On June 9, 2024, Tirion Law, a Hong Kong-born ballet dancer, was unexpectedly promoted to principal dancer at the National Ballet of Canada after her debut performance as Kitri in Don Quixote. The promotion was announced on stage by the company’s artistic director, Hope Muir, taking Law completely by surprise. “I never thought they would skip a stage and promote me to principal,” Law, 28, said, expressing both her astonishment and her readiness for the new responsibilities that come with the role.
Law’s journey to becoming a principal dancer began in her hometown of Hong Kong, where her passion for ballet was nurtured from a young age. Her early training was shaped by influential teachers at the Hong Kong Youth Ballet Academy, and her talent was evident when she began winning numerous awards in local competitions, including the prestigious Stars Award. A pivotal moment in her career came when she was awarded a scholarship to attend the New Zealand School of Dance at the age of 16, an experience she describes as eye-opening and instrumental in her decision to pursue ballet professionally.
After training in New Zealand, Law returned to Hong Kong in 2015 to join the Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) as an apprentice, later becoming a member of the corps de ballet. However, her aspirations led her to seek opportunities with larger companies, ultimately joining the National Ballet of Canada in 2018. Despite initial challenges, Law quickly established herself within the company, known for her petite stature and powerful stage presence, which made her a standout in youthful roles like Juliet and Alice in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Now, as she prepares to return to Hong Kong for a special performance celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Hong Kong Ballet Group (HKBG), Law reflects on her roots and the significance of the event. She will perform alongside Lam Chun-wing, another successful Hong Kong-born dancer, marking the first time the two will share the stage professionally. Law credits HKBG and her early experiences in Hong Kong for setting her on the path to success and is excited to give back to the community that helped shape her career.
While Law is content with her life in Toronto and the progress of her career, she cherishes her connections to Hong Kong, including her family, friends, and the vibrant culture of her hometown. She is particularly looking forward to reuniting with the Hong Kong audience, where she hopes to inspire the next generation of dancers as she celebrates her achievements and looks ahead to the future.
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