Obituary: Hazaros (Lazo) Surmeyan - former National Ballet of Canada Principal

Former National Ballet of Canada Principal Hazaros (Lazo) Surmeyan passed away after dedicating more than half a century of his life to ballet, the company said on 3rd June 2026.

According to the Dance Collection Danse website, he died on 1st June.

Born in Skopje, Yugoslavia, Surmeyan danced with the Skopje Opera Ballet and Belgrade Opera Ballet before continuing his studies in Cannes, France, with renowned teacher Rosella Hightower. He went on to dance as a Principal Dancer with the Mannheim Opera Ballet and Cologne Opera Ballet. 

Sumeyan joined The National Ballet of Canada in 1966 as a Principal Dancer. In 1986, he became a Principal Character Artist.