The National Ballet of Canada, a company with more than 60 dancers and its own full symphony orchestra, is Canada's premiere dance company and ranks as one of the world's top international dance companies. Founded in 1951 by English dancer Celia Franca, the company was established as a classical company and is still the only Canadian company to present a full range of traditional full-evening ballet classics. However, the company presents not only the classical repertoire but also embraces contemporary works and encourages the creation of new ballets and the development of Canadian choreographers.