52-576: Peter Martins (born 27 October 1946) is a Danish former ballet dancer and choreographer . Martins was a principal dancer with the Royal Danish Ballet and with the New York City Ballet , where he joined George Balanchine , Jerome Robbins , and John Taras as balletmaster in 1981. He retired from dancing in 1983, having achieved the rank of danseur noble , becoming Co-Ballet Master-In-Chief with Robbins. From 1990 until January 2018, he
104-622: A DVD and a sequel produced later. Martins was inducted into the National Museum of Dance's Mr. & Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Fame in 2008. Martins had a long-term romantic relationship with Heather Watts during her career as a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. In 2017, Martins was accused of picking up Watts and slamming her into a cement wall. In ballerina Gelsey Kirkland 's book Dancing on My Grave (1986), she describes Martins dragging Watts up and down
156-642: A Liberty Award, 1986. He was nominated for the 1986 Tony Award for Best Choreographer for Song & Dance . Martins is a champion of contemporary music, working often with composer John Adams . His autobiography, Far From Denmark was published in 1982. Martins was named Man of the Year by the Danish American Society, 1980. His exercise regimen, titled NYCB Workout and designed with the New York Sports Club , first appeared in book form in 1997, with
208-568: A breath test, and backing unsafely. He pleaded not guilty in Ardsley Village Court, and his license was suspended. Kistler and Martins have one daughter, Talicia Tove Martins, born June 13, 1996. He has a son, Nilas Martins, who also was a member of NYCB before himself retiring. Ballet dancer A ballet dancer is a person who practices the art of classical ballet . Both females and males can practice ballet. They rely on years of extensive training and proper technique to become
260-553: A female as a danseuse . In Italian, a ballerina is a female who typically holds a principal title within a ballet company ; the title for equally ranked males is ballerino . In Italian, the common term for a male dancer is danzatore and a female dancer is a danzatrice . These terms are rarely used in English. Since ballerino is not used in English, it does not enjoy the same connotation as ballerina . A regular male dancer in Italy
312-550: A flight of stairs. He was married to Lise la Cour , a ballerina he danced with at the Royal Ballet of Denmark. He had a child with her, Nilas. They met while they were both with the Royal Danish Ballet and after their divorce, he was a guest-artist with the New York City Ballet and eventually moved to America to dance with the latter company full-time. Nilas eventually followed his father to America, to New York City and to
364-463: A high rank with their home company, and have subsequently been engaged to dance with other ballet companies around the world, normally performing the lead role. They are usually principal dancers or soloists with their home company, but given the title of Guest Artist when performing with another company. Well-known guest artists include Marianela Nunez and Kathryn Morgan . Ballerina means any female ballet student or dancer, although historically, it
416-517: A leave of absence that month from both the New York City Ballet and its School of the American Ballet, after the allegations came to light, and in January 2018 he retired. Martins denied any misconduct. A two-month investigation of the New York City Ballet and its School of the American Ballet "did not corroborate the allegations of harassment or violence both made in the anonymous letter and reported in
468-403: A lot of attention to the prevention of injuries and a lot of ballet companies have in-house health suites providing facilities and expert guidance to dancers. Most ballet companies and ballet boarding schools alike also employ their own physiotherapist. The Australian Ballet invented a calf rise exercise to prevent injuries that is now being used by ballet companies across the globe. This exercise
520-511: A member of the school’s board of directors, said that the assault charge was "a personal matter", would not affect Martins’ career, and that it had "nothing to do with his competency or his support in the ballet community." In 2011, Martins was charged with DWI in Yonkers . He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving while impaired . In December 2017, Martins was arrested after a three-car crash and charged with drunk driving , refusal to take
