Michael Smuin
PDF Biography
An American Master
October 13, 1938 - April 23, 2007
Michael Smuin is a legend. His career ranged from captivating performances to thrilling choreography, from classically brilliant pieces to theatrically enthralling productions. During his career, Mr. Smuin was a Principal Dancer and Choreographer for American Ballet Theatre and San Francisco Ballet. He later focused on more theatrical dance with numerous television and film showcases and award-winning Broadway show-stoppers. Mr. Smuin received both Tony and Emmy awards during his career and worked side by side with both Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas.
Michael Smuin’s connection with the San Francisco arts community was cemented when he returned to the Bay Area in 1973 to co-direct San Francisco Ballet, where he served until 1985. At SFB Mr. Smuin was instrumental in raising the company’s profile in the international arts community with his staging of a performance at the White House, his contributions to “Dance in America” programs for PBS television, and his service as co-chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts dance panel. The Michael Smuin mark was firmly made in the repertoire of San Francisco Ballet with his wildly acclaimed productions of Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, Shinju and A Song for Dead Warriors.
Mr. Smuin’s ballets are currently in the repertories of major dance companies around the country including Washington Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem. While at the helm of Smuin Ballet for 14 years, Mr. Smuin created 40 new works for his company alone. Michael Smuin passed away on April 23, 2007 leaving behind a powerful legacy and vision of Smuin Ballet as the ultimate dancer’s company.
