Winnipeg, MB - Mayor Brian Bowman presented Ms. Evelyn Hart with the Key to the City of Winnipeg today recognizing her achievements as an award-winning ballerina, an internationally renowned dancer, and one of Canada's most treasured artists.
Ms. Hart joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) in 1976, becoming a soloist in 1978, and principal dancer in 1979. Over her 30-year career with the RWB, she performed on stages in over 118 countries and on every continent.
“Ms. Hart is a very special performer and is one of Canada’s most treasured artists,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “I am very pleased to recognize and honour the lifetime commitment she has made to her craft and to the world of dance.”
The Key to the City is Winnipeg’s highest honour, and recognizes the significant contributions of dignitaries visiting the city.
Ms. Hart is internationally renowned and has been recognized with many different awards. In 1983, Ms. Hart became an Officer of the Order of Canada and was promoted to Companion in 1994. In 1987, she was named Manitoba’s Woman of the Year.
McMaster University and the University of Manitoba presented her with honorary doctorates in 1989. She has received two ACTRA Awards for her performances on television on Belong and as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. She was awarded the Chalmers Award for excellence in the arts and inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2000, and in 2001 she received a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award to recognize her lifetime achievement in the performing arts.
Today’s Key to the City presentation to Ms. Hart is the third Key to the City awarded by Mayor Bowman. Previous recipients include hockey legend Teemu Selanne and musician and philanthropist David Foster.