National Ballet Principal Dancer Retires
Chan Hon Goh Takes Her Final Bow in Spring 2009
© Y F Chin
Mar 3, 2009
Chan Hon Goh, one of the most gifted dancers to grace the stage of the National Ballet of Canada, is taking her final bow this spring. Goh, the first Canadian of Chinese descent to become principal dancer when she was promoted in 1994, has announced her retirement. The acclaimed dancer, now 40, says it wasn't an easy decision to make.
"Our body is our instrument and we push ourselves to higher limits each day. I was in an automobile accident over two years in which I sustained injuries of my neck and spine, not recovering fully and healing with constant rehabilitation prompted my thinking of retirement," she says.
Ballet is a Goh Family Affair
She began dancing as a young girl at Goh Ballet, her parents' acclaimed ballet academy in Vancouver. In fact, ballet runs in the family. Both her parents were accomplished ballet dancers in China before moving to the West Coast. Understandably, Goh says she has mixed feelings about leaving the stage when it has been such a big part of her life.
"Very, very sad to leave the performing stage career. It is what I lived for as a performer and there is nothing that can ever replace it."
Goh's Future after Dance
Goh plans to spend more time with her family. But she also owns a ballet shoe company (Principal) along with her husband and she's hoping to expand the business across North America. But Goh isn't leaving the world of dance just yet.
"Yes, I would like to take a more active role in the Goh Academy; to learn how to pass on my years of performing experience to students and the academy would offer me the best vehicle to do so. However, at this point, it is too premature to discuss plans as I am still working on the details and will be ready to announce more definite plans in the months to come."
Goh's Artist Highlights
Goh says she has had many memorable moments as a dancer:
"With the National Ballet of Canada, my exposure to the array of repertoire and dancing the lead role in all the classics. Working with choreographers and coaches to expand my vocabulary and understanding of the art form in greater depth. My introduction to Suzanne Farrell and the experiences she offered me through the Balanchine repertoire."
Goh's Final Farewell
Goh will perform the role of Juliet in the National's upcoming ballet, Romeo & Juliet in March. She makes her final farewell in May when she will be performing in Giselle.
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