6 replies to this topic

[dirac]

An interview with Ethan Stiefel by Roslyn Sulcas Gia Kourlas in The New York Times.

Quote

Over the years Mr. Stiefel, a youthful 38, has consistently raised eyebrows around the ballet world for his out-of-left-field professional moves. Before taking the reins of the 32-member Royal New Zealand Ballet — which he likes to call an adventure — he was dean of the School of Dance for the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, artistic director of Ballet Pacifica in California and the star of the 2000 film “Center Stage.” He’s even appeared in an episode of “Gossip Girl.”

But taking over the Royal New Zealand Ballet is also a natural progression for him. It helps too that Mr. Stiefel has family in New Zealand; his grandmother was born and raised there. And he’s certainly held his share of leadership positions. After Mr. Stiefel’s experience in North Carolina — where he spent more time writing education policies than in the studio — the creative side of the new post is a plus. “I see my job as not only building the art and the company but building the identity of dance in New Zealand, which is an opportunity,” he said. “You don’t always have that. Other places are established, and know how they want to do it.”

[dirac]

A profile of choreographer Susan Shields.

Quote

“Freelance choreography has always been challenging,” said Amy Fitterer, executive director of the service organization Dance USA. “They have to develop their reputations, do their own marketing and reach out to artistic directors. It’s a hard lifestyle to maintain.”

Shields is one of the few female exceptions, as few women work as freelance choreographers. She carved a niche for herself in modern dance by developing a style that fuses formal balletic technique with modern shapes and movement. On Tuesday, Ballet West, a top American company based in Salt Lake City, will perform Shields’s “Grand Synthesis” at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap, along with works by renowned choreographers George Balanchine and Jiří Kylián.....

[dirac]

Several Seattle-area artists are selected for this year's Princess Grace Awards.

Quote

Margaret Mullin, corps de ballet dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet; Whim W'him founder and former PNB principal Olivier Wevers; and choreographer Zoe Scofield, of zoe | juniper, have been selected for awards to help further their careers. The awards will be presented Nov. 1 in New York.

[dirac]

The Grand Rapids Ballet Company welcomes some special guests on the first night of its season.

Quote

Schultz is a member of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in the Windy City.

He joins Maria Kowroski, another Grand Rapids native and a principal dancer with New York City Ballet, in returning to West Michigan to dance for the opening night of Grand Rapids Ballet Company's 40th anniversary season.

[dirac]

The Goh Ballet Academy will visit China.

Quote

The Goh Ballet Academy is located at 8th and Main. It was formed in 1978 by principal dancers Choo Chiat Goh and Lin Yee Goh. “They’re from Singapore, and both danced in China,” said Weber. “They immigrated here and started a ballet company in Vancouver.”

The couple’s daughter, Chan Hon Goh, was a prima ballerina with the National Ballet of Canada for two decades before returning to Vancouver last year to become the director of the academy....

[dirac]

San Francisco Ballet revamps its website. Commentary by David Wiegand in The San Francisco Chronicle's blog.

Quote

I have to assume that my computer is pretty speedy, since I work for a media organization. (I'm sure there's no truth to the rumor that the Hearst computer system is powered by leftover heiresses in the basement, pedaling away on stationery bikes). Still, you could apply for a new mortgage in the time it takes some of these sites to load. That was a problem with the old SF Ballet site, as was the problem of just trying to figure out what program was being presented on what night.

[dirac]

A notice in The New York Times of the marriage of Tracey Herman and Benjamin Shababo.

Quote

Mrs. Shababo, 29, is the assistant to the costume director at the New York City Ballet. She is responsible for researching and buying fabrics and trimmings.