Performing arts snap!shots: Happy birthday, Celia!

Performing Arts & Entertainment in Canada, Autumn, 2001

Some birthday party! Some special diva!

More than 1,600 friends, colleagues and fans gathered at Ottawa's National Arts Centre on June 26 to wish Celia Franca a happy 80th birthday. A photo exhibit highlighting her career and a three-hour, star-studded gala concert -- sandwiched between splendid before and after receptions -- marked this special birthday for a legendary mover and shaker of the dance world.

A prima donna in her native England and in Canada, the founder of the National Ballet of Canada has guided the careers of a long list of Canadian ballet stars like Karen Kain, Evelyn Hart and Veronica Tennant.

"She means everything to me, to what I was or have been -- all my hopes and dreams. She made it all come true," said Tennant from the stage of Southam Hall at the close of the performance from dancers Xiao Nan Yu and Rex Harrington, music theatre luminary Jeff Hyslop and concert pianist Angela Hewitt.

Attending the gala were Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, NAC founding father Hamilton Southam, former Liberal cabinet minister Mitchell Sharp, former Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, NAC board chair David Leighton and such key figures of dance as National Ballet artistic director James Kudelka.

Altogether, said Franca (looking as full of sparkle and energy at the end of the long evening as at its beginning) this party to remember was "the best birthday present I have ever had or ever could have."

Proceeds from the gala performance have been donated to the Celia Franca Foundation, which offers scholarships to young dancers. -- Iris Winston