572-497: A part of a professional ballet company. Ballet dancers are at a high risk of injury due to the demanding technique of ballet. Ballet dancers typically begin training at an early age as young as three or four if they desire to perform professionally and often take part in international competitions such as YAGP and Prix de Lausanne . At these events, scholarships are being granted to the most talented dancers, enabling them to continue their training at renowned ballet schools around
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#1733084795020624-680: A related decoration, known as the Cross of Honour (D.Ht., short for Dannebrogordens Hæderstegn ). The insignia of the Order must be returned upon the death of the holder. The Dannebrogordenens Hæderstegn (Cross of Honour of the Order of the Dannebrog) in modern times is only awarded to Danes on whom the Order of the Dannebrog has already been bestowed. It is also worn by members of the Danish royal family. Its badge
676-514: A reward for very meritorious service to Denmark. Grand Cross with Breaststar with Diamonds is most often given to high-ranking officers of the Royal Court, such as Hofmarskals . Finally, the Grand Commander grade is given only to 8 people. The reigning monarch is always a Grand Commander, and he/she may give the grade to 7 others, most often close family. Award of the Order of the Dannebrog
728-477: Is a white enamelled Dannebrog cross (i.e., a cross pattée , the lower arm being longer than the others) with a red enamelled border, for the Knights in silver, and for everyone else in gold or silver gilt. At the top of this cross is the royal cypher of the bestowing monarch, crowned with the distinctive Danish royal crown On its front, the cross bears the royal cyphers of Christian V at its centre, as well as
780-639: Is called a ballerino . In the English-speaking world, boys or men who dance classical ballet are usually referred to as (male) ballet dancers. Often ballerino is used in English-based countries as slang. Ballet companies continue to rank their dancers in hierarchical fashion; most have adopted a gender-neutral classification system. In most large companies, there are usually several leading dancers of each sex, titled principal dancer or étoile to reflect their seniority, and more often, their status within
832-411: Is often being featured during livestreams on World Ballet Day. Traditionally, gender-specific titles are used for ballet dancers. In French and Italian, gender-neutral words for such purposes simply never existed (at least historically), and customary usage in English-speaking ballet companies was originally borrowed from those languages. In French, a male ballet dancer is referred to as a danseur and
884-497: Is often used as a tool of diplomacy. If a foreign country has an Order that they give to foreign diplomats in their country, then their diplomats in Denmark can be given an Order of the Dannebrog. To be eligible, the foreign ambassador must have resided in Denmark for at least three years. With the death of King Constantine II of Greece in 2023, one Grand Commander position is available. The number of Grand Commanders never exceed 8. It
936-636: Is possible for membership in the Order to be revoked. Before 1808, membership had only been revoked on two occasions – Peder Griffenfeld who was charged with treason, and Samuel Christoph von Plessen [ da ] (1640–1704) who was charged with looting and gross misconduct. In more recent times, it has been revoked on the basis of criminality, such as Peter Adler Alberti (1910), Erik Ninn-Hansen (1995), Peter Brixtofte (2008) and Christian Kjær (2019). Foreigners have also had their membership revoked. Several prominent Nazi officials, such as Hermann Göring and Konstantin von Neurath , were awarded
988-514: Is similar to the badge of the Order, but all in silver. It is worn on a ribbon (by gentlemen) or bow (by ladies), with rosette , on the left chest. Each Danish ministry has a quota of Knights and Knights 1st class that they may use at their discretion. It is most often given to high-ranking officers of the police , armed forces and emergency services . Also used for politicians in Folketinget after 8 years of elected service. Ministers are given
1040-419: Is to make physically demanding choreography appear effortless. The upper body of a ballet dancer is prone to injury because choreography and class exercises require them to exert energy into contorting their backs and hips. Back bends cause the back to pinch, making the spine vulnerable to injuries such as spasms and pinched nerves. Extending the legs and holding them in the air while turned out causes damage to
1092-606: Is used in this sense at the Scala ballet company in Milan, but has a different meaning at the Paris Opera Ballet ). The title or rank of prima ballerina assoluta was originally inspired by the Italian ballet masters of the early Romantic ballet and was bestowed on a ballerina who was considered to be exceptionally talented, above the standard of other leading ballerine . The title
