Benjamin Millepied, a celebrated French dancer, choreographer, and director, became a prominent figure to many through his connection with Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman This comprehensive article dives into his distinguished career, personal life including their marriage and children and a detailed timeline of their relationship, offering a rich, narrative.
Early Life & Career Beginnings
Benjamin Millepied was born on June 10, 1977, in Bordeaux, France. Raised by a decathlete and a dance teacher, he began modern dance training at age eight under his mother’s guidance. At 13, he enrolled at the Conservatoire National Supérieur Musique et Danse de Lyon to focus on ballet. By 1992, he was at the prestigious School of American Ballet, earning a scholarship to join full-time. He quickly rose through the ranks joining the New York City Ballet (NYCB) in 1995, becoming a soloist in 1998, and achieving the principal dancer title in 2002.
Choreography & Creative Ventures
Millepied began choreographing as early as 2001, crafting works like Clapping Music in 2002. His choreographic reach expanded to renowned institutions, including the American Ballet Theatre, Metropolitan Opera, Paris Opera Ballet, and Mariinsky Ballet. In 2006, he became the choreographer in residence at New York’s Baryshnikov Arts Center, creating pieces for luminaries like Mikhail Baryshnikov.
His choreographic work on Black Swan (2010) catapulted him into the public eye, and he even appeared in a small role in the film where he met Natalie Portman.
Post-Dance Career & Leadership Roles
Millepied retired from dancing in 2011 to deepen his focus on choreography. He founded the L.A. Dance Project in 2012, an innovative experimental dance company based in Los Angeles. In 2014, he became the Director of Dance at the Paris Opera Ballet, leading the company until 2016. Although heralded for introducing fundraising efforts, social media engagement, and diversity initiatives, he resigned amid resistance to change.
Expanding into film, he made his directorial debut with Carmen (2022) a contemporary adaptation of the classic tale marking his transition from choreography to filmmaking.
Personal Life Marriage & Family
Meeting Natalie Portman
Millepied and Natalie Portman first crossed paths in 2009 on the set of Black Swan, where he served as choreographer and she starred forming a romantic connection during the intense training process.
Engagement & Marriage
By December 2010, the couple was engaged and expecting their first child. They married on August 4, 2012, in a private Jewish ceremony in Big Sur, California, surrounded by close family and friends.
Children
- Son Aleph was born on June 14, 2011.
- Daughter Amalia arrived on February 22, 2017.
During this period, Millepied even began converting to Judaism, aligning culturally with his family’s traditions.
Joint Relocation & Collaborations
In late 2014, Millepied took the position of Director of Dance at the Paris Opera Ballet, prompting the family’s move to Paris. They lived there until around 2016, when they returned to Los Angeles.
Professionally, they worked together on Vox Lux (2018), where Portman starred and Millepied handled choreography. Portman described the collaborative experience as “very fun” due to his deep understanding of her movement strengths.
Relationship Highlights & Public Appearances
- In August 2022, the couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary Portman posting, “Ten years today… and it keeps getting better”.
- Their public moments were often understated, yet meaningful appearing at events like the L.A. Dance Project Gala (2017) and film premieres.
- They exhibited significant co-parenting focus during turbulent times, especially amid marital strain.
Separation & Divorce
In 2023, reports emerged of Millepied’s alleged extramarital affair, which led Portman to quietly file for divorce in July 2023. The couple continued presenting a cooperative front especially for their children even amid rumors of separation.
Portman expressed her frustration with public intrusion into her private life, stating, “It’s terrible, and I have no desire to contribute to it”.
Their divorce was officially finalized in France in February 2024, concluding 11 years of marriage.
Legacy & What Lies Ahead
Benjamin Millepied continues to be an influential creative force, crossing the worlds of ballet, choreography, and film. His tenure at the Paris Opera Ballet and directorial debut with Carmen demonstrate his versatility and ambition.
Meanwhile, Natalie Portman maintains her high-profile acting trajectory with recent successes in May December and her new series Lady in the Lake, among other projects.
Both remain dedicated parents, prioritizing their children’s well-being, co-parenting with care, and navigating life transitions with resilience and grace.
Relationship Timeline at a Glance
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Met on the set of Black Swan |
| Dec 2010 | Engagement announced, Portman pregnant |
| June 2011 | Birth of son, Aleph |
| Aug 2012 | Married in Big Sur, California |
| Late 2014 | Moved to Paris for Millepied’s appointment at Paris Opera Ballet |
| Feb 2017 | Birth of daughter, Amalia |
| 2018 | Collaborated on Vox Lux |
| 2022 | Celebrated 10th wedding anniversary |
| July 2023 | Portman filed for divorce following affair rumors |
| Feb 2024 | Divorce finalized in France |
Conclusion
Benjamin Millepied’s journey from ballet prodigy to choreographer, dance director, and filmmaker is deeply interwoven with Natalie Portman’s life and career. Their relationship, marked by love, collaboration, family life, and eventual separation, offers a compelling narrative of public figures navigating private realms. Even post-divorce, their commitment as parents remains a powerful testament to their shared legacy.
