Benjamin Millepied, a prominent French dancer and choreographer, has made a significant impact on the world of dance through his innovative work and collaborations.
Having spent most of his career in the United States, he gained recognition as a principal dancer at the New York City Ballet and later went on to establish his own dance project.
With a diverse repertoire and a passion for pushing boundaries, Millepied’s contributions to the art form have been widely acclaimed. In this article, we will delve into his fascinating life story, exploring his background, achievements, and personal journey.
Benjamin Millepied Biography
Born on June 10, 1977, in Bordeaux, France, Benjamin Millepied discovered his love for dance at an early age. He embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to become one of the most influential figures in the industry.
Throughout his career, Millepied has seamlessly merged classical ballet with contemporary movements, creating unique and captivating performances that have enthralled audiences worldwide.
Age and Date of Birth
Benjamin Millepied was born on June 10, 1977. As of today’s date, he is currently 46 years old, but his youthful spirit and boundless creativity continue to shine through his work.
Nationality and Ethnicity
Hailing from France, Benjamin Millepied proudly embraces his French nationality and has become an ambassador for French dance on the global stage. His ethnicity is Caucasian, and he has drawn inspiration from his cultural heritage to shape his artistic vision.
Family Background and Early Life
Millepied grew up in a loving family in Bordeaux, France. He is the youngest of three sons, and his parents, Catherine Flory and Denys Millepied, provided him with a nurturing environment.
It was Millepied’s mother, a former ballet dancer, who introduced him to the world of dance at the tender age of eight. This early exposure ignited a spark within him and set him on a path that would define his life.
Education Background
Millepied’s passion for dance led him to pursue formal training. Between the ages of 13 and 16, he studied under the tutelage of Michel Rahn at the Conservatoire National in Lyon, France.
His dedication and talent caught the attention of choreographer Jerome Robbins, who became an influential mentor during his formative years. Millepied’s pursuit of excellence led him to the School of American Ballet (SAB), where he attended classes in the summer of 1992.
Impressed by his potential, the French Ministry awarded him a scholarship, enabling him to study full-time at SAB starting in 1993. This experience in New York City laid the foundation for his future success and provided him with invaluable opportunities to refine his skills.
Personal Life: Wife and Children
In the realm of romance, Benjamin Millepied found love in an unexpected place. While working on the movie “Black Swan” in 2009, he met actress Natalie Portman, and their connection was undeniable.
Despite the challenges of leaving his then-girlfriend, Isabella Boylston, a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, Millepied followed his heart and pursued a relationship with Portman.
On August 4, 2012, Millepied and Portman tied the knot in a beautiful Jewish ceremony held in Big Sur, California. The couple has two children together.
Their son, Aleph, was born in 2011, and their daughter, Amalia, joined the family in 2017. Millepied’s dedication to his family is evident as they embarked on new adventures together, including a move from Paris to Los Angeles.
Career
Benjamin Millepied’s career is a testament to his remarkable talent and unwavering commitment to his craft. After joining the New York City Ballet in 1995, he steadily rose through the ranks, becoming a soloist in 1998 and eventually achieving the prestigious position of principal dancer in 2002.
During his time with the company, Millepied not only showcased his exceptional dancing skills but also revealed his choreographic prowess by creating captivating pieces for the New York City Ballet and other renowned companies. In 2011, Millepied embarked on a new endeavor and founded the LA Dance Project.
Serving as its leader from 2011 to 2014, he nurtured a space for innovative dance and artistic exploration. The project aimed to push the boundaries of traditional ballet and bring fresh perspectives to the art form.
Although a project called Chesta Tony in Mobile, Alabama, was disrupted due to the pandemic, Millepied’s impact on the LA Dance Project remains indelible. In October 2014, Millepied assumed the role of Director of Dance at the Paris Opera Ballet.
This prestigious position allowed him to shape the direction of one of the world’s most renowned ballet companies. During his tenure, he invited acclaimed choreographer William Forsythe to collaborate on the new Academy, an in-house training program for choreographers.
Millepied’s innovative approach breathed new life into the Paris Opera Ballet, fostering collaborations, introducing digital platforms, and facilitating dancer exchanges with esteemed companies like the Mariinsky and American Ballet Theatre.
Throughout his career, Millepied has made noteworthy contributions to the film industry as well. His choreography and performance in the 2010 movie “Black Swan” garnered critical acclaim, highlighting his ability to translate the art of dance to the silver screen.
Additionally, he founded The Amoveo Company, a multimedia production company and art collective, where he directed several short films in collaboration with renowned artists.
Wikipedia Biodata
| Benjamin Millepied | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 10, 1977 |
| Nationality | French |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Wife | Natalie Portman |
| Children | Aleph and Amalia |
| Education | Conservatoire National School of American Ballet |
| Net Worth | $10 million (estimated) |
| Occupation | Dancer |
| Father | Denys Millepied |
| Mother | Catherine Flory |
| Career | Principal Dancer at New York City Ballet Founder of LA Dance Project Director of Dance at Paris Opera Ballet Choreographer and Performer in the movie “Black Swan” Founder of The Amoveo Company |
Net Worth
As a prominent figure in the world of dance, Benjamin Millepied’s talent and contributions have led to financial success. Although various sources provide different estimates, Millepied’s net worth is believed to be around $10 million.
His innovative work, collaborations, and ventures in both dance and film have undoubtedly contributed to his financial prosperity.
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