Peter S. Reed was born in 1953 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He trained as a dancer at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, where he became a principal performer and choreographer with the Pacific Ballet. In 1980 Peter moved to New York City and founded the Contemporary Ballet Company. His innovative works were performed at City Center, the Kitchen, the Band Shell in Central Park and numerous avant-garde venues throughout New York.

Peter also wrote and directed short films. His first feature, "Under Heat" starring Lee Grant and David Conrad, had its world premier in 1994, the year he died of AIDS. He was an accomplished artist, actor and dancer as well as an expert skier and blue water sailor. Peter lives fondly in the memories of his family, friends and peers.