Darren McIntyre is a professional dancer, choreographer and dance teacher and is now the newly appointed Artistic Director of Ballet Pensacola in Florida. Originally from Port Macquarie, NSW, Mr McIntyre is a graduate of The Australian Ballet School. He recently played the acclaimed lead role of ‘Banjo’ as an original cast member in the world premiere and the first Australian Tour of the new hit production “BANJO” presented by Got Ya Back Productions. Mr McIntyre is an advocate for opportunities for young dancers. He is the founder and artistic director of The Marianne McIntyre Memorial International Ballet Scholarship, a ballet festival held annually in memory of his Mother, fostering young dancers education through grants to study within the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Known throughout the industry as an inspiring mentor, a positive role model and a proud ambassador to the performing arts industry, Mr McIntrye has always made time to encourage and enable young dancers from Australia to receive scholarships and opportunities to travel to America and abroad. He has taught over 3,000 young dancers world-wide, and his summer dance program “Performing in America” attracts over 400 international dancers, annually. Mr McIntyre is a regular guest adjudicator at eisteddfods such as The City of Sydney, Taree and Kempsey, as well as at many International Dance Competitions, Auditions and Scholarships.
Mr McIntyre has toured extensively throughout the United States, Australia, Asia, Canada, Europe and South America, performing a wide range of both classical and contemporary works as a freelance artist and with such companies as Minnesota Ballet, Louisville Ballet, City Ballet of San Diego, Milwaukee Ballet, Ajkun Ballet Theatre – New York City, The Landestheater Detmold in Germany, The National Ballet of Ireland and The Australian Ballet. Mr McIntyre has choreographed more than 30 original works, including his own original ballet, “What May Come”, at The Australian Ballet Centre, and in collaboration with The Anti-Cancer Council of Australia raised valuable funds towards cancer research and awareness. He was also the recipient of The Dame Peggy van Praagh Award for Choreography. Mr McIntyre believes that the synergy of art and life makes our world a better place. He advocates that the Arts should be accessible & affordable to everyone, all year-round, as a responsibility to enliven a vital community.
“I love how dance can open a dialogue for people of all walks of life, creating a platform of entertainment, statements and education.”
