Dancer: Hannah Galway, Photo: Karolina Kuras

Emma Bovary

National Ballet of Canada

World premiere:
November 11, 2023

The world premiere of Emma Bovary marks an exciting first partnership between The National Ballet of Canada and award-winning choreographer, director and dancer, Helen Pickett.

Creative Team:

Helen Pickett, Choreographer/Director/Treatment
James Bonas, Director/Treatment
Peter Salem, Original Music
Michael Gianfrancesco, Set and Costume Designs
Bonnie Beecher, Light Design
Gregoire Pont, Animator
Anouar Brissel, Animator Technician

Hannah Galway. Photo: Bruce Zinger

Hannah Galway and Siphesihle November. Photo: Bruce Zinger

Hannah Galway. Photo: Bruce Zinger

Hannah Galway and Siphesihle November. Photo: Karolina Kuras

Artists of the Ballet in Emma Bovary. Photo: Karolina Kuras

Jordana Daumec and Hannah Galway. Photo: Karolina Kuras

Emma Bovary Trailer | The National Ballet of Canada

Emma Bovary Reviews

The Globe and Mail, Rebecca Ritzel
Pickett is a genius when it comes to articulating emotion through gesture. That pursuit of passion, while lethal for Emma Bovary, remains a noble calling in ballet. Sometimes…choreographers fall short of that goal, and sometimes, as with Emma, they’ll come onstage for the curtain call in something close to triumph.

My Entertainment World, Chelsea Dinsmore
Helen Pickett’s stunning new creation, Emma Bovary… is a cohesive triumph that led me and my guest to turn to each other towards the end and exclaim ‘wow!’ Every creative choice, from choreography and costuming to lighting and music has purpose and feels intentional in the hands of this gifted creative team. The result is a feast for the senses. Pickett’s mesmerizing choreography consistently thrills,… I hope this is the first of many Helen Pickett creations to grace the Four Seasons Centre stage. Emma Bovary is a masterpiece, and one the National Ballet of Canada should be proud to program for years to come.

The Dance Debrief, Deanne Kearney
Pickett’s choreography masterfully encapsulates the essence of Emma’s unraveling psyche. The choreography shines in its versatility,…Carefully crafted movements draw the audience deeply into the story, showcasing Pickett’s ability to convey complex emotions and narratives through dance. The gorgeous dancing from the company brought together with a haunting score, by Peter Salem, and exquisite design elements is not to be missed.