PLACE OF BIRTH

Born in Vancouver, Canada

EDUCATION

• Canada's National Ballet School
• Vaganova Ballet Academy
• School of American Ballet

CAREER

• London City Ballet (Solist)
• Charleroi Danses, Charleroi, Belgien
• Pedagogical Director, Charleroi Danses – National Choreographic Centre, Belgien
• Teaching Diploma, Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication, Frankreich
• Co-founder/co-ordinator of the D.A.N.C.E. Programme together with William Forsythe, Frédéric Flamand, Wayne McGregor, Angelin Preljocaj
• Rector of the Palucca University of Dance Dresden 

FUNCTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS

• Juror Youth America Grand Prix
• Artistic Director, Biennial Dance Education 2014 and 2022  
• Former member of the Artistic Committee of the Prix de Lausanne
• Former 1st speaker at the Dance Training Conference
• Invitations as guest lecturer for classical dance (e. g., SAB)     

ABOUT MY WORK

Jason Beechey is a passionate dance educator who brings over 30 years professional experience to the position of Rector of the Palucca University of Dance Dresden, which he has held since 2006. 

Born in Vancouver, Beechey graduated from Canada’s National Ballet School and continued his training at the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg and the School of American Ballet in New York. He danced as a soloist for the London City Ballet and Charleroi/Danses in Belgium.

In parallel to his dance career, he was the Pedagogical Director for the Choreographic Centre of the Federation Wallonia-Brussels; founded and ran The Loft, his own dance studio in Brussels; organised “Dance for Life” fundraising galas; and created & coordinated the D.A.N.C.E. programme under the Artistic Direction of Frédéric Flamand, William Forsythe, Wayne McGregor and Angelin Preljocaj. 

At Palucca University of Dance Dresden, Beechey has moved forward with his vision which is dedicated to the evolution of forward-thinking education in dance.  This has led to the establishment of a health team and a completely revised curriculum, placing the individual at the centre point, and exploring dance equally through ballet, contemporary and improvisation, in an inclusive and supportive manner.  A global network of partner Institutions and exchange programmes has been developed, as well as an Apprentice Programme with the Semperoper Ballet, outreach programmes, and many other initiatives. 

Other notable accomplishments include being the first speaker of the Association of German Dance Training Institutions from 2010 to 2018; the Artistic Director of the AK|T Biennale in 2014; and, together with Aaron S. Watkin, choreographing their own version of The Nutcracker.

Beechey became a permanent member of the Artistic Committee of the Prix de Lausanne in 2009 and continues his involvement there today. He is also a regular jury member for the Youth America Grand Prix; a board member for the Dancer Transition Foundation of Germany; external advisor on the Interim Management Team of the Dance Academy Zurich; and on the Academic Board of the Ballet Academy Munich.

Jason Beechey is a recipient of the 2021 Ken McArthur award, of the National Ballet School of Canada, for his exceptional contribution to the dance world.