Les Grands Ballets Canadiens are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Daniel Jackson, a former prominent member of the Company, in Montreal on February 21, 2026.
Born in Detroit to parents of Romanian origin, Daniel Jackson trained with several masters in Detroit and New York. In 1961, at the end of an international tour of My Fair Lady, he was recruited by Ludmilla Chiriaeff. Two years later, in 1963, she entrusted him with the title role in Pierrot de la Lune.
A demi-soloist and then soloist with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens until 1968, Daniel Jackson then continued his career with the Company as assistant ballet master, rehearsal director, and production assistant. In 1979, he was appointed co-artistic director, alongside Lynda Stearns and Colin McIntyre, a position he held until 1985. During this time, he helped to restage and integrate several notable modern and contemporary works into the repertoire, including Paul Taylor's Aureole.
In 1986, Daniel Jackson co-founded Montréal Danse, which he directed until 1996. He then pursued a long collaboration with dancer and choreographer Margie Gillis.
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens offers their sincere condolences to Jackson’s family, loved ones, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him and working alongside him.
