is unfolding on stage." DanceView, 2008

An Italian Straw Hat
"After all the pratfalls and the comically clumsy pas de deux, it's a relief to watch Chan Hon Goh as the bride in a sexy duet, gliding into the arms of her Ferdinand." The Toronto Star, 2008

The Merry Widow
"Zdenek Konvalina and Chan Hon Goh are thrillingly romantic as Camille and the adulterous Valencienne." Toronto Star, 2007