Antonia Franceschi is a renowned dancer and choreographer, having won the Time Out Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance. As an alumnus of the New York City Ballet, she was selected by the legendary George Balanchine. Throughout her career, she has worked with prominent choreographers such as Balanchine, Robbins, Martins, Lubovitch, Baldwin, McGregor, Clarke, Armitage, Phillips, and van Laast, creating numerous works for them.
Antonia's early career saw her starring in the films Fame and Grease while still in high school. She later danced with Makarova and Company, partnering with Sir Anthony Dowell. Before joining the New York City Ballet, she performed in various productions, including Dr. Semmelweis, which received widespread critical acclaim and sold-out audiences at London's Harold Pinter Theatre.
The Guardian praised her work, stating that her choreography was "moving" and "ambushed" the audience. Antonia has also choreographed Othello for The Globe Theatre and Idaspe for Pittsburgh's Byham Theater, Quantum Theater, and Chatham Baroque. She has served as the movement director at The Park Theatre and has worked extensively with various British and American companies.
In addition to her choreographic work, Antonia has danced in Jess and Morgs' film "An Evening With Taglioni" as Taglioni. She has also created and produced New York Ballet Stars, performing at The Queen Elizabeth and Royal Festival Halls, and has toured both The Harrogate and Sintra Festivals.
As an advisor for The South Bank Center for five years, Antonia programmed various events. She has taught and continues to teach at numerous institutions, including The Royal Ballet, The New York City Ballet, Rambert Dance, DV8, Juilliard, Alvin Ailey, Joffrey, and Rambert Schools. Antonia has also been a judge on BBC's Young Dancer competition and has been invited to perform in Musée De La Dance at the Tate Modern.
Her play, Up From The Waste, was performed at The Soho Theatre and received four stars from the Telegraph. Antonia has received grants for her work, including POP8 for The Lion and Unicorn Theatre, where she collaborated with Mark Baldwin, Zoe Martlew, and Ballet Black. She has been interviewed for the book Balanchine, Then and Now, and has been a guest on Woman's Hour.
Antonia has held various positions, including Associate Choreographer for Arlene Philips' duet for Candoco and Rehearsal Director for The Royal Opera House's Other Stories with Wendy Whelan and Edward Watson.
