Alumni in the News

Heather Ogden

National Ballet of Canada, Vancouver Ballet Society Scholarship winner: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998.

“While growing up in Vancouver, dancing was always my passion and the Vancouver Ballet Society was a huge support in helping me reach my goals. I am proud to say I was trained at the Richmond Academy of Dance and feel fortunate that VBS provided young dancer’s exposure to internationally renowned teachers through master classes and the annual Spring Seminar. VBS was also a huge financial support to me. The scholarships I received helped me to pay for numerous summer school programs, and finally my audition tour that lead me to my professional career at the National Ballet of Canada. I am so glad to know that the dancers of Vancouver are in such great supportive hands!”

Celine Gittens

Royal Birmingham Ballet, Vancouver Ballet Society Scholarship winner 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.

“I was very privileged to be exposed to Vancouver Ballet Society master classes which allowed me to learn from teachers from around the world. The enthusiasm and care the Society showed in me was very encouraging. I am now working with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, touring and performing around the world and I thank Vancouver Ballet Society for helping me further my career in dance and reach my goals.”

Justin Peck

Vancouver Ballet Society Scholarship Winner, 1996

Justin danced with Alberta Ballet and Ballet British Columbia after graduating from the National Ballet School of Canada. In 2003, he moved to New York City to join Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet and later, the casts of Movin’ Out, Come Fly Away and Phantom of the Opera. Justin has performed at The Metropolitan Opera, The Kennedy Center, on Broadway, on national television and in feature films. He has performed the works of George Balanchine, Alonzo King, James Kudelka, Jiri Kylian, Crystal Pite, Twyla Tharp, and Christopher Wheeldon, and Ron De Jesús, amongst many others.