Peter Martins

Peter Martins was a renowned Danish ballet dancer and choreographer, best known for his work with the New York City Ballet and his role as the company's ballet master in chief from 1983 to 2017. He was a principal dancer with the Royal Danish Ballet and later with the New York City Ballet, working closely with George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. Martins' career was marked by his collaborations with prominent ballet companies, including the American Ballet Theatre and the Paris Opera Ballet. He also worked with notable dancers, such as Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland, and choreographers, including Twyla Tharp and William Forsythe.

● Early Life and Training

Peter Martins began his ballet training at the Royal Danish Ballet school in Copenhagen, where he studied under the guidance of Harald Lander and Flemming Flindt. He later attended the School of American Ballet in New York City, where he was instructed by George Balanchine and other prominent ballet teachers. Martins' early career was influenced by his work with the Royal Danish Ballet, where he performed in ballets such as Swan Lake and Giselle, alongside dancers like Vera Volkova and Erik Bruhn. He also participated in international ballet competitions, including the Varna International Ballet Competition and the Moscow International Ballet Competition.

● Career

As a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, Martins performed in numerous ballets, including Apollo, Jewels, and A Midsummer Night's Dream, which were choreographed by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. He also danced with other prominent ballet companies, such as the American Ballet Theatre and the Paris Opera Ballet, and worked with notable choreographers, including Twyla Tharp and William Forsythe. Martins' career was marked by his collaborations with famous dancers, such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gelsey Kirkland, and Suzanne Farrell, and he performed in ballets like The Firebird and Symphony in C. He also worked with the Joffrey Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada, and participated in various ballet festivals, including the Spoleto Festival and the Edinburgh Festival.

● Choreography

As a choreographer, Martins created numerous ballets for the New York City Ballet and other companies, including Ash, Fearful Symmetries, and Delight of the Muses. His choreographic style was influenced by his work with George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, and he often incorporated complex musical compositions, such as those by Igor Stravinsky and Ludwig van Beethoven, into his ballets. Martins' choreography was also shaped by his collaborations with contemporary composers, including Philip Glass and Steve Reich, and he created ballets to their music, such as Glass Pieces and Octet. He also worked with the San Francisco Ballet and the Boston Ballet, and choreographed ballets like The Waltz Project and Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2.

● Personal Life

Martins was married to Darci Kistler, a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, and they had one daughter together. He was also known for his close relationships with other dancers, including Suzanne Farrell and Gelsey Kirkland, and he often worked with them on various ballet projects. Martins was a member of the Dance Theater of Harlem board of directors and worked with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater on several occasions. He also participated in various charity events, including the New York City Ballet's annual gala, and supported organizations like the American Ballet Theatre's ABT Studio Company.

● Later Life and Legacy

After retiring as ballet master in chief of the New York City Ballet in 2017, Martins continued to work as a choreographer and ballet consultant. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2011 for his contributions to the world of ballet, and he received the Kennedy Center Honor in 2012. Martins' legacy is marked by his work with the New York City Ballet and his role in shaping the company's repertoire and style. He also played a significant role in promoting ballet and dance education, and he worked with institutions like the School of American Ballet and the Juilliard School to develop new programs and initiatives. Martins' impact on the world of ballet is still felt today, and his choreography continues to be performed by companies like the American Ballet Theatre, the Paris Opera Ballet, and the Royal Ballet.