Robert de Warren

Robert de Warren is a British former ballet dancer, choreographer and artistic director of Northern Ballet for 11 years, and Sarasota Ballet of Florida for 13 years.

Robert de Warren (right) being presented to the Emperor and Empress of Iran (left).

Robert de Warren was born in Uruguay to British parents and his early years were spent in Montevideo and Argentina. His early dance training was in Uruguay, where he met his wife, Jacqueline, a French ballerina. He continued his training at the Royal Ballet School in London, before joining the Royal Ballet itself.[1]

De Warren was recommended by Dame Ninette de Valois to become Ballet Master and Choreographer to the National Ballet of Iran 1965–1970. At that time the Minister of Culture asked de Warren to found the Iranian national Folklore Society which he directed until 1978 - The Empress Farah Pahlavi was the patron. The performing company was The Mahally Dancers of Iran that toured the World. He returned to England in 1976.

De Warren was artistic director of Northern Ballet from 1976 to 1987, and under his leadership, Rudolf Nureyev was a regular guest artist.[2]

De Warren was director of the Ballet at Teatro alla Scala Milan from 1987 to 1994 on recommendation of Rudolf Nureyev. De Warren was artistic director of Sarasota Ballet for 13 years, and founded the Sarasota International Dance Festival.[3] Proclamation of "Robert de Warren Day" (Feb. 2016) by the Vice Mayor of Sarasota, Suzanne Atwell, announcing this recognition of de Warren's 22 year contribution to the cultural life of Sarasota and beyond. The County Council also recognized Robert de Warren. His broad dedication to develop all performing arts was recognized through his many theatrical presentations in creating a repertoire that included Satasota Opera, The Sarasota Symphony, Sarasota Circus, the Ringling Museum of Art, to name but a few.