Sonia Rodriguez to retire as principal dancer at National Ballet of Canada
Posted Sep 7, 2021 04:23:01 PM.
Last Updated Sep 7, 2021 04:25:08 PM.
TORONTO — Sonia Rodriguez is bowing out of her lead position at the National Ballet of Canada.
Executive director Barry Hughson says Rodriguez plans to retire as principal dancer in early 2022 after 32 years with the company.
In a statement, Rodriguez called the departure “truly a bittersweet farewell,” calling the National Ballet of Canada “so much more than a professional home.”
Rodriguez joined the National Ballet of Canada in the 1989-1990 season and became principal dancer in 2000.
She’s performed in many esteemed roles, including as teenage Princess Aurora in “The Sleeping Beauty,” a part she returned to a second time at age 42, and as the Sugar Plum Fairy in “The Nutcracker.”
The 49-year-old dancer has also performed in “Romeo and Juliet,” “Swan Lake” as well as new works including “The Winter’s Tale” and “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
Her farewell will be in an encore performance as Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” a role she portrayed four years ago.
The performances run March 2 to 6, 2022.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 7, 2021.
The Canadian Press
