Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Kain received her
dance training at the National Ballet School in Toronto. After
graduating in 1969, she joined the National Ballet of Canada
and within one year was promoted to Principal Dancer.
Creative, driven, a workaholic perfectionist unable to say
no, Kain came to prominence in her early twenties. But she
paid the price for early stardom. Exhausted, jet lagged and
living out of a suitcase in some of the most glamorous locations
of the world, she eventually went through a period of loneliness,
unhappiness, and depression. Her decision to return home to
family and friends became the emotional anchor Kain needed
to save her from quitting dance altogether.
The documentary makes extensive use of archival footage with
highlights of Kain’s most memorable performances including
Giselle, Swan Lake, Carmen, Sleeping Beauty and Le Corsaire.
It also includes never before seen Russian footage of Kain
and Frank Augustyn dancing in the celebrated 1973 Moscow Ballet
Competition that launched Kain on her international career.
In verite style the film takes viewers backstage with Kain
as she prepares for an unforgettable performance with Robert
Conn at the National Arts Centre. Kain’s husband, actor
Ross Petty, her father Charles and brother Kevin talk about
the woman behind the prima ballerina. Betty Oliphant, founder
of the National Ballet School and Celia Franca, founder of
the National Ballet Company are also interviewed.
Original Air Date - January 22, 1997
Links
Karen
Kain: CBC Archives
The
National Ballet of Canada
Karen
Kain: Celebrating Women's Achievements
Karen
Kain: Footnotes, The Classics of Ballet
Karen
Kain: Canada's Digital Collections
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