"Black Swan" choreographer Millepied stepping down as Paris Opera dance director

French choreographer Benjamin Millepied said on Thursday he was stepping down as director of dance at the Paris Opera after little more than a year in the role, citing personal reasons. In a statement posted on Twitter, the 38-year old - who is married to Hollywood actress Natalie Portman and collaborated with her on the 2010 ballet drama "Black Swan" - said he wanted to dedicate himself "100 percent" to "creation and artistic expression". At a news conference, Paris Opera director Stephane Lissner said former principal ballerina Aurelie Dupont, who announced her retirement last spring, would work with replace Millepied.