John Neumeier was born on February 24, 1939, in Milwaukee, USA. He studied classical dance at the ballet school in Chicago and then at Marquette University College, where he received a liberal arts education. In 1961, he graduated from college with a Bachelor of Arts degree (specializing in English literature and theater). The influence of his literary education on his work is very evident: the choreographer's portfolio includes numerous productions based on works by Shakespeare, Dumas, Tolstoy, Williams, Andersen, and others.
In his youth, Neumeier also received additional ballet training in Europe, in particular studying with the famous Vera Volkova, a teacher at the Royal Danish Ballet, as well as at the School of the Royal Ballet of Great Britain. It was in London that he was noticed by Marcia Haydée, prima ballerina of the Stuttgart Ballet, and Neumeier was invited to join the company.
In 1969, Neumeier became artistic director of the Frankfurt Ballet, and in 1973, together with part of the company, he moved to Hamburg – and from that moment a half-century-long romance began for the theatre and the choreographer, which brought world fame to the Hamburg Ballet and audiences dozens of productions by Neumeier.
John Neumeier has staged over one hundred ballets for virtually all major ballet stages worldwide, often also serving as costume designer for his productions.
The chief ballet philosopher, a choreographer-thinker whose productions always leave a mark on the soul, Neumeier has been loved by audiences around the world for over 50 years. His symphonic ballets are a beautiful chapter in the book of art; his versions of classical stories are thoughtful, beautiful reinterpretations and readings.
In his youth, Neumeier also received additional ballet training in Europe, in particular studying with the famous Vera Volkova, a teacher at the Royal Danish Ballet, as well as at the School of the Royal Ballet of Great Britain. It was in London that he was noticed by Marcia Haydée, prima ballerina of the Stuttgart Ballet, and Neumeier was invited to join the company.
In 1969, Neumeier became artistic director of the Frankfurt Ballet, and in 1973, together with part of the company, he moved to Hamburg – and from that moment a half-century-long romance began for the theatre and the choreographer, which brought world fame to the Hamburg Ballet and audiences dozens of productions by Neumeier.
John Neumeier has staged over one hundred ballets for virtually all major ballet stages worldwide, often also serving as costume designer for his productions.
The chief ballet philosopher, a choreographer-thinker whose productions always leave a mark on the soul, Neumeier has been loved by audiences around the world for over 50 years. His symphonic ballets are a beautiful chapter in the book of art; his versions of classical stories are thoughtful, beautiful reinterpretations and readings.
