François Perron

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François Perron is a French born ballet dancer, choreographer and teacher, who now works and resides in the United States.

Mr. Perron, the nephew of the famous French Paris Opera etoile Lycette Darsonval (Alice Perron) that originated Symphony in C (Palais de Cristal) by Balanchine, has an international background in Classical Ballet. He was born in Sardegna Italy of French parentage, and originally trained, in Paris. He graduated from the Classical Ballet Program at The Paris Opera Ballet School, under Claude Bessy. Perron went on to dance with the Ballet of La Scala in Milan. There, he was invited by Maurice Bejart to dance in his Ballet du Sieclé XXe. Next, Mr. Perron was invited to be a Principal Dancer with the Northern Ballet of England, as well as Ballet du Nord. In 1984, Perron emigrated to The United States to dance with the Joffrey Ballet. He was then invited to join New York City Ballet, where he danced for six years. In 1993, he danced briefly with American Ballet Theater.

Francois Perron is currently the Managing Artistic Director of Studio Maestro,owned and directed by Rose Caiola. It is the only New York City classical ballet program modeled on the European system of training. Studio Maestro, in the midst of New York City, reflects the vibrancy of its location. There, Perron oversees and teaches an eight level program. The other faculty include Nadege Hottier, Deborah Wingert, Jennifer McKelvey and Marina Stayistefska. Guest faculty include current and past luminaries of The New York City Ballet, and American Ballet Theater. In addition to the enrolled students, some young dancers from SAB and from The Jacqueline Kennedy Onnasis School are permitted to audit. The well-attended annual Spring Gala Performance includes excerpts of classics by Balanchine and Petipa, as well as original work by Daniel Baudendistel and other contemporary masters. Studio Maestro will be expanding to a second location in the fall of 2007. Mr. Perron is currently hard at work planning the details, and overseeing the new curriculum.

Perron also teaches ballet at Eugene Lang College The New School for Liberal Arts.