Photo by Karolina Kuras
CRYSTAL COSTA
Former First Soloist, English National Ballet & Principal Dancer, Hong Kong Ballet
Vancouver-born Crystal Costa graduated with Honours from Canada's National Ballet School in 2001 and began her professional career with Hong Kong Ballet, where she quickly rose to Principal Dancer by 2005. In 2007, she joined English National Ballet and danced as a First Soloist with the company until 2020.
Throughout her performing career, Crystal graced the world's most prestigious stages, including the Palais Garnier in Paris, the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, and Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. She performed principal roles across the classical ballet repertoire—Swan Lake, Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, and Coppélia—while also starring in contemporary works by renowned choreographers including Pina Bausch, William Forsythe, and Akram Khan. Her memorable performances included The Chosen One in Bausch's Rite of Spring and the title role in Akram Khan's Giselle.
Crystal's artistry earned critical recognition, including nominations for the Critics' Circle National Dance Awards and English National Ballet's Emerging Dancer Award, where she won The People's Choice Award in 2010.
Since 2022, Crystal has served as rehearsal director for Akram Khan Company and has recently staged Dust for San Francisco Ballet. Through her teaching and mentorship, her students have secured contracts with prestigious companies including Paris Opera Ballet and English National Ballet, while earning gold medals and finalist placements at Prix de Lausanne, YAGP, The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, and The Grasse International Ballet Competition.
In Vancouver, Crystal serves as a resident guest teacher for Ballet BC and maintains an active teaching presence throughout the city's dance community. A certified 700 RYT yoga instructor, she co-directs DAP Dance As a Profession and continues her international career from her Vancouver base.