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John Lam
Award Winning Principal Dancer
John Lam is a prominent Vietnamese-American principal dancer with the Boston Ballet, recognized for his significant contributions to the world of ballet. Born in 1984 to Vietnamese refugee parents in San Rafael, California, he began dancing at the age of four, supported by the Performing Stars of Marin, a community center aimed at helping inner-city youth. He studied at the Marin Ballet School from 1988 to 2000 and later received professional training at Canada’s National Ballet School on a scholarship.
Career Highlights
Lam joined the Boston Ballet in 2003 as a member of BBII and progressed through the ranks, becoming a principal dancer in 2014. His career has been marked by numerous accolades, including being a finalist in prestigious competitions and receiving the Princess Grace Fellowship in 2005. He has been praised for his versatility and expressiveness, often noted as one of Boston Ballet's standout performers. In addition to his stage work, Lam has ventured into choreography and film production, creating acclaimed dance films such as "SHE/I" and "Movement in Structure," which have been featured in international dance festivals.136
Recent Developments
After a remarkable two-decade career with the Boston Ballet, Lam announced his retirement on May 19, 2024. He plans to transition into academia as an associate professor at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he aims to inspire the next generation of dancers.124 Alongside his teaching role, he is also working on a memoir and plans to establish a nonprofit organization focused on making dance more accessible.68
Personal Life
Lam is married and has two sons. His journey reflects not only personal achievement but also a commitment to community engagement and arts advocacy. He continues to embody the spirit of resilience and creativity that defines his career in ballet.157

