Betty Oliphant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Betty Oliphant
CC OOnt
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by Robert C. Ragsdale (fair use)
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| Born | August 5, 1918 |
| Died | July 12, 2004 (aged 85) St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Ballet teacher |
| Known for | Co-founder of the National Ballet School of Canada |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of Canada Order of Ontario |
Nancy Elizabeth Oliphant CC OOnt (August 5, 1918 – July 12, 2004) was a very important person in the world of ballet in Canada. She helped start the National Ballet School of Canada, which is a famous school for young dancers. She was known for being a strict but excellent teacher who helped many students become amazing ballet dancers.
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Early Life and Love for Dance
Betty Oliphant was born in London, England, in 1918. As a child, she had pneumonia. Her doctor suggested ballet lessons to help her breathing. This is how she discovered her love for dance.
Betty learned ballet from teachers who followed a Russian style. She studied with famous dancers like Tamara Karsavina and Marie Rambert. By the time she was 17, Betty decided she was too tall to be a top dancer herself. Instead, she opened her own ballet school.
Building Canadian Ballet
Moving to Canada
In 1947, Betty Oliphant moved to Canada. Her skills were quickly noticed. In 1951, Celia Franca, who directed the National Ballet of Canada, asked Betty to join. Betty became the ballet mistress for the company. This meant she was in charge of training the dancers.
Founding the National Ballet School
Betty Oliphant and Celia Franca had a big dream. They wanted to create a special school for young ballet dancers. In 1959, they made this dream come true. They founded the National Ballet School of Canada.
Betty believed in very high standards. She insisted on perfect technique from her students. She followed the Cecchetti method of classical dance. This method focuses on clear, strong movements.
Famous Students
Many talented dancers trained at the school under Betty's guidance. Some of these famous alumni include:
- Frank Augustyn
- Rex Harrington
- Karen Kain
- John Alleyne
- James Kudelka
- Veronica Tennant
These dancers went on to have amazing careers. They often spoke about Betty's strong influence.
Later Career and Legacy
In 1959, Betty also became the associate artistic director for the National Ballet of Canada. However, she decided to leave this role in 1975. She wanted to focus all her energy on the National Ballet School. She retired from the school in 1989.
Betty Oliphant was known for her strictness and high expectations. She believed that hard work and dedication were key to success. Her commitment helped the school become world-renowned.
Awards and Recognition
Betty Oliphant received many important awards for her work.
- In 1972, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This award recognized her leadership and service.
- In 1985, she was promoted to a Companion of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors.
- In 1988, the National Ballet School of Canada named its new performance space the Betty Oliphant Theatre. This was a tribute to her lasting impact.
- In 2000, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Ontario.
Betty Oliphant passed away in St. Catharines, Ontario, in 2004. She was 85 years old. Her dedication to ballet left a huge mark on Canadian dance.
