Posts Tagged ‘American Ballet Theater’

Historical Event – American Dancer Joins Bolshoi Ballet

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011
Photo Credit: Andrea Mohin/The New York Times

Photo Credit: Andrea Mohin/The New York Times

In an exciting historical twist, an American dancer will join the ranks of Bolshoi Ballet’s finest.

David Hallberg, principal dancer with American Ballet Theater will become the first American to join the highly esteemed Russian company. Hallberg will dance as a premier, the equivalent of a “principal dancer”.

“Personally I feel a sense of responsibility as an American,” Mr. Hallberg said on Tuesday, adding that he was proud to join such a historic company. “I will be bringing something different to the company but I will also be respecting their traditions as well.” He said he was aware of the unique responsibility entailed in being a first. “There will be people watching,” he said. “I have to do it justice.” (The New York Times)

Read all about this historical event here.

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ABT Announcement: José Manuel Carreño to Retire

Monday, September 13th, 2010
Photo Credit: Erin Baiano for The New York Times. José Manuel Carreño performing in “Le Corsaire” at the Metropolitan Opera House.

Photo Credit: Erin Baiano for The New York Times. José Manuel Carreño performing in “Le Corsaire” at the Metropolitan Opera House.

Yes, I know. ‘Tis truly a sad, sad day. American Ballet Theater Principal José Manuel Carreño has announced his plans to retire in August 2011. You can read more about this tragic event here.  {PS: All hope is not lost…he’s merely retiring from ABT, not the world of dance as a whole! *Snoopy dance*}

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Susan Jaffe Named ABT’s Ballet Mistress

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

SusanJaffeA hearty congratulations goes out to the lovely Ms. Susan Jaffe, former American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer, on her promotion to Ballet Mistress. According to ABT’s Facebook page, Jaffe’s appointment becomes effective in October of this year.

“Jaffe retired from American Ballet Theatre in 2002 after 22 years with the Company. In 2003, she co-founded the Princeton Dance and Theater Studio in Princeton New Jersey, a school she co-owns with Risa Kaplowitz. She is also co-founder and co-director of DanceVision and DanceVision Youth Ensemble in Princeton.” ~ American Ballet Theatre Facebook Fan Page.

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Stars of ABT Honor the Legendary Alicia Alonso

Friday, June 4th, 2010
Alicia_Alonso

Alicia Alonso

“Alicia Alonso {director of Ballet Nacional de Cuba} accepted the sold-out audience’s adoring ovation at the Metropolitan Opera House from a central box seat before Thursday night’s American Ballet Theatre performance. But one sensed that this legendary ballerina, being saluted by the company with an evening to celebrate her 90th birthday, would find her way to center stage, and she did, culminating the boisterous, rousing event….

“Alonso (who actually turns 90 on Dec. 21) was a member of Ballet Theatre (as ABT was initially known) during its earliest years. Plagued by vision problems – over which she repeatedly triumphed — since early in her career, she is now virtually blind. Celebrated for the distinctive stamp she put on the role of Giselle, she also performed in many new ballets during the 1940s….” Read the full article from the Los Angeles Times here.  And be sure to check out The New York Times’ recent interview with the dance legend here.

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