Gracilis Aurea

Thanks Bart and bbh. I'm happy to know I wasn't alone in my reaction to some of the reactions to the press release : ) I've been reading Ballet Alert off and on for a long time but this topic actually compelled me to register!

I find it disconcerting and rather funny that so many people seem to be offended or taken aback by the fact that a dancer was able to publicly express her feelings of disappointment in not being re-engaged by the company she's danced with for 24 years. How many dancers have quietly signed off on their "retirements" so as not to cause waves? Too many. Seems to me that many people want dancers to be seen and not heard, an unfortunate and patronizing position to hold. Dancers are not boys and girls, they are men and women who are dedicated, intelligent, mature artists and they have voices and points of view and may not always agree with the powers that be. Why shouldn't the audience who has loved and enjoyed Ariana's performances know that she wished to finish her career with PNB after 25 years with the company instead of 24 years? I too found it refreshing that Ariana's perspective was included in the press release. Whatever the reasons for Peter Boal's "difficult" decision to have this be her farewell season there was obviously agreement in presenting two sides in the press release. This is a move forward into the 21st century in my opinion.