Gerard Charles was born in Folkestone, England, and received his dance training from Moya Kennedy, and at the Royal Ballet School in London. In addition to numerous guest appearances, he danced professionally for Ballet International in London, Milwaukee Ballet and BalletMet. On retiring from the stage, he served as Ballet Master for BalletMet and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. Mr. Charles was named Artistic Director of BalletMet in 2001 and served until 2012. Under his leadership, the company continued its artistic and financial growth. It commissioned more than 50 World Premieres, was invited to perform in Russia and three times in New York. Mr. Charles also formed collaborations with other ballet companies and arts organizations to present pioneering and adventurous programming. These collaborations resulted in two Artistic Achievement awards and the Columbus Arts Endowment Raymond J. Hanley Fellowship. He then worked at the Joffrey Ballet, most recently as Director of Artistic Operations. During his career, he has been fortunate to work with, and learn from, a wide range of choreographers and teachers including Hans van Manen, James Kudelka, Stanton Welch, John Butler, Jirí Kylián, Ohad Naharin, Agnes de Mille, David Nixon and Larry Long. Mr. Charles has choreographed and staged works internationally and received an NEA Choreographic Fellowship. Today, Mr. Charles is the Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance in London.