Guillaume Côté, one of Canada’s most renowned ballet stars, took his final bow with the National Ballet of Canada on Thursday, marking the end of a storied 26-year career. The Quebec-born principal dancer was met with an emotional eight-minute standing ovation, as confetti and flowers fell around him in a heartfelt farewell celebration at the Four Seasons Centre in Toronto.
The evening featured Côté’s own multimedia creation, Grand Mirage, and a restaging of Bolero, showcasing his unique artistry not just as a dancer, but also as a choreographer and visionary. Known for his powerful stage presence and versatility, Côté has portrayed iconic roles such as Romeo, Prince Siegfried, and Prince Charming, earning acclaim both at home and internationally.
Côté was named principal dancer in 2004 and has since performed with top companies in New York, Milan, St. Petersburg, Hamburg, and London. Beyond performing, he has also carved out a respected career as a choreographer, composer, and musician.
Now, he turns his focus to Côté Danse, the dance company he founded in 2021. Their latest production, Burn Baby, Burn, takes the stage at Toronto’s Bluma Appel Theatre this weekend before heading to Germany in July. Côté also serves as artistic director of the Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur, continuing his commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance.
Swifteradio.com
