Rex Harrington has been dancing his way across stages around the world since he made his debut with the National Ballet of Canada in 1983. One of the most charismatic and expressive dancers of his generation, Rex has been called “a choreographer’s muse without equal”.
When Harrington was fourteen years old he entered the National Ballet School in Toronto. Seven years later he graduated and joined the National Ballet of Canada in 1983 rising quickly through the ranks to become a Principal Dancer in 1988.
In his first year, choreographer Constantin Patsalas noticed his exceptional partnering abilities and paired him with Karen Kain in Oiseaux Exotiques. This would begin a partnership that would last until Ms. Kain’s retirement in 1997.
Harrington’s classical roles include “Romeo” in Romeo and Juliet. His Romeo has been described as “one of the greatest Romeos of his generation”. Other roles have included “Basilio” in Don Quixote, “Kastchei” in The Firebird and the title role in Balanchine’s Apollo.
Harrington created numerous roles in ballets by James Kudelka including the role of “Rothbart” in the world premiere of Swan Lake in 1999. In 1997, he created the central role in The Four Seasons, and in 2000 won a Gemini Award for his performance in the film version of the ballet. He also created the role of Peter/Nutcracker in the world premiere of Kudelka’s highly acclaimed production of The Nutcracker and 1995, Mr. Kudelka created a piece titled Solo for Rex.
Working with Glen Tetley, Harrington created the roles of “Lewis Carroll” in Alice, and “The Young Gentleman” in La Ronde.
