THE NEXT ACT

The National Ballet of Canada's principal dancer Heather Ogden talks motherhood, new beginnings and her final bow in Swan Lake

- JULIA MCEWEN

Sometimes, the most transformative chapters come after life shifts its course. For celebrated ballerina Heather Ogden, this season is about finding strength in the new – and discovering beauty in between. “I’ve been so focused on one thing for most of my life,” says the longtime principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada. “Now, I’m excited to start exploring and trying new things – while I’m still dancing – but also just to be a mom.”

For the 44-year-old, this healthy mindset comes on the heels of change. Heather marked a milestone this spring, starring in Swan Lake for her final time as Odette/Odile, the leading role she first played for the company in 2003 and wanted to say farewell to while she “still felt strong.”

Offstage, Heather found herself navigating a breakup after she and her partner (in life and in dance), Guillaume Côté split in 2022. Since then, the former couple, who share two children – Emma, 10, and Léo, 8 – have devoted themselves to co-parenting. And recently, Heather moved into a new family home – a sun-drenched, historic space in Toronto’s Leslieville district – where she and the kids savour the simple things: walks to the park, ice-cream outings and cozy movie nights.

It’s safe to say that, as a dance star might, she’s landed on her feet.

“I have a full life,” says Heather, counting her blessings. “My work is rewarding, my friends are incredible and my kids are my world.”

Here, ahead of Mother’s Day, the Torontoborn, B.C.-raised ballet dancer invites Hello! Canada into her lovingly renovated home and opens up about her journey, goals and most meaningful roles to date – artist, mom, friend and woman – as she steps into her second act with heart.