Ballets Jazz Montréal

Appointed Artistic Director of Ballets Jazz Montréal in spring 2021, Alexandra Damiani has been a major player in the dance world for over two decades. During her 10 years as Ballet Mistress and then Artistic Director of New York's Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet (2005-2015), she had the opportunity to work with and present a vast selection of contemporary dance languages by internationally renowned choreographers such as Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Crystal Pite and Hofesh Schecter, to name but a few. Ms. Damiani has also presented the company in major international cities and festivals, including the Lyon Biennale (France) and Sadler's Wells (London).

Alexandra Damiani has been contributing her expertise to the world of film, television and advertising for many years. A multidisciplinary artist, she notably played the role of Ballet Mistress in Darren Aronofsky's cult film Black Swan, and also worked with Tanisha Scott on Cardi B's performance for the 2019 BET Awards. She is also passionate about training the young dancers of tomorrow, and has excellent links with highly renowned institutions such as Jacob's Pillow and The Juilliard School.

Originally from France, Alexandra Damiani trained in classical dance at the Geneva Dance Center, then in the French capital with teachers from the Paris Opera Ballet. After winning the Bayonne competition in France, she was awarded a scholarship to study at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in the United States. She began her career as a dancer-performer in New York, where she danced as a soloist with Donald Byrd/The Group and with the company Complexions, directed by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson. Her career continued in Montreal with the RUBBERBANDance company, then with Ballets Jazz Montréal, under the direction of Louis Robitaille (2002-2005).