Dale Posted July 22, 2004 Share Posted July 22, 2004 Gia Kourlas, in Time Out New York, writes about the much-rumored departure of Ashley Tuttle from ABT in the latest issue. "According to an impeccable company source, Tuttle, who joined American Ballet Theatre 17 years ago, was informed her services were no longer needed -- just a week and a half before the season ended." Kourlas then reports on Tuttle's last show, performing Juliet in Romeo and Juliet on July 2. Kourlas quotes company spokesperson Kelly Ryan, "We don't comment on personnel issues. We're hopeful that she'll return next year, and that's all we're going to say." ABT chairman of the board Lewis Rainieri did not respond to calls from TONY. Kourlas also wrote that Tuttle is not "talking at the moment (her lawyers have advised her not to commen)t." But Kourlas also notes Tuttle's inclusion in the ABT City Center season press release. You can read about it further in the June 22-29 issue. Link to comment
Patricia Posted July 22, 2004 Share Posted July 22, 2004 Disgusting. One would expect better from "professionals." Link to comment
charlieloki Posted July 26, 2004 Share Posted July 26, 2004 very sad, if true i remember ms tuttle from the early days, at sab such a serious student, on a dedicated quest for perfection whatever happens, we all wish her well Link to comment
atm711 Posted July 26, 2004 Share Posted July 26, 2004 This is, indeed, a very touchy subject. Tickets to ABT are very expensive and my standing room days are long over. When I spend top dollar for a ticket, I want what I consider top performer. I can easily accept any performer on a mixed bill program---but when it comes to an evening long ballet, I am very choosy. Link to comment
Dale Posted July 26, 2004 Author Share Posted July 26, 2004 According to a story in the July 6 issue of the New York Post, Kevin McKenzie was not happy with the quality of Tuttle's performances. Link to comment
fandeballet Posted July 26, 2004 Share Posted July 26, 2004 (edited) Could there have been trouble bet. both sides, due to her involvement with "Moving Out"???????? Edited July 26, 2004 by fandeballet Link to comment
Watermill Posted July 27, 2004 Share Posted July 27, 2004 I reported this on BT July 3, but was edited by moderators because no official company or press notice had emerged. (A policy I agree with, by the way)Suprised it took 20 days to become post-worthy. Especially considering the standing ovation given to Ms. Tuttle that eve as knowing fans converged. Not to mention the big backstage party following the performance complete with with toasts and good wishes. Sorry to hear lawyers are involved. That's never a good sign. Whatever one might think of her performances (and she certainly has strong supporters), to dismiss her after all those years is unclassy of Kevin. But I would like to hear the other side. Could he be sending a signal to Broadway bound dancers? Hope not. Link to comment
Leigh Witchel Posted July 27, 2004 Share Posted July 27, 2004 Just to explain our position, we waited until something had appeared in print (the article in Time Out/NY). That's the usual policy we aim for. Link to comment
Dale Posted August 24, 2004 Author Share Posted August 24, 2004 Ironically, Tuttle is featured in a new Movado advertisement (seen in the September Vogue). Movado - the same company that dropped its sponsorship of ABT. But the joke isn't on ABT, but on NYCB, which picked up the sponsorship after the watch company switched allegiances. Link to comment
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