Cast bronze portrait plaque of Celia Franca, 1974, by Dora de Pédery-Hunt

Celia Franca (born 1921) founded the National Ballet of Canada in 1951, remaining its artistic director until 1974. As co-founder of the National Ballet School in 1959, she provided a training ground for dancers and choreographers in Canada.

Ms. Franca was appointed Companion of the Order of Canada in 1985.

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