CDM

There are several American and Canadian dancers in the Stuttgart Ballet so it is not out of the question getting a contract there. There are also several Americans in the Cranko School currently. CDM

I cannot take exception with Leigh Witchel's comments except to say that things moved quite smoothly for our daughter. She studied for four years at the KAB in Washington and then was invited (during an SI in Vail) by Peter Pestov to train at the Cranko School in Stuttgart. She studied for two years there beginning at age 16 and then went straight into the Stuttgart Ballet. She had little difficulty in entering Germany or staying there except for the usual visa pains. She is now considered a "permanent resident" of Germany which means she does not have to renew her visa each year. I cannot speak to her income (not appropriate here) but the Stuttgart Ballet performs all year except for approx four weeks off in August. That is to say the season is longer than most, if not all, U.S. companies. I can say that she does not need a side job to make ends meet. One other note...she has many friends from the KAB who seem to move at will between U.S. and European companies. There seem to be no particular barriers to such movement from one company to another.

Oh nuts....I too wish you could have seen her Florine. She originally performed that when she was at the Kirov Academy some years ago. She and Anna have been friends since their Cranko School days. Both went to Lausanne together and have been promoted together. I think Liz did the fairy as a stand in...she was not scheduled to dance that night. We are hoping (and planning) to get to Germany to see Onegin in January. Not sure what she will be doing as casts have not been posted yet. Perhaps we might meet up then. Regards...Doug.

I do not know exact numbers but I suspect there are 4 to 6 Americans and several Canadians. Many countries are represented in the Stuttgart Ballet. With all the ethnic diversity, they are a very tight knit group. Little if any carping or back-biting. Lots of internal support for each other. ...Doug.

cadancelover...well, so is mine although she has been there for several years. . Wish we could get more info from Stuttgart. There are several people who report from time to time but they have not posted yet this year. How is your dd doing in her new environs? Well I would hope. My dd loves Stuttgart. Regards...Doug.

cadancelover....I too would like to get review(s) on the performances. If I may ask, is the "ca" in cadancelover for California or Canada? Regards...Doug.

Sonja...I have no casting details at present. In a more general sense, the Balanchine performance will look, cast wise, much like last year because of complexity and short time until first performance. I will try to get whatever details I can tomorrow afternoon. It is wonderful to be hearing from Germany so soon in the year and hope to see your posts as often as circumstance allows. I do wish the Stuttgart Ballet would stay a bit more current as regards their web site content though. The site has collected some dust I am afraid. Regards...Doug.

Sonja, Thanks much for the info. "Demanding" was the sentiment of at least one of the performers also made especially so by the relatively short prep time. She said it was a great deal of fun as well. Thanks again...Doug.

Did anyone see the "Celebrate Balanchine" performance this past weekend? Would like very much to see any comments or review thereof. Thanks much in advance. Regards..Doug.

Alicia has just been moved to another place in the schedule. There are no injuries or other calamities involved. Regards...Doug M.

Reinhard, Liz was one of the three 2nd act Lulus (if I understood her correctly). She really enjoyed Lulu but now its on to Gizelle. But from what I am gathering, Lulu was quite a success by any measure. Am not sure what she will be doing in Endstation Sehnsucht. Regards from Oklahoma...Doug.

Friederike, Another voice from Stuttgart !! Welcome to balletalert and I hope we get to hear a great deal more from you as time goes on. Regards...Doug.

Reinhard, Greatly appreciate your effort re the review of Lulu. DD said it was lots of work but great fun. Eager to hear your review when you are able to attend. Warm regards...Doug.

Reinhard, Here's hoping you feel better very soon. The translated review would be greatly appreciated so long as it is not too much trouble for you. Regards...Doug.

Anyone out there going to the Stuttgart premiere of Lulu this evening? Would appreciate any feedback or reviews. Regards...Doug.