William Soleau

Mr. Soleau has worked as a principal dancer in both ballet and modern companies with choreographers such as Anthony Tudor, John Butler, Alvin Ailey, Toer Van Shayk and Grey Verdon. While dancing with Finis Jhung’s Chamber Ballet U.S.A. in New York City, Mr Soleau created his first work, “Isle”, which became an instant success. In 1987 he gained international recognition as a choreographer for his full-evening work “Universe” for the Shanghai Ballet of China during its first International Shanghai Arts Festival. He soon stopped dancing and began to devote himself entirely to choreography. Mr Soleau has over seventy ballets in the repertoires of many companies including Ballet British Columbia, The Icelandic Ballet, Ballet de Montreal, Louisville Ballet, Richmond Ballet, Ballet Austin and Ballet Florida. Mr. Soleau also serves as the Executive Director of the John Butler Foundation which protects and preserves the masterworks of the late John Butler.