Franco De Vita

Franco De Vita is Artistic Director of the American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, and co-author of the ABT National Training Curriculum. Before joining ABT Mr. De Vita was Dean of Faculty and Curriculum at Boston Ballet School. He has taught for American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and Hartford Ballet. Mr. De Vita co-directed the Hamlyn School in Florence, Italy and is a renowned authority on the Cecchetti Method.

As a performer, Mr. De Vita performed principal roles in many European companies, including Florence’s Maggio Musicale, Aterballetto and Le Ballet Royal de Wallonie. He will be a member of the 2015 Prix de Lausanne jury.

What’s your favorite role?

To dance was the lead in Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante; to look at, Giselle.

Who is your favorite choreographer?

Peter Van Dyk, George Balanchine, Antony Tudor, Jiri Kylián, Martha Graham, and many others.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I have two; one is directing the ABT JKO School and co-writing the ABT National Training Curriculum.

Can you tell a funny or embarrassing moment on stage at the beginning of your career?

In my first performance as a professional dancer, I wanted to make big impact with a temps levé in arabesque entrance on stage and fell flat on my face.

What was your greatest fear as a young dancer?

Not doing all the technique properly.

Do you have an advice for the 2015 Prix de Lausanne candidates?

Work hard, make sure that what you wish to communicate is clear to the audience and enjoy dancing and most importantly enjoy life.