Prima Ballerina with The National Ballet of Canada for 25 years, Veronica Tennant, won hearts and accolades dancing with such luminaries as Erik Bruhn, Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov. In 1989 she danced her farewell performance, with her signature role of Juliet, and a Gala entitled: A Passion for Dance – Celebrating the Tennant Magic. Now an award-winning filmmaker, producer/director, Veronica received the International Emmy for Karen Kain: Dancing in the Moment. For CBC she also created the Gemini Award-winning Margie Gillis: Wild Hearts in Strange Times, and Shadow Pleasures, narrated and written by Michael Ondaatje. Her Vida y Danza, Cuba was screened at the first Luminato Festival and Veronica was thrilled to collaborate closely with DCD on The Dancers’ Story, and Celia Franca: Tour de Force. The first dancer to be appointed as Officer of the Order of Canada in 1975, Veronica was elevated to the rank of Companion in 2003, the Order’s highest honour. As an inductee, Veronica Tennant was named Honorary Chair of DCD’s inaugural Dance Hall of Fame.

Photographer Liliana Reyes, courtesy of Dance Collection Danse