Your New Principal Dancers

Ben Rudisin

Born: Woodbridge, Virginia Trained: North Carolina School of the Arts and Houston Ballet II Joined: 2013

“I’ve worked my entire career with the goal of becoming a Principal Dancer in the back of my mind and to have it realized was such a strange yet incredible feeling. I’m very honoured and humbled to have received this promotion.”

– Ben Rudisin

“I strongly believe that you cannot hide who you are on the stage. It really shows how you live and what you have experienced. So, exploring the world as big as you can is the key to becoming a successful dancer, in my opinion.”

– Koto Ishihara

Koto Ishihara

Born: Nagoya, Japan Trained: Shiho Kanazawa Ballet School, The HARID Conservatory and San Francisco Ballet School Joined as a First Soloist: 2019

“To be a dancer of the future, you need to be able to be versatile. I take a lot of pride and put in a lot of work trying to be a classical dancer with a wide range, able to do everything from the Bournonville style to the classical white tights pieces where your technique is very exposed.”

– Siphesihle November

Siphesihle November

Born: Zolani, South Africa Trained: Canada’s National Ballet School Joined: 2017

Siphesihle November is sponsored through Dancers First by Jerry & Joan Lozinski.

Tina Pereira

Born: Port of Spain, Trinidad Trained: Canada’s National Ballet School Joined: 2001

“Growing up in Toronto and watching the Principal Dancers of the National Ballet, I learned the importance of being both a wonderful dancer and a role model. Now as a Principal myself, I am excited to have the opportunity to inspire the dancers of the future.”

– Tina Pereira

Born: Casco, Michigan Trained: Main Stage Center for the Arts in Armada, Michigan and Canada’s National Ballet School Joined: 2018 Recipient: The 2019 RBC Emerging Artist Award Second Soloist since: 2021

How did you discover dance?

My mom was a ballet dancer for a few years with BalletMet in Ohio before moving back home to Michigan. I started dancing at the age of three at the small recreational studio where she worked.

What do you love about ballet?

I love the feeling of moving my body. It gives me the ultimate joy; there is no other feeling in the world than being able to express myself in a way that words cannot. I also love the opportunity to create art that can speak to one’s soul.

What do you appreciate most about The National Ballet of Canada?

I appreciate the community the National Ballet has created between the dancers, staff and stagehands. It’s amazing to be so connected with so many different people on a regular basis.

What are your personal goals?

My goal right now is to savour and enjoy every moment I get to dance whether it be on stage, in front of a camera, in rehearsal or just in class with my colleagues, because it can be taken away at any moment. I also hope to learn how to properly cross-train so that I can prevent injury and extend my career.

What would you say to thank our donors for their support?

I would love to thank you all for your unwavering support throughout the pandemic. It has been difficult for everyone, but it is so special to know that our audience is right there with us. Additionally, being able to have a steady paying job even when we were not dancing or performing would not have been possible without you. I cannot thank you enough for helping the National Ballet keep everyone, especially the dancers, securely employed.