Lorna Geddes
Lorna Geddes (born 1943) is a Canadian ballerina who worked with the National Ballet of Canada for 59 years.[1][2]
Early life and training
[edit]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.[1][3][4][5][6][7][8]
Personal life
[edit]Geddes married Macedonian-born Hazaros Surmeyan in 1968 and their marriage lasted until his death in 2026. Surmeyan had joined the National Ballet of Canada in 1966, and later became Principal Character Artist in 1986. Together, they had one son, André.[9]
Awards
[edit]In 2008, Geddes received the inaugural David Tony Award.[5][8]
References
[edit]- 1 2 "The National Ballet of Canada". national.ballet.ca. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
- ↑ "What's your job? Lorna Geddes, pointe shoe manager at National Ballet of Canada". ca.finance.yahoo.com. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
- ↑ "Lorna Geddes celebrates 50 years at National Ballet". CTVNews. November 1, 2009. Archived from the original on April 22, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
- ↑ BWW News Desk. "Lorna Geddes Retires After Six Decades of Dance". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
- 1 2 "Seasoned artist ramps up for the ballet's Nutcracker". Streeter. December 9, 2015. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
- ↑ BWW News Desk. "The National Ballet of Canada Has Announced Principal Casting for ROMEO AND JULIET". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
- ↑ "SCRUTINY | Ratmansky's Choreography And Wonderful Performances Light Up The NBC's Romeo And Juliet". Ludwig van Toronto. March 12, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
- 1 2 "The National Ballet of Canada". national.ballet.ca. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
- ↑ "National Ballet dancer Hazaros Surmeyan imbued his roles with drama and warmth". The Globe and Mail. June 11, 2026.
External links
[edit]- "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.