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Robert Weiss (Artistic Director and Choreographer, Cinderella) began his career as a professional dancer at the age of 17, when he joined the New York City Ballet at the request of George Balanchine. He remained with the company for 16 years, rising to the rank of Principal Dancer. During this time he performed principal roles in over 40 ballets, some of which were created for him by both Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. His career took him next to the Pennsylvania Ballet in Philadelphia, where he served as Artistic Director for eight years. As a choreographer, Mr. Weiss has created over 20 ballets, including commissions by American Ballet Theatre, the New York City Ballet, Bejart’s Ballet of the 20th Century, The Caramoor Festival, the Palm Beach Festival, Stars of American Ballet, and Philadanco Dance Company, among others. He is also the recipient of two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships for choreography. His other achievements include choreography and staging for the New York City Opera as well as choreographing and acting for a feature film starring Anthony Quinn. Mr. Weiss has received great critical and audience response for his Carolina Ballet world premieres including Romeo & Juliet, Messiah, Stravinsky’s Clowns, Carmen and The Kreutzer Sonata, and in 2001 the brand new Nutcracker and Firebird were added to that impressive list. In 2002 he premiered Stravinsky’s Clowns and Grosse Fuge; and in the 2003-2004 season he premiered Des Images, based on the paintings and sculpture of Edgar Degas, and Reflection, an homage to his mentor George Balanchine. During the 2004-2005 season Weiss premiered Symposium to rave reviews and critical acclaim.
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