Greek-born Constantin Patsalas entered Kurt Jooss Folkwang Hochschule in Essen, Germany and after graduating spent three years with the ballet of the Deutsche Opera Am Rhein. In 1972 he joined the National Ballet of Canada. He was promoted to second soloist in 1976 and first soloist in 1979.

An outstanding character dancer, Patsalas was also a choreographer of unquestionable skill, imagination and artistry, as Montreal critic Myron Galloway described him. In addition to being the 1985 recipient, Patsalas was awarded the Boston Ballets Choreographers Showcase Prize for Piano Concerto and was appointed the National Balllet of Canada's resident choreographer in 1982. Nine of his works where

eventually in the repertoire of the National Ballet: Inventions; Black Angels; his celebrated The Rite of Spring; the exquisite pas de deux Angali; Nataraja; Canciones; LIle Inconnue; Oiseux Exotiques; and Piano Concerto.

His many commissions included Lieberstod by CBC-TV (1982) and Sinfonia, a solo for Karen Kain, by the McGill Chamber Orchestra (1983). Other career highlights include his solo Bolero (for Veronica Tennant) that was performed at Ontario Place with the Toronto Symphony; a full evening of his works for Balleto Classico in LAquila, Italy; and Tidal Currents for the National Ballets EXPO 86 engagement in Vancouver.

Constantin Patsalas died of AIDS on May 19, 1989. He was 46.

Return to the complete Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award Winners List

Notturni (1985)

World Premiere, Eric Harvie Theatre
July 18, 19 & 20, 1985

Choreography: Constantin Patsalas
Music: John McCabe
Costume Design: Sunny Choi
Set Design: Constantin Patsalas
Lighting Design: Jane Reisman

The 1985 Festival Dance Company 
in Notturni.