Ballet Academy - New director Patrick Armand

The designated ballet director, Alessandra Ferri, has appointed Patrick Armand as the new director of the Ballet Academy from 1 September 2025. 

Patrick Armand has extensive international experience, both as a dancer and as a teacher. He taught the Royal Ballet London and School, the National Ballet of Canada and School and the Teatro alla Scala Ballet, among others - and is regularly invited to Japan by the Japan Ballet Association as a teacher and coach. In 2010, he began his work at the San Francisco Ballet School, which he has led with great success first as associate director since 2012. 2017 Patrick Armand was named director of the San Francisco Ballet School.

Alessandra Ferri: » After directing the San Francisco Ballet School for so many years and elevating it to an exceptional level, I am confident he will bring the same excellence to our institution. I am thrilled to work together with Patrick, celebrated within the ballet community for his inspiring passion, steadfast commitment to the art form, and tireless dedication to mentoring the next generation of artists.«

Staatsoperndirektor Bogdan Roščić: »I am absolutely delighted that Patrick Armand has accepted Alessandra Ferri’s invitation to lead our Ballet Academy from September 2025. With his extensive experience, profound knowledge, and outstanding reputation as a teacher, he is highly respected internationally in the dance world and ideally suited to accompany the young dancers during their artistic education.«

Patrick Armand: »I am honoured to have the opportunity to be the next Director of the Ballet Academy. I look forward to working with Alessandra, the students, and the entire staff of the Academy to share my passion for this beautiful art form.«