Josu Gallastegui is widely viewed as one of the country's leading ballet pianists, known for the excitement, imagination, and impeccable musical judgment he brings to class. Born in Bilbao, in the Basque Region of Spain, Gallastegui has won the acclaim of teachers and performers throughout the dance world. "Josu Gallastegui is a wonderful pianist," says Cynthia Gregory -- "I think he is the best around." Allegra Kent considers herself "lucky to be in class when Gallastegui is the pianist." The late Woytek Lowski, ballet master for the London Festival Ballet, said that "having Gallastegui play for class is a unique and joyful experience."
Since coming to the United States in 1980, Gallastegui has worked with major dance companies and schools including: American Ballet Theater, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Dance Theater of Harlem, and School of American Ballet, and with outstanding performers and choreographers including: Mikhail Baryshnikov, Alexandra Danilova, Sylvie Guillem, Rudolf Nureyev, David Parsons, Anna Sokolow, Ross Stretton and Twyla Tharp.
