Angela Leigh, 78; a Founder of National Ballet of Canada
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Angela Leigh, 78, a founding member and former principal dancer of the National Ballet of Canada, died Tuesday after a long illness.
Leigh, an outspoken, chain-smoking dancer, choreographer and interior designer, died at home in British Columbia with “Sugar Plum Fairy” from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” playing in the background, her daughter said.
Born in Uganda, Leigh trained with the Royal Ballet in London, where she met her first husband, Clayton Leigh. She was one of the 25 founding members of the National Ballet of Canada, danced most of the leading roles in its classical and modern repertoires and was an assistant professor of dance at York University.
Her choreography includes works for the National Ballet School, Canadian Opera Co. and Ontario Ballet Theater.
Last year, Leigh helped found Ballet Victoria, the first professional ballet company on Vancouver Island. At the time of her death she was the company’s artistic advisor.
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