Born: Ottawa, Ontario
Trained: Canada’s National Ballet School
If someone handed you $1,000,000 tomorrow, you would…
Pay off my mortgage, purchase a place for my mother and squirrel the rest away.
If you could live in any other time period, which would you choose?
1950’s
Which movie could you watch on repeat?
Star Wars, all of them.
What would you have done as a career if ballet hadn’t come your way?
Probably sales.
What’s the last thing that brought tears to your eyes?
The birth of my child.
When you have a day off, what’s your favourite way to spend it?
Resting, golfing, cleaning and being with family.
Where in the world would you like to see yourself living some day?
Right here in Canada with maybe a nice timeshare somewhere hot to escape the cold when needed.
Was there a pivotal moment that sold you on being a ballet dancer over doing anything else?
The death of my father.
What is your philosophy towards your work?
Integrity with what you give to your work.
How do you handle criticism?
Constructive criticism – well. Destructive criticism – really not well.
Favorite colour and least favorite colour?
Favourite is blue, least favourite is mustard.
What’s your definition of a successful ballet dancer?
Being satisfied with the efforts in your career.
What’s the worst thing about being a dancer and what’s the best?
Worst thing – the narcissism. Best thing – being onstage.
Do you ever feel as magical as you look when you dance, or is it mainly just hard work and focus up there?
Absolutely, it feels like magic.
What was the last thing you changed your mind about?
Retiring.
Thoughts on dating: inside the dance world, or out?
If you are smart, you’ll only make that mistake once.
Favorite Ballet?
Onegin.
Dream role?
Onegin.
Words of advice for young dancers?
Be yourself and always work hard.
You were born in Canada. What are you favourite dishes and customs from home?
Beer, BBQ and hockey.
When are you most proud of yourself?
After a good show.
Do you have a favourite quotation?
“You are not the only one, you are just only one”
When do you feel at your best?
Onstage, good show permitting of course.
What charitable causes are you most passionate about?
Sick Kids Foundation.
What are the top items on your bucket list?
A trip to Australia and New Zealand.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t let anyone tell you that your goals are not obtainable
Do you have any habits or superstitions before you perform?
Ask the ghost of the theatre for a good show (Royal Theatre Bath)
Do you have any items you can’t live without when you travel?
My phone.
Read Jonathan’s bio, https://national.ballet.ca/Meet/Dancers/Principal-Character-Artists/Jonathan-Renna
See Jonathan onstage with The National Ballet of Canada during the 2018/19 season, national.ballet.ca
