Damian Woetzel was born in Boston and has been a Principal Dancer for the New York City Ballet since 1989. He has danced almost all the leading roles in the Company’s repertory, and has performed as a guest artist with numerous other companies, including the Mariinsky Ballet and American Ballet Theater. Among Woetzel’s principal roles are “Riff” in the Bernstein/Robbins West Side Story Suite and that of the Third Sailor in the Berstein/Robbins ballet Fancy Free. Also a choreographer, Woetzel has created dances for the New York City Ballet, among other companies, using a wider spectrum of music, including Bernstein’s piano solo Touches. In addition to the demanding obligations of his dance career, he earned a Master of Public Administration degree at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Woetzel discusses his formative years as a dancer and choreographer in this interview of October 14, 2006. In a discussion of his early experience with dance, Woetzel comments on his idea of American dance and what it entails. 

This interview and transcript are available for in-library use. To arrange for access, contact Kerry Masteller.

[Biographical information from the "Leonard Bernstein: Boston to Broadway" Festival Program Book]