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  • A young Karen Kain hid in the school’s toilet stalls to escape Celia Franca’s painful training. | photo: courtesy National Ballet

    People

    dancer, choreographer, teacher, visionaryCelia Franca1921-2007

    by Frances Rooney | March 3, 2008

    A man would have been called hard headed, focused, larger than life, terrifying, adored. In an article written by Paul Gessell, Celia Franca was called “two words ... Both rhyme with rich.” Later, she was also called hard headed, focused, larger than life, terrifying, adored. Despite her look of delicate femininity, Celia Franca was tough. Because of her work, ballet and the all-important teaching of teachers of ballet have found a strong and vibrant place in Canadian culture.  read more

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  • Seasonal Feature

  • history you can touch: July 1, vacationing with Canada’s history

    by Beth Atcheson

    Are you there yet? Planning a summer vacation in Canada, check out the sites, persons and events of historical significance in our collective story. When you get home, think about the stories that interest you and nominate a new site, person or event. Have a safe and fun vacation. read more