Martins, Peter (1946-…), is a Danish-born choreographer (dance creator) and former ballet dancer. As a featured performer with the New York City Ballet, he gained fame for his fine classical technique.
Martins was born on Oct. 27, 1946, in Copenhagen. He received traditional dance training at the Royal Danish Ballet beginning at the age of 8. He joined that company in 1964 and became a solo dancer in 1967. From 1970 to 1983, Martins was a principal dancer for the New York City Ballet. He created many roles in ballets by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, notably through his partnerships with Suzanne Farrell and other leading ballerinas. Martins’s choreography for the company began with Calcium Light Night (1977). His autobiography, Far From Denmark, was published in 1982.
Martins retired as a dancer in 1983 and became co-ballet master in chief of the New York City Ballet with Jerome Robbins. After Robbins resigned in 1990, Martins assumed sole artistic leadership as ballet master in chief. He retired from the company in 2018.
