Ethan Stiefel: American All Star

by Francesca Horsley

American ballet star Ethan Stiefel is the new artistic director of the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company. From being inspired to dance as a youngster after watching his sister’s ballet class, Ethan has forged an illustrious career first with the New York City Ballet and then as a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theater.

Regarded as one of the great dancers of his generation, Ethan, a self-described adventurer, has extended his career into academic and movie spheres. Prior to his appointment with the RNZB, he was dean of the School of Dance for the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He has also been artistic director of Ballet Pacifica in California and was a star of the 2000 film Center Stage, and appeared in the teen show Gossip Girl. After a mere three weeks into his appointment and amidst the bustle of preparations for The Sleeping Beauty, Francesca Horsley talked to Ethan about his arrival and plans for the company.

Read the full article. (Iss. 26) American All Star