Biografia
John Lam began his dance career with the Marin Ballet in San Rafael, CA, at the age of four. Lam's talent was recognized by Marin Ballet Artistic Director, Margaret Swourthout, who offered Lam a full scholarship through the organization of Performing Stars of Marin. Swarthout's successor, Mikko Nissinen, brought Lam to the spotlight and helped advance his career. Cynthia Lucas further cultivated and refined Lam's skills to help prepare him for advanced dance training. In 2000, at age 15, Lam began his tenure with Canada National Ballet School under the direction of Mavis Staines. Lam was one of only a few North Americans awarded a full scholarship from the Pierino Ambrosoli Foundation in Zurich, which supports promising young dancers throughout the world. Lam studied for three years under the renowned ballet teacher/mentor, Sergiu Stefanschi, and was awarded the Peter Dwyer Scholarship for remarkable promise. Upon graduation from the National Ballet School in 2003, Lam was invited by Boston Ballet Artistic Director, Mikko Nissinen, to join Boston Ballet II. Lam quickly rose to the rank of Soloist in 2008 and was named Principal Dancer in 2014. In addition to Lam's achievements with the Boston Ballet, he was a finalist in the Seoul International Ballet Competition and the only American male semi-finalist at the 2005 Helsinki International Ballet Competition. Lam also received the prestigious Princess Grace Award, which recognizes and supports emerging talent. In 2006, Lam received a proclamation from the mayor of San Rafael, CA, for his outstanding artistic achievements. Most recently Lam has received recognition from President Joe Biden on Lam's 20 years as a principal dancer while representing as an Asian American artist. Additionally Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has given a citation in recognition of Lam's achievements, and Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu for a lifetime of accomplishments. Achieving a Masters in Nonprofit Management Fundraising with honors at Northeastern University. Over the course of his distinguished career, Lam has worked with a range of esteemed choreographers and coaches including Sorella Englund, Merrill Ashley, Karen Kain, Roslyn Anderson, Ken Ossola, Akram Khan, Shantel Martin, Sandy Jennings, William Forsythe, Stephen Galloway, Jill Johnson, Jorma Elo, Noah Gelber, Helen Pickett, John Neumeier, and Christoper Wheeldon. Lam has been featured in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The London Times. In addition to his stage work, Lam has choreographed and produced several dances on film including Dance Is, Movement in Structure, SHE/I, Close, The Air Before Me, Quiet Beauty, and moving pARTs. Lam's films have received critical acclaim in International Dance Film Festivals including The San Francisco Dance Film Festival and The Portland Dance Film Festival. Lam has taught at Harvard University, Boston Conservatory and in studio settings from Boston to California to Honolulu. Beyond his work as a Dancer, Director, Teacher, Choreographer, Arts Advocate, and Film Producer, Lam has performed the role of Ariel alongside John Douglas Thompson in The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's production of "The Tempest." Achieving his masters in Nonprofit Management Fundraising at Northeastern University. Most recently, Lam served as a Principal Core Dancer Performer in the Amazon Prime Series, Étoile, season one. Lam will begin his tenure as Associate Professor of Dance with the Boston Conservatory at Berklee in fall 2024. As an extension of Lam's commitment to the arts, LamDanceWorks was established in 2024 to engage and inspire members of the community through the collaborative production of innovative dance works reflecting the full spectrum of artistic expression for years to come. Lam is married and the father of two beautiful boys.
