Leadership

Eglevsky Ballet, Long Island’s premier professional ballet company and academy, is proud to announce the appointment of Peter LeBreton Merz as its new Artistic Director. Merz becomes the eighth Artistic Director in the company’s distinguished line of succession, extending the legacy begun by founder and former New York City Ballet principal dancer André Eglevsky in 1961.

Peter LeBreton Merz brings a distinguished career in ballet education, artistic administration, and choreography. He has most recently served as the Director of Regional Tours for the American Dance Competition, where he spearheaded the organization’s first-ever regional tour in 2021–2022, significantly expanding its reach and impact. Previously, Merz was Director of the Academy at Ballet West, where he oversaw major growth in enrollment and revenue, expanded the Academy to multiple campuses, and launched a Professional Training Division. He also served as Head of Ballet at Point Park University, where he led ensembles to repeated success at the Youth America Grand Prix finals. His artistic administration experience includes serving as Artistic Administrator for the USA International Ballet Competition, where he managed all artistic aspects of the 2002 competition and created the inaugural USA IBC Gala in 2004.