Miss O: My Life in Dance is the candid autobiography of Betty Oliphant, founder of Canada's renowned National Ballet School. World War, two failed marriages, two daughters, an abortion, a long battle with depression, back-breaking work, eventual world-wide recognition, and friendships with some of leading dancers of our time make Betty Oliphant's exceptionally frank autobiography both a vivid picture of the birth of ballet in Canada and the story of an exceptional woman. With an introduction from Mikhail Baryshnikov.
"Betty Oliphant has written a moving account of her pioneering efforts to launch ballet in Canada. She paints vivid behind-the-scenes pictures of the school and company she founded and of the ballet stars she nurtured, among them Veronica Tennant, Karen Kain and Rex Harrington. With characteristic candour, she recounts her many battles along the way and her experiences with international stars Erik Bruhm and Rudolf Nureyev."
-Diane Solway, author of A Dance Against Time

Born in London, England, Betty Oliphant founded and directed Canada`s National Ballet School for more than a quarter century and was also Ballet Mistress and Associate Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada. A major and sometimes controversial figure in the development of dance in Canada, she is a Companion to the Order of Canada and the recipient of many other honours. She lives in Toronto`s Cabbagetown.

Betty Oliphant's profile page