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#17330847950201144-512: Is very rarely used today and recent uses have typically been symbolic, in recognition of a notable career; as a result, it is commonly viewed as an honour rather than an active rank. More or less, depending on the source, the rankings for women—from highest to lowest—used to be: For men, the ranks were: Order of the Dannebrog [REDACTED] Grand Cross [REDACTED] Commander 1st Class [REDACTED] Commander [REDACTED] Knight 1st Class The Order of
1196-571: The Royal Danish Ballet . He joined the corps de ballet in 1965 and was promoted to soloist in 1967. Martins left Denmark in 1970 and became a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet (NYCB), though he had been performing as a guest artist since 1967. Martins danced a wide variety of roles, but is most known for the titular role in Apollo and the Cavalier in Balanchine's Nutcracker . In 1978, he
1248-573: The Vaganova method , the Cecchetti method and the English style of training ( Royal Academy of Dance / The Royal Ballet ). Training does not end when ballet dancers are hired by a professional company. Even professional ballet dancers take daily ballet class to keep their technique in check and to warm up and prepare for a day of rehearsals. Ballet is a strict form of art, and the dancer must be very athletic and flexible. Ballet dancers begin their classes at
1300-472: The barre , a wooden beam that runs along the walls of the ballet studio. Dancers use the barre to support themselves during exercises. Barre work is designed to warm up the body and stretch muscles to prepare for center work, where they execute exercises without the barre. Center work in the middle of the room starts out with slower exercises, gradually leading up to faster exercises and larger movements. Ballet dancers finish center work practicing big leaps across
1352-517: The star but larger and with faceted silver instead of white enamel and without the silver rays of the star . The ribbon of the Order is white silk moiré with red borders, the national colours of Denmark. The Order originally had a distinctive habit worn by the knights (after 1808, by the Knights Grand Cross) on very solemn occasions. The habit consisted of a white doublet , white breeches , white stockings and white shoes, over which
1404-589: The Dannebrog ( Danish : Dannebrogordenen ) is a Danish order of chivalry instituted in 1671 by Christian V . Until 1808, membership in the Order was limited to fifty members of noble or royal rank, who formed a single class known as White Knights to distinguish them from the Blue Knights who were members of the Order of the Elephant . In 1808, the Order was reformed and divided into four classes. The statute of
1456-407: The New York City Ballet. In July 1992, Martins was arrested and held for five hours after his 28-year-old wife of seven months, New York City Ballet principal ballerina Darci Kistler , phoned the police for help. His wife filed an affidavit accusing him of assaulting her, pushing and slapping her, and cutting and bruising her arms and legs and continuing to hit her after she fell under his attack. He
1508-406: The Order was amended in 1951 by a Royal Ordinance so that both men and women could be members of the Order. Today, the Order of the Dannebrog is a means of honouring and rewarding the faithful servants of the modern Danish state for meritorious civil or military service, for a particular contribution to the arts, sciences or business life, or for working for Danish interests. The badge of the Order
1560-400: The ballet dancer is properly trained, the dancer will decrease their risk of injury. Some ballet dancers also turn to stretching or other methods of cross training , like Pilates , yoga , non impact cardio, and swimming. This outside training, attempts to minimize the risk of bodily damage by increasing strength, exercise diversity, and stamina. These days ballet companies around the world pay
1612-527: The company of physical and sexual assault by Martins, and using his power to obtain sexual favors, dating back to 1983. One of his accusers, Wilhelmina Frankfurt , a former New York City Ballet ballerina and later a dance educator, said: "Am I a victim of Martins abuse? Yes. Was it sexual? Yes. Was it consensual? No [...] It was scary. One incident that occurred [...] He [...] pulled me into his dressing room and, exposed himself to me. [And one incident is] so big I don’t think I can talk about it." Martins took
