Villella, Edward

(born Oct. 1, 1936, New York, N.Y., U.S.) U.S. ballet dancer, choreographer, and director. He trained at the School of American Ballet and joined the New York City Ballet in 1957, becoming a principal dancer in 1960. He danced leading roles in many of George Balanchine's ballets, notably (1960), displaying a powerful technique. After retiring from dancing in 1983, he became artistic director of Ballet Oklahoma (1983–86). In 1986 he founded the Miami City Ballet, where he continues as artistic director.

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