Robert de Warren

Robert de Warren (right) being presented to the Emperor and Empress of Iran (left) in 1967. alt=Robert de Warren (right) being presented to the Emperor and Empress of Iran (left) in 1967. Robert de Warren (born 1933) is a British former ballet dancer, choreographer. He was the foundering director of the National Folklore Society of Iran (1971–1976). He also danced ballet with the Covent Garden Opera Ballet (1958–1960), Stuttgart Ballet (1960–1962), and Frankfurt Ballet (1962–1964). The performing dance company for the National Folklore Society of Iran was the Mahalli Dancers of Iran (also known as the Mahalli Folk Dance Troupe), which toured the world. The school, Iranian National and Folkloric Dance Academy, was associated with training the dancers, which he led.

De Warren was director of the Ballet at Teatro alla Scala Milan, from 1987 to 1994 on recommendation of Rudolf Nureyev.

United States De Warren joined the Sarasota Ballet as artistic director in 1994, succeeding Eddy Toussaint. He remained at the Sarasota Ballet for 13 years, leaving in 2007 with his role was filled by Ian Webb.

De Warren founded the Sarasota International Dance Festival. The County Council also recognized Robert de Warren. His broad dedication to develop all performing arts was recognized through his many theatrical presentations in creating a repertoire that included the Sarasota Opera, the Sarasota Symphony, Sarasota Circus, the Ringling Museum of Art, to name but a few.