Craig Hall (dancer) facts for kids

Craig Hall (born c. 1979) is an American ballet dancer. He danced as a soloist with the New York City Ballet until 2016. After that, he became a director who helps dancers learn their parts. He was also one of the company's temporary leaders from late 2017 to early 2019.

Early life and training

Hall was born in Maywood, Illinois. He started learning to dance ballet when he was just 4 years old. When he was 14, he joined the Chicago Academy for the Arts. This is a special school for young artists.

In 1997, at age 18, he moved to New York City. There, he trained full-time at the School of American Ballet. This is a very famous ballet school. Before graduating in 1999, he performed an important role in a ballet called Scènes de ballet. He also won the Mae L. Wien Awards for Outstanding Promise that same year. This award recognized his great talent.

Career as a dancer

In October 1999, Craig Hall became an apprentice at the New York City Ballet. This means he was training with the company. Just four months later, he became a full member of the corps de ballet. This is the group of dancers who perform together.

In 2007, he was promoted to a soloist. Soloists perform important parts on their own or with a few other dancers. Throughout his career, he danced in many ballets by famous choreographers like George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. He also helped create new roles in ballets by other choreographers.

In 2011, his fellow dancers chose him to perform the main role in the ballet Apollo. This was part of a special show called Dancers' Choice. Craig Hall was the first African American dancer in the company to dance this important role. He also often danced with principal dancer Wendy Whelan. For her final performance, he danced with her in two ballets.

Life after dancing

In 2016, Craig Hall stopped dancing full-time. He had performed in the After the Rain pas de deux and on some tours. At first, he didn't plan to stay involved with ballet. However, he was asked to become a `répétiteur` (ruh-peh-tee-TUR). This is someone who teaches dancers their parts and helps stage ballets.

Craig Hall then became a ballet master at the New York City Ballet. He helped stage ballets by choreographer Justin Peck for both his company and others. In 2018, he also joined the teaching staff at the School of American Ballet. He even coached another dancer, Taylor Stanley, for his first performance in Apollo.

In December 2017, the leader of the New York City Ballet, Peter Martins, left his position. Craig Hall was chosen to be part of a four-person team that led the company temporarily. This team managed the company until February 2019. At that time, Jonathan Stafford and Wendy Whelan were chosen as the new Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director.

In November 2019, Craig Hall performed at the American Music Awards. He danced with Misty Copeland, a principal dancer from American Ballet Theatre. They performed during Taylor Swift's song "Lover". This was part of a special performance when Taylor Swift received the Artist of the Decade award.

Personal life

Craig Hall is married to Frank Wildermann, who is a yoga instructor. They live in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. When he is not working with ballet, Craig Hall enjoys photography.

Awards and honors

• 1999: Mae L. Wien Awards