John Lam

Position
Associate Professor of Dance
Affiliated Departments

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John Lam joined the Conservatory in 2024, following his retirement from a 20-year career with the Boston Ballet.

Lam began dancing at the age of four at the Marin Ballet in San Rafael, California. He rose quickly and was awarded a scholarship to attend Canada's prestigious National Ballet School before being invited to join the Boston Ballet in 2003, where he was named principal dancer in 2014, performing in leading roles and multiple premieres created specially for Lam. 

He has been lauded by the Boston Globe as one of Boston Ballet's "most versatile and expressive soloists." In addition to his stage work, Lam has choreographed and produced an array of independent dance films which have received critical acclaim at international dance film festivals. Lam appeared in the Disney film The Game Plan, and performed the role of Ariel in the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s Production of The Tempest. Most recently, Lam served as a principal core dancer performer in the Amazon Prime series Étoile

He continues to bring authenticity and passion to his craft as a creative director, dancer, teacher, choreographer, actor, and arts advocate. 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.

Awards
  • Presidential recognition from President Joe Biden for 20-year tenure as an Asian American principal dancer with Boston Ballet
  • Princess Grace Award recipient
  • Pierino Ambrosoli Foundation Scholarship recipient
  • Compass Award for exemplary undergraduate student at Northeastern University
  • Lux. Veritas. Virtus. Society Award for outstanding graduate student at Northeastern University