After nearly four years at the helm of The National Ballet of Canada, Artistic Director Hope Muir is clearly imprinting her distinctive vision on the country's premier dance institution as the new season unfolds.
A Season of Innovation and Canadian Talent
The 2025-26 season showcases Muir's balanced approach, featuring both contemporary and traditional productions. The lineup includes works from award-winning Canadian and international choreographers like Crystal Pite, Jera Wolfe, and Wayne McGregor.
The six ballets scheduled include the world premiere of Procession, which will tour to Ottawa, alongside productions of Pinocchio and MaddAddam, the latter inspired by Margaret Atwood's celebrated trilogy.
"It's super exciting," Muir says, emphasizing her pride in watching the company's 76 dancers grow and evolve under her leadership.
From Toronto to the World and Back Again
Muir took over the artistic director position in January 2022, succeeding the legendary Karen Kain, who led the company for 16 years after her own distinguished career with the National Ballet beginning in 1969.
"Karen had decided to retire before the pandemic, but she stayed on … and was so gracious in her handover," Muir recalls. "She leaves an amazing legacy."
Unlike her predecessor's career path, Muir's journey to this prestigious role has been remarkably varied. Her professional experience spans working as a dancer, teacher, and director in both classical and contemporary dance across the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
A Global Career Rooted in Canadian Beginnings
Muir, 55, was born and raised in Toronto until age 15 when her family moved to Oxford, England. Her love for movement began early with childhood lessons in ballet, tap, and jazz.
Her professional career launched with the first intake of Peter Schaufuss's Festival Ballet School, now known as the English National Ballet School. "It was a really unique and experiential school," she notes of the intensive two-year program that accepted only five girls and five boys with the ambitious goal of creating soloists.
After five years with the English National Ballet, Muir made a pivotal shift to contemporary dance, joining the Rambert Dance Company. "I had a fantastic 10 years there. It helped shape my creative passion, and the exploration and curiosity that feeds into each role is what got me to this place."
She completed her performing career with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago before returning to Toronto, where she explored various roles from catering to administrative grant writing. This period of reflection ultimately led her to discover her path as a guest rehearsal director and teacher.
Muir's administrative career flourished with positions as assistant artistic director of the Scottish Ballet and later as artistic director of the Charlotte Ballet in North Carolina before assuming her current leadership role with Canada's national company.
Today, Muir emphasizes that supporting Canadian talent and connecting with community remain central to her vision for the National Ballet's future, ensuring the company continues to evolve while honoring its rich legacy.
