John Ottmann Bio

John received scholarships to train at L'Ecole Superieur de Danse du Quebec and then at The National Ballet School in Toronto. After graduating he performed with The National Ballet of Canada, and then joining Ballet British Columbia where he danced for15 years. During this time he has also worked with a host of choreographers, including James Kudelka, Christopher House, Serge Bennathan, and William Forsythe to name a few. Ottmann has also performed with Holy Body Tattoo, Mascall Dance and Danstabat. This year he will perform and tour with the Fortier Danse Creations.

Along with being known for his dynamic and rich abilities as a performer, John has developed a reputation as a teacher and choreographer. This year one of his recent works will be featured in the Gala of the Canada Dance Festival. As a teacher John has been in demand to adjudicate many dance festivals, to teach summer schools in Toronto, Florida, Hong Kong and throughout B.C. John is currently the company guest teacher for Ballet B.C., is a regular guest teacher for Toronto Dance Theatre, and has been a guest teacher for Alberta Ballet, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and the National Ballet of Canada. In 2002, John launched Dance @ the Centre a summer intensive for pre-professional and professional dancers at the Scotia Dance Centre.

John has been an active teacher and coach to students and professionals with a signature style that has given him a reputation as a teacher with a unique ability to read and communicate with dancers of all disciplines.