Valerie Wilder: Lady of the dance

For the last half-century, Valerie Wilder has been following her feet around the world with amazing results.

The California-born, Japan-raised dancer and executive was trained in London and spent the greater part of her career with the National Ballet of Canada. Since then, she's taken her considerable skills to the Boston Ballet and now to the Australian Ballet, where she's been executive director since 2008...

FIVE FAVE INFLUENCES OF VALERIE WILDER

Erik Bruhn: A great and intriguing artist who singled me out, believed in me and immeasurably lifted my career trajectory.

Pina Bauch: A towering presence in the dance/theatre world who I never worked with but whose creations still inspire me and remind me of why I do what I do.

Henry Mintzberg: Author and brilliant professor at McGill University's business school whose engaging lectures shaped my approach to organizational strategy.

Jon Stewart: Provided a daily dose of off-the-wall humour and sanity during my American adventure in Boston.

Jim Pitblado: Business leader and past Chair of the National Ballet of Canada Board; by far the most insightful, effective and supportive board chair I ever worked with.

Read full article: The Star, February 18, 2011