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1664-622: The company. The most common rankings in English are: Some ballet companies also run a separate company for their youngest recruits. Such is the case with the Dutch National Ballet which has launched the Junior Company, which at times also tours and performs separately. The UK-based Royal Ballet runs the Aud Jebsen Young Dancers Programme. Dancers who are identified as a guest artist are usually those who have achieved
1716-493: The floor, which is called grande allegro. Daily ballet class at a professional ballet company is a popular annual feature which is being livestreamed each year during World Ballet Day. After center work, females present exercises on pointe , wearing pointe shoes. Males practice jumps and turns. They may practice partner work together. Ballet dancers are susceptible to injury because they are constantly putting strain and stress on their bodies and their feet. A ballet dancer's goal
1768-579: The full-length ballets The Sleeping Beauty , Swan Lake , and Romeo + Juliet . He also choreographed the Barbie movies Barbie in the Nutcracker and Barbie of Swan Lake . In 2000, Martins, along with talent scout Irene Diamond , founded the New York Choreographic Institute. In December 2017, an investigation was announced by New York City Ballet into accusations by dancers within
1820-437: The hips rather than the knees) it should increase flexibility and reduce pressure on the knees. Meniscal tears and dislocations can happen at the knees when positioned incorrectly because it is easy to let the knees slide forward while turned out in first position. Ballet dancer's feet are prone to fractures and other damage. Landing incorrectly (not through the foot, with knees bent) from jumps and dancing on pointe may increase
1872-445: The hips. Such damage includes strains, fatigue fractures, and bone density loss. Injuries are common in ballet dancers because ballet consists of putting the body in unnatural positions. One such position is first position , in which the heels are placed together as the toes point outward, rotating, or "turning out" the legs. If First Position is done incorrectly it can cause knee problems, however, when done correctly (turning out with
1924-667: The media regarding Mr. Martins". This was not a criminal investigation and was conducted by NYCB, Inc.'s own attorneys. He received a Dance Magazine Award and Cue's Golden Apple Award in 1977. An Award for Arts and Culture, City of New York, 1981. The title of Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog in 1983. 1984 Nominee Primetime Emmy Outstanding Achievement in Choreography for "Great Performances: Dance in America" For episode "Choreographer's Notebook: Stravinsky Piano Ballets by Peter Martins". An award of Merit, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 1985. And
1976-667: The motto of the Order: Gud og Kongen (God and the King) on its arms. On its reverse are found the crowned royal cyphers of Valdemar II Sejr , Christian V and Frederik VI , as well as the years 1219, 1671 and 1808, the years that each of them ascended the Danish throne. In each of the four angles of the cross is found a small Danish royal crown. The collar of the Order is made of gold, with small enamelled Dannebrog crosses alternating with alternating crowned royal cyphers representing Kings Valdemar II Sejr and Christian V,
2028-422: The rank of Knight 1st Class. The rank of Commander is given to colonels, ministers and other high-ranking officials as a retirement-decoration after long service. Commander 1st class is given for admirals, generals, Supreme-court judges, ambassadors, and other governmental leaders as a retirement decoration. The Grand Cross is most often used for admirals, generals, Supreme-court judges, ambassadors and similar as
2080-401: The reputed and actual founders of the Order. When the collar is worn the sash is not worn. The star of the Order is an eight-pointed silver star with straight rays with an enamelled Dannebrog cross (similar to the front of the badge but without the royal cypher above and the royal crowns between the arms of the cross) at the centre. The breast cross of the Order is similar to the cross on
2132-402: The risk of broken bones and weakened ankles where care and attention is not taken by a conscientious teacher or student. Tendonitis is common in female ballet dancers because pointe work is strenuous on their ankles. Landing from jumps incorrectly may also lead to shin splints , in which the muscle separates from the bone. Class time is used to correct any habits that could lead to injury. If
