Frank Augustyn

Augustyn, Frank (b Hamilton, Ont., 27 Jun. 1953). Canadian dancer. He studied at the National Ballet School and joined National Ballet of Canada in 1970 where he was appointed soloist in 1971 and principal in 1972. A dancer of compelling dramatic appeal and a skilled partner he became the company's leading danseur noble. He was also a frequent guest abroad, often partnering K. Kain. Between 1980 and 1981 he danced with Berlin Opera Ballet as principal and from 1984 to 1986 he was guest artist with Boston Ballet. In 1989 he resigned from National Ballet of Canada and became artistic director of Ottawa Ballet. After that company disbanded in 1994 he became a teacher at the National Ballet School and guest ballet master with NBC. During the mid-1990s he hosted the twenty-part television series on ballet, Footnotes.