Richard Tanner is a choreographer and former dancer whose work spans decades of American ballet. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, he began his dance training with Robert Lindgren and Sonja Tyven before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Utah. He continued his studies at the School of American Ballet, one of the country’s most prestigious training institutions.
Tanner launched his performing career as a Soloist with Ballet West in Oklahoma from 1967 through 1970, then joined New York City Ballet, where he danced for ten years. During that time, he developed the choreographic voice that would define his later career, creating his first two works for New York City Ballet in 1971.
His administrative and artistic leadership roles are equally distinguished. From 1981 to 1983, Tanner served as Regisseur Generale at American Ballet Theatre, followed by five years as Associate Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Ballet from 1985 to 1990. These positions reflect both his deep knowledge of the repertory and his capacity to shape company-wide artistic vision.