Peggy Baker

Peggy Laurayne Baker (née Smith; born October 22, 1952) is a Canadian modern dancer, choreographer and teacher. She has been awarded the Order of Canada and she was the first person to receive the Ontario Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts.

Life Baker was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She was the second child of six. She has lived in Canada and the United States.

Education and early work Baker first studied acting at the University of Alberta. While there Baker was introduced to Modern Dance by Patricia Beatty, one of the founders of the Toronto Dance Theatre. In 1971 she moved to Toronto to study with Beatty at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre. After graduating from the school she appeared with the company as a dancer.

In 1993 she was invited to be the National Ballet School of Canada's first artist-in-residence.