In partnership with the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, Monaco Life proudly presents a monthly series spotlighting the lives and artistic contributions of the Foundation’s remarkable Award winners.

This month, writer Kelli Acciardo sits down with 2005 Princess Grace Award recipient John Lam — international ballet star, former Principal Dancer with Boston Ballet, and newly appointed Associate Professor at the Boston Conservatory— to discuss his next act: launching his own company, LamDanceWorks. 

From honouring his heritage to mentoring the next generation, John Lam opens up about legacy, leadership, and how he’s redefining what it means to be a modern artist.

Congratulations on an extraordinary 20-year career with Boston Ballet. What emotions were running through you during your farewell performance?

It was deeply emotional and reflective. My parents—Vietnamese refugees—saw me perform professionally for the very first time. The moment felt like a full-circle gift. I was filled with gratitude and awe, realizing just how far I’d come.

You’ve said this journey was one you never dreamed possible as the son of Vietnamese refugee parents—how did those early experiences shape the artist you became?

Coming from an underserved background made me both grateful and driven. Scholarships and nonprofit support were essential. I always felt the weight and importance of representing people like me—those who aren’t typically seen in elite ballet spaces.

Looking back, what do you feel most proud of when you think about your time with Boston Ballet?

The relationships, the representation, and the risk-taking. As a gay Asian American male in ballet, I feel proud of carving space for authenticity and creating visibility.

Can you take us back to the moment you fell in love with dance?

It was a feeling—a visceral, soul-level connection. I didn’t have the vocabulary for it then, but it made me feel seen, safe, and expressive in a way nothing else ever had.

Princess Grace Foundation-USA

What did receiving the Princess Grace Award mean to you, both professionally and personally?

It was a game-changer. The award validated my identity as an artist and gave me recognition at a national level. It opened doors, and 20 years later, people still note it with admiration.

Do you remember how you first heard you’d been selected?

Yes—it was surreal. I didn’t believe it at first. I kept rereading the letter.

How has the Foundation supported or influenced your artistic path since winning the award?

It has felt like an ongoing love letter. Not just an award, but an embrace. They’ve continued to check in, support, and amplify my voice. That kind of long-term belief is rare.

The legacy of Princess Grace is deeply rooted in both elegance and strength—how do you relate to her spirit in your own work?

She defied expectations with grace and left a legacy that championed young artists. That’s exactly what I hope to do through my new company, LamDanceWorks.

Artistry & Expression

Dance is such a physical art form—how do you maintain emotional and creative energy across demanding seasons?

Through connection. I stay rooted in my “why,” prioritize well-being, and now share that energy with my students, who inspire me daily.

Is there a role or performance that felt like a turning point in your career?

Balanchine’s Prodigal Son. It mirrored my own life—complex, full of struggle and redemption. The audience’s reaction felt transcendent.

You’ve also ventured into choreography and filmmaking—how do those creative outlets differ from performing, and what do they unlock for you?

They allow me to step back and see the bigger picture. I love collaboration and narrative. Creating something from nothing is a thrill I can’t describe.

Monaco & Meaning

Have you had the chance to visit Monaco or connect with the cultural world there through the Foundation?

Not yet—but I dream of performing there. Maybe one day LamDanceWorks will grace a Monaco stage, perhaps even at the iconic Rose Ball.

If you could perform in any iconic venue in Monaco, where would it be—and what would the program look like?

Something intimate and powerful. A solo I’ve commissioned for myself is a good start. I’d love to spotlight emerging artists and create a cross-cultural, genre-bending experience.

Grace Kelly once said, “The idea of my life as a fairy tale is itself a fairy tale.” What does that sentiment mean to you as an artist who also defies conventions?

That quote resonates. My life—as a son of refugees, now a professor, dancer, and founder—is a modern fairy tale. It’s filled with challenges, beauty, and moments of magic.

Looking Ahead

How do you plan to translate your stage experience into the classroom, as the Associate Professor of Dance, at Boston Conservatory at Berklee?                                                        

I teach the student in front of me. I honor their individual paths while insisting on hard work and commitment. Success, to me, is when they find their voice and agency.

What projects or performances are you most excited about in the coming year?

Launching LamDanceWorks is the project closest to my heart right now. Our debut performance will take place on November 15th at the Robert J. Orchard Stage at the Paramount Center in Boston. This one-night gala will officially kickstart the company, introduce our artistic vision, and celebrate my 20-year journey in dance. It will also serve as a fundraiser to support our mission of making dance accessible to all.

The night before, on November 14, we’re holding a free performance dedicated to our community partners—an evening that centers the power of live performance and honors those who will help us extend our reach to underserved audiences. That day will also include a student engagement session and a conversation with me as Founder and Artistic Director, offering a deeper look into the company’s mission and the work ahead.

Signing up for the newsletter at lamdanceworks.org will notify interested parties when tickets go on sale in August.

What legacy do you hope to leave in the world of dance—and what advice would you give young dancers just starting out?

Legacy: Equity, artistry, and a widened definition of what dance and dancers can look like.
Advice: Always consider your “why.” Stay focused. Consider the source of criticism, and never forget that someone before you paved the way. Now it’s your turn to carry the torch and pass on the light.

Follow John Lam on Instagram and LamDanceWorks.

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Photos provided