Appointed artistic director of Ballets Jazz Montréal in the spring of 2021, Alexandra Damiani has been a major figure in the dance world for over two decades. During her 10 years with the New York-based Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet (2005-2015), first as ballet mistress and then as artistic director, she had the opportunity to work with and present a wide range of contemporary dance styles by internationally renowned choreographers such as Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Crystal Pite, and Hofesh Schecter, to name just a few. Ms. Damiani also presented the company in major international cities and festivals, including the Lyon Biennale (France) and Sadler’s Wells (London).

For years, Alexandra Damiani has also contributed her expertise to the film, television, and advertising industries. A multidisciplinary artist, she notably played the role of ballet mistress in Darren Aronofsky's cult film Black Swan and also worked with Tanisha Scott on Cardi B's performance for the 2019 BET Awards. She is also passionate about training the next generation of young dancers and maintains excellent relationships with renowned institutions such as Jacob's Pillow and The Juilliard School.

Originally from France, Alexandra Damiani trained in classical dance at the Geneva Dance Center, then in Paris with teachers from the Paris Opera Ballet. A prizewinner at the Bayonne competition in France, she received a scholarship to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in the United States. She began her career as a dancer in New York City, where she danced as a soloist with Donald Byrd/The Group and with the Complexions company, directed by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson. His career continued in Montreal with the RUBBERBANDance company, then with Ballets Jazz Montréal, under the direction of Louis Robitaille (2002-2005).