Celebrating CBJ Principal Dancer Hiroto Saito

We recently performed at our Toronto home for 3 sold out shows from March 24 to 26. It is always a treat to perform at home and these shows carry additional significance as they were the last time Hiroto Saito, our Principal Dancer for more than 10 years, performed a lead role at the Betty Oliphant Theatre.

Hiroto has enjoyed a fruitful career as a professional dancer for 18 years. Since he joined CBJ in 2007, he has performed the lead roles in many of the Company’s major productions, including Prince Charming (Cinderella), Lord Birch and Snow Cavalier (The Nutcracker, A Canadian Tradition), Romeo (Romeo & Juliet), Dimitry (Anastasia), Siegfried (Swan Lake) as well as creating unique anti-heros like Carabosse (Sleeping Beauty) and Von Rothbart (Swan Lake). Known for elegance and artistic integrity in every aspect of his work, Hiroto will gradually transitioning from a full-time career on the stage to be our Ballet Master.

From the day I first saw Hiroto dance in 1999 I knew he was a kindred artistic spirit. I am deeply grateful for his commitment to the art form, to our company and to my own works. I am very pleased he will continue to be at the core of our artistic identity and development as we move forward.

Our Eastern Canada tour begins this Friday. I look forward to sharing more stories from the road.

Sincerely,

Bengt Jörgen

Artistic Director & CEO