About
Suzanne Farrell is the Krafft Professor of Dance at Florida State University’s School of Dance, where she has served for over 20 years. She is a legendary figure in ballet, celebrated as one of George Balanchine’s most iconic muses. Her career spans 28 years with the New York City Ballet, during which she performed in over 100 ballets, many created specifically for her. She retired in 1989 but continues to preserve Balanchine’s legacy through her company, The Suzanne Farrell Ballet (2001–2017), and as a repetiteur for The George Balanchine Trust.
- Education:
- New York City Ballet (1975–1989)
- Maurice Nejart Ballet (1970–1974)
- New York City Ballet (1961–1969)
- School of American Ballet (1960–1961)
- Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (1953–1959)
Her research focuses on preserving classical ballet techniques and Balanchine’s choreographic legacy. She has staged his works globally for renowned companies like the Berlin Opera Ballet, Vienna State Opera Ballet, and Paris Opera Ballet.
Awards:
A recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, National Medal of Arts, and Library of Congress Living Legend Award, Farrell has also received honorary degrees from Harvard, Yale, Georgetown, Notre Dame, and Brandeis.
Her teaching includes courses like Ballet I–III and Graduate Ballet, as well as the Suzanne Farrell Young Dancers Workshop. She actively collaborates with institutions worldwide to advance dance education and performance.
