On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, the famous Canadian dancer and choreographer died at the age of 84 Lyn Symour, who was the Director of the Ballet of the National Opera in the artistic season 2006/07. Symour took over the Direction of the Ballet upon the invitation of the late artistic director of ELLS, Stefanos Lazaridis.

She was born on March 8, 1939 and took her first dance lessons in Vancouver. She completed her dance studies in London, where in a short time she became a member of the Touring Company of the Royal Ballet. Her rare talent, her unique expressiveness, her theatrical intelligence combined with her impeccable technique soon led to a great career beyond the country’s borders.

She inspired two of the most important British choreographers: Frederick Aston and Kenneth MacMillan, who found in her the ideal performer for many of his famous works. Equally important as her appearances in contemporary plays were her performances in 19th century ballets.

She worked with leading ballet figures such as Rudolf Nureyev and Leonid Massin, while other choreographers such as Roland Petit and Alvin Ailey inspired works specifically for her. Her choreographies were presented by leading dance ensembles worldwide. In recent years she devotedly taught works by her favorites Frederick Aston and Kenneth MacMillan. Charismatic, uniquely gifted, with her art she moved and inspired choreographers, dancers and audiences all over the world.

The management and staff of the National Opera express their deep emotion at her death.