Mikhail Baryshnikov

Mikhail Baryshnikov, a native of Riga, Latvia, began studying ballet at age nine; as a teenager, he entered the school of the Kirov Ballet, graduating from student to principal dancer in 1969. In 1974, he left Russia to pursue a career with ballet and modern companies around the world, settling in NYC in 1979 as a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and from 1979 to 1980, with New York City Ballet. 1n 1980 he returned to ABT as artistic director, nurturing a new generation of dancers and choreographers. In his illustrious career, he has danced more than one hundred different works on the world's greatest stages. Most of the world's foremost choreographers have created works especially for him. Baryshnikov has proved himself a capable actor, starring in five films and earning an Oscar-nomination for his performance in "The Turning Point." He has appeared numerous times on television, including three Emmy award-winning specials. In 1989, he appeared on Broadway in "Metamorphosis," earning a Tony nomination and a Drama Critics Award. From 1990-2002, Baryshnikov was co-director and dancer with White Oak Dance Project, using his remarkable talents to expand the repertoire of American modern dance. Mr. Baryshnikov is currently devoting his time and energy to the Baryshnikov Arts Center, which is in it's inaugural year. Among his most recent awards are the Kennedy Center Honors, The National Medal of Honor, the Commonwealth Award, The Chubb Fellowship, and the Jerome Robbins Award.

Karen Kain

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Karen Kain received her dance training at the National Ballet School. After her graduation, in 1969, she joined the National Ballet Company, and within one year she was promoted to Principal Dancer.
In 1973, Karen and Frank Augustyn, her most frequent partner, participated in the 2nd International Ballet Competition in Moscow. Karen won the Silver medal in the Woman's Competition and together they were awarded the Silver Medal for Best pas de Deux.
A dancer of extraordinary talent and beauty, and acclaimed by critics throughout North America and Europe, Karen continues to bring fresh nuances to her roles, which encompass most of the major classical ballets and many of the best known contemporary works. Karen has been guest artist with most of the world's renowned ballet companies.
Karen's film and television work includes Dancers for Life for CBC-TV, Making Ballet for TVO, and The Merry Widow for CBC-TV/Primedia. Karen has also been the subject of a CBC-TV "Super Special" and two documentaries including "Karen Kain Prima Ballerina."
In 1976 Karen became an Officer of the Order of Canada and in 1991 she was named a Companion of the Order of Canada. Karen holds honourary degrees from Toronto, York, McMaster and Trent Universities. Karen's autobiography, Movement Never Lies: An Autobiography was published by McClelland and Stewart in November 1994.

Tanya Dobler

Tanya Dobler is proud to be in her 13th season with Alberta Ballet. This Edmonton-bred artist has matured into a ballerina of emotional depth and consummate poise. Her notable roles include Micaëla in Carmen, the Woman in The Winter Room, Desdemona in Othello, Ophelia in Hamlet and Ophelia pas de deux, and the Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen in The Nutcracker. Her most treasured roles include the “Soprano” soloist in Jean-Paul Comelin’s moving Requiem and the Cellist in Jean Grand-Maître’s Vigil of Angels. At the end of a hard day, Tanya looks forward to going home to her supportive husband, her dog, and her cat.

Marie Nychka

Marie began her career as a dancer working with such companies as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Ballet de Roma, and Ballet Brazil performing across Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean, Brazil and Italy. Since settling in Edmonton in 1990, she has worked extensively as a freelance actor/singer/dancer, choreographer, director, and teacher. This past season's theatre appearances include CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, THE MAKING OF WARRIORS and TROJAN WOMEN while some of her latest television appearances include JAKE AND THE KID, THE INCREDIBLE STORY STUDIO, and MENTORS. She has five times been nominated and twice received the Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Awards for Outstanding Choreography.