Kapiti dancer makes the leap to principal

A Kapiti performer’s audiences now regularly number in the thousands, but he still remembers the local talent shows which sent him on his way.

Harrison James Wynn was promoted to principal dancer in the National Ballet of Canada in June.

Since joining the company in 2013, James has toured around Canada, and to New York City, Washington and Los Angeles. His biggest audience was more than 8000 people in a Belgian theatre, while with the Bejart Ballet in Switzerland.

Raised in Waikanae, James said he remembered the part Kapiti played in his success.

‘‘I had two parents that saw and nurtured my passion for performance from very early on, and my early training with [dance teacher] Alison Pond cannot be overvalued,’’ James said.

‘‘Both Kapanui School and Paraparaumu College nurtured and encouraged my passion too, with talent shows, or lip sync competitions.

’’I was in the Paraparaumu College roadshow and won a $30 or $50 gift card to Coastlands for my incredible lip syncing as Aladdin. ‘‘It all contributes.’’ There are 70 dancers in the National Ballet of Canada, and 14 of them are principals.

James was accepted into two summer courses in the US, while at the New Zealand School of Dance. From there he moved on to the San Francisco Ballet School, before joining the National Ballet.

‘‘I love Canada. Of all the places I’ve been I find the people here are most similar to Kiwis,’’ he said

‘‘We do great repertoire and many of the classical ballets that I could hope to dance in my career.’’

James’ typical rehearsal day is from 10am till 6.30pm. When he is not rehearsing in this time he goes to the gym, swims or gets a massage to keep in peak condition.

He said Toronto’s progressive politics and rapid development had nurtured his interest in urban planning, a possible career path after he finished dancing.

He wanted to return to New Zealand to perform one day regardless.

‘‘I have many family members that haven’t seen me dance since I was 16 or younger, and I’d like to think I’ve changed a bit since then.’’

Harrison James Wynn with students of Canada’s National Ballet School and Artists of the Ballet in The Nutcracker.