Canada Post has launched two new commemorative stamps, honouring Canadian ballet dancers Karen Kain and Fernand Nault. The two new stamps celebrate the careers of these pioneers who have contributed so much to Canadian ballet.

About the Dancers

Karen Kain

Karen Kain is a celebrated dancer who began her career at age 12 with the National Ballet School of Canada, where she quickly became one of their star pupils. She was considered by many to be Canada's first modern ballerina and went on to perform internationally for over 30 years, with the Paris Opéra Ballet, Roland Petit’s Le Ballet de Marseille, the Bolshoi Ballet, London Festival Ballet and the Vienna State Opera Ballet. Since then, she has had multiple positions at The National Ballet of Canada, including the role of Artistic Director since 2005. Karen Kain has greatly contributed to Canadian ballet on the world stage and continues to be an extraordinarily influential role model for Canadian dancers.

Fernand Nault

Fernand Nault is one of Canada’s most influential ballet dancers, choreographers and teachers, who garnered international acclaim as principal artist at Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, with a remarkable repertoire built throughout the decades, including his famous version of The Nutcracker. He was also a pioneering force behind the rise in popularity of contemporary ballet across North America. As co-director for more than 25 years (1956-1992) he cultivated an international reputation through innovative productions that showcased Canadian talent on tour around the world, and introduced new young stars such as Karen Kain, James Kudelka and Jean Grand-Maître to audiences at home.

Where to buy the dancer stamps

These commemorative stamps make great gifts for dancers of any age, and are available from the Canada Post Online Store.

Looking for more gift ideas for dancers?

Check our dance-themed gift ideas.