National Ballet of Canada Mourns the Passing of Sandra Faire

The National Ballet of Canada mourns the passing of Board Member, volunteer, philanthropist and friend Sandra Faire. A trailblazer and legend in the ballet and greater dance community, Ms. Faire possessed an inspiring vision, passion and determination in all that she did.

As a leader, Ms. Faire had an incredible impact on the National Ballet both as a volunteer and donor. Joining the Board of Directors in 2004, she quickly distinguished herself in many leadership roles, including as a founding member of the Soaring Campaign Cabinet and Co-Chair with her husband Ivan Fecan of the company's 60th Anniversary Diamond Gala in 2012.

"I will miss Sandra's passion and commitment in all that she did for the company, especially her warmth, generosity of spirit and sense of humor," said Artistic Director Karen Kain. "She was a great champion of dance and will be deeply missed by the entire company and cultural community. Sandra's legacy will live on in the countless productions she helped make possible."

Ms. Faire was a passionate advocate of innovation and championing the new. She created The Producers' Circle in 2012, a pioneering group of donors who support Artistic Director Karen Kain's vision for new productions, which has resulted in over $11 million directed to 20 new collaborations to date. She and Mr. Fecan provided landmark support for Romeo and Juliet by Alexei Ratmansky in 2011, leading to touring opportunities to London, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

With a keen eye for talent, Sandra was an early supporter of the Dancers First programme, sponsoring Principal Dancer Elena Lobsanova when she was still in the Corps de Ballet. She loved the company and this showed in all that she did to host the dancers, orchestra and donors for many memorable occasions in both her home and abroad.

Ms. Faire's generosity and leadership has sparked a remarkable creative journey for the National Ballet and given the greatest gift to all the dancers and company - opportunity. Her name is writ large in the history of The National Ballet of Canada and she will continue to inspire us in all that we do.

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