Dancer Benjamin Millepied, who choreographed for the 2010 movie "Black Swan" and is married to its star, Natalie Portman, announced Thursday he's stepping down as dance director at Paris' premier ballet company.
Millepied's efforts to innovate at the storied Opera de Paris have met mixed reactions since his arrival 15 months ago, and French media have reported tensions between him and some of the company's star dancers.
Millepied, who has also danced for New York City Ballet and directed films and music videos, said he would continue to work with the company during this season and the next, and potentially in the years to come.
He sought to leave the Opera de Paris on friendly terms, appearing Thursday at a news conference with his successor, star dancer Aurelie Dupont, and Opera de Paris director Stephane Lissner.
