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DanceTeq Faculty
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Kevin Pugh
Kevin Pugh, Artistic Director of Dance Teq, teaches intermediate and advanced ballet. For over 16 years, Kevin has been one of the most sought-after ballet teachers in Toronto. His classes are alive with energy and excitement as he encourages students to polish their technique while challenging their practical knowledge of the art of ballet. He motivates students to relinquish the stale, uninspired stereotypes of the genre and encourages them to dance with passion and exuberance. He began his prestigious career with the National Ballet of Canada in 1978 and was soon awarded the coveted status of principal dancer, going on to perform in several critically acclaimed productions, including Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and several other modern and contemporary classics. Kevin has also been a featured guest artist with international companies, such as the London Festival Ballet and the Toulouse Opera Ballet in France. In 1981, he won a silver medal in the prestigious Moscow International Ballet Competition. Kevin Pugh began dancing at the age of six, when he would watch his mother and sister in their ballet class and mimic their movements. At the time, he was forced to wear a brace to correct his left foot, which was completely turned in. His mother eventually decided he might benefit from taking ballet to help correct the problem. Besides which, he seemed interested. At 12 years old, he was accepted into the National Ballet School of Canada, where his journey of inspiration began. In studying with dance masters, such as Karen Kain, Frank Augustyn and Erik Bruhn, he discovered a passion for the stage and realized the thrill of performing. Never before had he experienced such a profound sense of freedom and independence. Working with then partner, Yoko Ichino, Kevin learned to recognize the joy of dance. He saw that, in addition to the hours of discipline and hard work, it could be fun! In 1980, while performing in New York City, Kevin graced the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House with an inspired performance of the “Blue Bird Pas de Deux” in a production of Sleeping Beauty. The great Rudolph Nuryev, who danced the role of the prince, was so moved by Kevin’s performance, he presented him with his entire bouquet of flowers, a gesture Mr. Nuryev had never been known to make with any other male dancer. Kevin attributes his strength and passion, both on and off stage, to dance. His career has taken him all over the world. He has been blessed with the applause and adoration of audiences all over Canada, the United States and even Russia. In 1981, he performed the “Bluebird Pas de Deux” at the Moscow International Ballet Competition. He will never forget how the audience roared with adulation and praise. It was a momentous accomplishment, for which he will remain forever grateful. Fun facts about Kevin Pugh
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