Tanya Howard
dancer

Tanya Howard was born in Uitenhage, South Africa and trained at The National School of the Arts in South Africa and Canada’s National Ballet School. She joined The National Ballet of Canada in 1998, was promoted to First Soloist in 2007, and retired at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.

A charismatic artist with a stunning stage presence, Tanya shone equally in contemporary works, experimental new productions and legacy ballets. In addition to enchanting audiences in the many roles she has danced, Howard has left an indelible mark on such roles with the National Ballet of Canada as the Lilac Fairy in Rudolf Nureyev’s The Sleeping Beauty and the Snow Queen in James Kudelka’s The Nutcracker.

Howard was awarded the 2016 David Tory Award as well as the 2011 the William Marrié Award for Dramatic Excellence for her portrayal of the Queen of Hearts in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

For Peggy Baker Dance Projects: Tanya was invited by Peggy to learn In a Landscape as part of The Choreographer’s Trust Year One in 2002. She performed this work at the ceremony to present Peggy Baker with the Walter Carsen Prize in 2010.