James Kudelka

Who is James Kudelka?

James Kudelka, OC, is a choreographer, dancer, and director. He was the artistic director for the National Ballet of Canada from 1996 to 2005, now serving as the National Ballet's artist in residence.

His first reworking of a major Russian classic was The Nutcracker, for the National Ballet in 1995. The production's success led Kudelka to be appointed artistic director after Reid Anderson resigned due to frustration over government funding cuts.

In 1998, principal dancer Kimberley Glasco launched a wrongful dismissal suit against the National Ballet of Canada after Kudelka dropped her from the company roster. Allegedly, Glasco had questioned the allocation of funds for Kudelka's version of Swan Lake. In arbitration, Kudelka was ordered to reinstate the ballerina, which he refused to do for the spring season, and he threatened to quit. Company sources who spoke on condition of anonymity then claimed that Glasco turned down performances for the fall season, as the company had become a hostile environment to her. The protracted lawsuit concluded in July 2000 with an out-of-court settlement.