Goh Ballet Academy is a school of classical ballet in Vancouver, British Columbia. Founded in 1978, the Goh Ballet Academy is an internationally renowned institute, recognized for its high caliber ballet training and performances, providing students with advanced knowledge to prepare them for a serious career in the field of dance. Former principal dancer of the National Ballet of Canada, Chan-hon Goh is currently the director of the academy.
The Goh Ballet Academy was founded in 1978 by Choo Chiat Goh and Lin Yee Goh after they immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from China. Choo Chiat Goh is the brother of the late Choo San Goh the former resident choreographer of the Washington Ballet, and is also the founder of the Goh Ballet Youth Company, which is aimed at advancing students for a professional career. Choo Chiat Goh had trained on scholarship at London’s The Royal Ballet from there he joined Beijing Dance Academy and in 1959 joined the National Ballet of China. His wife Lin Yee Goh also trained at the Beijing Dance Academy and eventually became one of the National Ballet of China’s Ballet mistresses. At the academy, she incorporated Royal Academy of Dance curriculum into the academy and has studied and taught in the Vaganova method, studying technique and teaching elements under Russian master Nikolai Romancheva.
The Gohs' daughter, Chan-hon Goh, was principal dancer of the National Ballet of Canada for 20 years and is the current director of the academy. Chan Hon Goh was also a prize recipient of the Prix de Lausanne, an annual international competition for youth in Switzerland who are seeking to pursue professional careers. As the academy's director, Chan Hon Goh has introduced a master class series for aspiring dancers seeking to enhance professional training and receive coaching and provide opportunities featured artists to mentor participants and focus on artistic elements not typically accessible in standard ballet classes. The master classes will hosted in nine cities including Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Kelowna, Nanaimo and Vancouver.