Janet Panetta

Janet Elizabeth Panetta (December 12, 1948 – December 2, 2023) was an American dancer, teacher, choreographer, and performer who made significant contributions to both classical ballet and contemporary dance forms.

Early life Panetta was born on December 12, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York. which was so severe she had to use an iron lung. She moved to study with Celine Keller

Career As a dancer, Panetta was a member of Paul Sanasardo's company after joining the American Ballet Theatre in the late 1960s

Panetta started the Panetta Movement Center in the 1970s She performed her own choreographic work as well as the choreography of Neil Greenberg, Peter Healey, and others. She also taught at the ImPulsTanz festival in Vienna every summer from 19972021.

In 2003, Panetta opened the Panetta Movement Center in Chelsea which centered on her signature method called "Ballet for Contemporary Dancers". The method focussed on natural bodily alignment rather than the extremes of formal ballet. She taught traditional as well as contemporary dancers, inviting all to look at dance foremost as an expression of individuality.