Ethan stiefel

Ethan Stiefel - Ballet Dancer

By n.malara

  • Date of Birth

    Date of Birth
    Stiefel was born in Tyrone, PA to his parents Alan and Mimi. He also has an older sister named Erin.

  • Lessons Began

    Lessons Began
    Stiefel began taking ballet lessons when he was eight at a studio in Madison, Wisconsin. It was called the Monona Academy of Dance. He became involved because of his sister.

  • Start of Career

    Start of Career
    Stiefel joined the corps de ballet of New York City Ballet at age sixteen.

  • Leave of Absence

    Leave of Absence
    Stiefel took a leave of absence from the New York City Ballet to perform with the Zurich Ballet in Switzerland.

  • Becomes Principal Dancer

    Becomes Principal Dancer
    After a year in Switzerland, Stiefel returned to the New York City Ballet as a soloist and became a principal dancer with the company until he ended his tenure two years later.

  • Starts at the American Ballet Theatre

    Starts at the American Ballet Theatre
    Stiefel joined ABT as a principal dancer, which is where he also retired from fifteen years later.

  • Stars in Movie "Center Stage"

    Stars in Movie "Center Stage"
    Stiefel made his screen debut in the film "Center Stage" directed by Nicholas Hytner.

  • Creates Stiefel & Students

    Creates Stiefel & Students
    Stiefel created a four-week workshop for aspiring dance students to have the opportunity to train and perform with professional ballet dancers.

  • Made debut in the staging of Don Quixote

    Made debut in the staging of Don Quixote
    Stiefel had his first appearance with the Australian Ballet in Nureyev's staging of Don Quixote. He took on the role of Basilio for its Melbourne and Sydney seasons.

  • Recipient of the Dance Magazine Award

    Recipient of the Dance Magazine Award
    Stiefel and a few others were the recipients of the Dance Magazine Award for his role as a leader in the dance field.

  • Stars in Sequel

    Stars in Sequel
    Stiefel also starred in "Center Stage: Turn It Up."

  • Proposes to Girlfriend

    Proposes to Girlfriend
    Stiefel proposed to long time girlfriend, Gillian Murphy, who was also a principal dancer with ABT.

  • Took Up New Position

    Took Up New Position
    In November 2010 Stiefel was announced as the next director of the Royal New Zealand Ballet and took that position less than a year later.

  • Gives Final Performance

    Gives Final Performance
    Stiefel gave his final performance as an ABT principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House. He is said to be the "most advanced male dancer in the world."