Peter Martins

Peter Martins 1946-, Danish ballet dancer and choreographer. He studied at the School of the Royal Danish Ballet and performed with its company (1965-69). In 1969 he joined the New York City Ballet , where he danced in numerous ballets, including Chaconne and Vienna Waltzes, often partnering Suzanne Farrell . Martins' choreographed works include Calcium Light Night (1977), Five Easy Pieces (1980), Les Gentilhommes (1987), A Musical Offering (1991), Symphonic Dances (1994), and Distant Light (2004). In 1983 Martins retired from dancing and with Jerome Robbins became coballet master in chief of the company, a position Martins has occupied alone since the retirement of Robbins in 1989.

Bibliography: See his autobiography (with R. Cornfield), Far from Denmark (1982).

Martins, Peter (1946– ) Danish dancer, choreographer, and ballet director. His partnership with Suzanne Farrell was one of the greatest in the history of ballet. Martins was principal dancer (1969–83) with the New York City Ballet, before becoming its joint ballet master (with Jerome Robbins), then director (1990– ). His choreographed works include Les Gentilhommes (1987) and A Musical Offering (1991).