(74) Philip Neal, Artistic Director of Next Generation Ballet and Former New York City Ballet Principal
Summary: This week we continue our coverage of Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker by speaking with Philip Neal, Artistic Director of Next Generation Ballet. Philip began his training at the age of 11 at the School of Richmond Ballet, where he was recognized by Edward Villella and offered a scholarship to the School of American Ballet. He joined the New York City Ballet in 1987 becoming a Principal in 1992. He went on to dance lead roles in the vast majority of the company’s rep, and was invited to guest with many companies including the Kirov Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet. After a 23- year tenure with City Ballet, 17 of those years as a Principal, Philip was invited by The George Balanchine Trust and The Jerome Robbins Rights Trust to become a Repetiteur, staging the ballets of both legendary choreographers throughout the world. From 2010-2013, he directed developmental efforts in Palm Beach County on behalf of Miami City Ballet before being appointed the Artistic Director of Next Generation Ballet & Dance Dean of the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center in Tampa FL, one the largest performing arts center in the United States. Today we talk with Philip about his career, how he discovered his talent for arts development, get some teaching pointers, and learn more about the great work he is doing at Next Generation Ballet.<br>
