⭐ Spotlight on Scholars: Celia Franca 🩰 Celia Franca (born Franks) began ballet at age 5, trained with RAD teacher Lilian Oakshott, and won an RAD scholarship at 12, earning her Advanced certificate in 1935. In 1951, she moved to Toronto, founded the National Ballet of Canada, co-established the Canadian National Ballet School in 1959, and served as Artistic Director until 1974. Under her leadership, the company made its first European tour in 1972, beginning with a Royal Gala in support of the RAD and ISTD Cecchetti branch. Recognized for her contributions, she received the Order of Canada (1967), Canada Dance Award (1984), and Governor General’s Performing Arts Award (1994). Her early RAD training shaped her vision for developing a technically superb classical ballet company in the British ballet style. Click the link in our bio to read all about her career 🔼 Did you know Celia? Did you see her perform? We'd love to read your memories in the comments ✏️ 📸 Celia Franca with Metropolitan Ballet, 1948. Photo by Duncan Melville, RAD Archive 📸 Celia Franca publicity photo in Canada, 1951. RAD Archive 📸 Celia Franca in Jardin aux Lilas, 1954. Photo by Ken Bell, RAD Archive