Lorna Geddes (born 1943) is a Canadian ballerina who worked with the National Ballet of Canada for 59 years.
Early life and training
Geddes was born in Waterloo, Ontario and began dancing at the age of three. After training with National Ballet School of Canada co-founder Betty Oliphant, Geddes joined the National Ballet of Canada in 1959 as a member of the Corps de Ballet at the age of 16 under the Artistic Director and company founder Celia Franca. She was appointed Assistant Ballet Mistress in 1984, and became Pointe Shoe Manager in 1998. She was promoted to Principal Character Artist in 2005, and was known for her "signature role" as the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet. She retired at the end of the 2018/2019 season.
Personal life
Geddes is married to Hazaros Surmeyan. Surmeyan joined the National Ballet of Canada in 1966, and later became Principal Character Artist in 1986. Together, they have one son, André.
Awards
In 2008, Geddes received the inaugural David Tony Award.
References
- ^ "The National Ballet of Canada". national.ballet.ca. Retrieved 2020-05-07.
- "What's your job? Lorna Geddes, pointe shoe manager at National Ballet of Canada". ca.finance.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2020-05-07.
- ^ "Lorna Geddes celebrates 50 years at National Ballet". CTVNews. 2009-11-01. Retrieved 2020-05-07.
- BWW News Desk. "Lorna Geddes Retires After Six Decades of Dance". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2020-05-07.
- ^ "Seasoned artist ramps up for the ballet's Nutcracker". Streeter. 2015-12-09. Retrieved 2020-05-07.
- BWW News Desk. "The National Ballet of Canada Has Announced Principal Casting for ROMEO AND JULIET". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2020-05-07.
- "SCRUTINY | Ratmansky's Choreography And Wonderful Performances Light Up The NBC's Romeo And Juliet". Ludwig van Toronto. 2020-03-12. Retrieved 2020-05-07.
- ^ "The National Ballet of Canada". national.ballet.ca. Retrieved 2020-05-07.
- "Combining parenthood and a demanding life in ballet is easier for Lorna Geddes and Hazaros Surmeyan of the National Ballet because 10-month-old son Andre; a spirited baby; is welcome at rehearsals". Toronto Public Library. Retrieved 2020-05-07.
External links
- "When things go wrong: National Ballet dancer Lorna Geddis seems to have a case of opening night jitters but; when you consider what can go wrong; you can't blame her." Photograph by Michael Stuparyk, 1983. Toronto Star Photo Archives.
- "At the barre: Lorna Geddes; above in Coppelia; is the National Ballet's longest-performing member. Her first 25 years were spent dancing; the last three she has been a coach." Photograph by Rick Eglinton, 1987. Toronto Star Photo Archives.