Francis Lawrence

Francis was born in Melbourne, Australia, and studied with Lorraine Backbourn. He then moved on to the prestigious Australian Ballet School, where he graduated with a Diploma in Dance. His professional career has seen him grace the stages of renowned companies including, the Australian Ballet Company, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Grand Rapids Ballet and New Jersey Ballet. Francis has showcased his artistry in a diverse repertoire, from classical masterpieces such as Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Coppélia, Sleeping Beauty, Raymonda, and The Nutcracker, to contemporary works by esteemed choreographers such as George Balanchine, Nacho Duato, Twyla Tharp, Jiri Kylian, Jose Limon, Alvin Ailey, Paul Taylor, Ulysses Dove, Glen Tetley, Lew Christensen, John Neumeier, Peter Martins, Olivier Weavers, Mario Radacovsky, Donald Byrd, Darrel Grand Moultrie, Robert Garland, and Andy Blakenbuehler.

His versatility extends beyond ballet; he has performed in four musicals, including the Broadway National tour and Australian tour of An American in Paris by Christopher Wheeldon (Tony winner), New York City Center Encores show, I Married an Angel by Joshua Bergasse (Emmy winner), The Wiz by Gerry McIntyre with Broadway Sacramento, and West Side Story by Parker Esse with The Muny. Francis has also appeared in two movies, Tyler Perry & Debbie Allen’s A Jazzman’s Blues, and Hallmark’s Sugarplum Twist, as well as a TV episode of Law & Order.

Francis currently works as a freelance artist and dedicated teacher in New York City.

Class Description
Francis’s ballet class is thoughtfully crafted, from a barre that incorporates both slow and fast combinations to a center that is dynamic and musical. His combinations include elegant waltz turns, strong petit allegro, and flowing grand allegro sequences. With a background in choreography, Francis designs exercises that not only build technique but also feel rewarding to dance.

His combinations often draw from full-length classical ballets, while also introducing creative steps that are less commonly taught. Known for his precise corrections and technical expertise, Francis ensures every dancer leaves class with something new to work on and a sense of accomplishment.

Photo: Jessica Osber