Karin, Janet (1938 - )

Duparcq, Derek S.: Janet Karin and Caj Selling in 'Les Sylphides', the Australian Ballet [1], 1963

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Janet Karin's initial dance training was with Melbourne-based teacher Laurel Martyn and she appeared in many of Martyn's productions for Ballet Guild during the 1950s. Her roles included those in original works created by Martyn, such as Voyageur in which she danced the leading role of Priscilla. She also performed in Martyn's productions of the classics, including Giselle and Swan Lake Act II. Karin danced briefly with the Borovansky Ballet in its final season, joined the Australian Ballet in 1963 and was promoted to principal in 1966.

After retiring from the Australian Ballet in 1967, with colleague, and at the time husband, Bryan Lawrence, she established a ballet school in Canberra in 1968. Initially called the Bryan Lawrence School of Ballet, it was later renamed National Capital Ballet School. In Canberra Karin devised her own system of teaching and trained many outstanding dancers, choreographers and teachers. Her former students include Ross Stretton, artistic director of the Australian Ballet (1997-2001), and artistic director of the Royal Ballet (2001-2002), Joanne Michel and Adam Marchant, former principal artists with the Australian Ballet and others who have worked with the Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, West Australian Ballet, Australian Dance Theatre, Leigh Warren and Dancers and the Queensland Ballet. Karin also commissioned and directed many award-winning works for National Capital Dancers, the performing arm of the school. Choreographers to whom she offered commissions include Paul Mercurio, Robert Ray, Joseph Scoglio, Natalie Weir and Garth Welch.

In 1997 Karin was appointed assistant to the artistic director of the Australian Ballet, Ross Stretton, and served in that capacity until Stretton's departure in 2001. She is currently artistic educator and injury prevention specialist at the Australian Ballet School.

See also: Australian Ballet, The ; Australian Dance Theatre ; Ballet Guild ; Borovansky Ballet ; Leigh Warren and Dancers ; Marchant, Adam ; Martyn, Laurel ; Mercurio, Paul ; Queensland Ballet, The ; Ray, Robert ; Stretton, Ross ; Sydney Dance Company ; Voyageur ; Weir, Natalie ; Welch, Garth ; West Australian Ballet

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Research Materials

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Other resources

Find more about Karin, Janet in:

• Internet - Google
• Articles - New York Public Library Dance Collection
• Pictures - Picture Australia
• Collection - OzLife