Benjamin Millepied Steps Down

© The Associated Press

'Black Swan' choreographer quits Paris ballet amid tensions - Dancer Benjamin Millepied, who choreographed the 2010 movie "Black Swan" and is married to its star, Natalie Portman, says he is resigning as dance director at Paris' premier ballet company.

He said in a statement released Thursday that he's leaving for "personal reasons," though French media have reported on tensions around his efforts to innovate at the storied Opera de Paris since he joined 15 months ago.

Millepied, who has also danced for New York City Ballet and directed films and music videos, said his role didn't allow him enough time for "creation and artistic expression."

Millepied said he would continue to work with the company during this season and the next, and potentially in the years to come.

The company's director is giving a news conference later Thursday.