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2184-753: The title diva in opera. The male version of this term is danseur noble (in French), although since the 1960s, the term has lost its hierarchical meaning and is applied generally to women who are ballet dancers. As used in Italy, the terms ballerino (a male dancer, usually in ballet) and ballerina do not imply the accomplished and critically acclaimed dancers once meant by the terms ballerina and danseur noble as they were used in English; rather, they simply mean one who dances ballet. Italian terms that do convey an accomplished female ballet dancer are prima ballerina and prima ballerina assoluta (the French word étoile
2236-664: The world, such as the John Kranko Schule in Germany and the Académie de Danse Classique Princesse Grace in Monaco. Pre-professional ballet dancers can audition to enroll at a vocational ballet school such as The Royal Ballet School or Elmhurst Ballet School . These types of ballet boarding schools often cooperate with a professional ballet company, offering job opportunities to graduates. There are different styles of training in ballet such as
2288-496: Was Balanchine's personal choice of successor. However, early in his career as a balletmaster, Martins faced criticism for perceived deviations from Balanchine's style. Martins also served as the artistic director and chairman of faculty of the School of American Ballet , the training division of the NYCB and the venue through which it receives most of its dancers. From 1990 until January 2018, he
2340-515: Was almost identical to that worn by the knights of the Order of the Elephant . The Order is divided into six grades, which are grouped into four classes: The Grand Commander grade is reserved for persons of princely origin. It is awarded only to royalty with close family ties to the Danish Royal House. The Grand Cross grade can, as a special honor, be awarded 'with diamonds' (S.K.i diam., short for Storkors i diamanter ). The Order also has
2392-405: Was charged with third-degree assault (a misdemeanor). Kistler dropped the charges a few days later, saying she preferred to resolve the matter without the court's intervention. When she next performed in a ballet two days later, she reportedly wore heavy makeup to conceal bruises she had suffered. Several people who knew the two well claimed it wasn't the first time Martins had hit her. Peter Wolff,
2444-404: Was made the subject of the documentary, Peter Martins: A Dancer. He danced frequently with Suzanne Farrell . However, he terminated her employment with the NYCB in 1993; she went on to found her own company, which disbanded in 2017. Martins retired from dancing in 1983, becoming Co-Ballet Master-In-Chief alongside Jerome Robbins, and assumed the job of sole Balletmaster-in-Chief in 1990. Martins
2496-456: Was once a rank given only to the most exceptional female soloists . As late as the 1950s a ballerina was the principal female dancer of a ballet company who was also very accomplished in the international world of ballet, especially beyond her own company; female dancers who danced ballet were then called danseuses or simply ballet dancers—that is, ballerina was a critical accolade bestowed on relatively few female dancers, somewhat similar to
2548-455: Was responsible for artistic leadership of City Ballet. Martins was born and raised in Copenhagen , Denmark. His parents were Børge Martins, an engineer, and Tove Christa Ornberg, a pianist. His maternal aunt and uncle, Leif and Elna Ornberg , members of the Royal Danish Ballet, started teaching him ballroom combinations when he was five years of age; when he applied to ballet school, however, he
2600-422: Was solely responsible for artistic leadership of City Ballet. In 2005 his salary was $ 619,000, and in 2008 he received $ 699,000 in pay and benefits. Martins regularly choreographed new works for both companies. His first piece was Calcium Light Night , set to music by Charles Ives , which premiered in 1977 and received positive reviews. His more recent pieces include Octet , Friandises , Stabat Mater and
2652-440: Was the subject of discrimination because his aunt and uncle had been Nazi sympathizers . It was his older sisters who originally tried out for the Royal Ballet of Denmark at the age of seven. When they did, he was sitting in the waiting room reading a Donald Duck comic book. They were denied admittance. Then Peter was asked to "point his foot". He did especially well and was admitted. Martins began his ballet training in 1953 with
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#17330847950202704-489: Was worn a red mantle with a white lining and with the star of the order embroidered in silver on its left side. Over this red mantle was worn a short white shoulder cape with a standing collar embroidered in gold, upon which was worn the collar of the Order (the habit was always worn with the collar and never with the ribbon of the Order). The habit also had a black hat with a plume of white and red ostrich feathers. This habit
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