ABT Fan

That performance was always on the 18th.

Ok, ok..... Well, I haven't put away my Christmas music yet. I have an Ella Fitzgerald holiday CD that I love, plus the obligatory Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby. But, one of my favorites is a CD that I bought at the Met Museum gift store years ago, with renaissance carols. And, I have a CD of Gregorian chants that I listen to at any time of year, but especially at Christmas. Whenever I need some quiet introspection, I pull out the Gregorian chants (which goes nicely with a glass of wine, or two ;)

I'm gagging.

I don't believe that Bowers was paid off due to "body shaming" or at least not in the context that I think most of us think of "body shaming". That has to be a code word for something else otherwise there would be payouts to numerous other dancers (and at many other companies). I just can't fathom someone getting a settlement for being told, even in the most cruel and malicious manner, that they must lose weight, in a field where asthetics and weight matter. There would have to be a lot more to it, such as body shaming followed by XYZ behavior, but why not be truthful about it now, given all of the other allegations? In any event, though that was reported as the reason for that settlement, the Times did a disservice in my opinion by including other dancers' weight issues with Martins. That still doesn't belong in the same category nor should it be lumped in with the far more serious allegations. And, that Post article was very interesting in that they interviewed Whelan.

Lordy, I guess I didn't think this could get worse (and, I'm including Martins' latest DUI in that sentiment). Lavery? I'm guessing that dancer probably signed an NDA as part of his "salary" so we may not learn those dirty details. Can we expect this whole sordid affair to be played out in an upcoming Law and Order: SVU episode? Yes, body shaming accusations do not belong in this investigation. Of course, leaders should be tactful and hopefully kind in addressing weight issues, but lumping in "He told me I was fat!" with serious physical and sexual abuse allegations is ridiculous.

Judging from the first few minutes, that looks to be the program. Thanks Helene!

So, if Martins had not "cared enough", he would have been civil and respectful? How dreadful. Plenty of people CARE without screaming, yelling, or doing worse to others. Until a year ago, I worked for a boss who would lose his temper literally every day at at least one of us, screaming, etc. And, he in no way "cared" about the work, the company or his subordinates. He was a narcissistic bully and we all cheered when he finally quit.

I tuned in for only about 5 minutes, to be honest, just because I couldn't stay awake after a late New Years Eve. But, I've watched the entire program for many years, and have always found it charming. I really enjoyed seeing the beautiful architecture and the street scenes sprinkled throughout the program, as Vienna has been one place I've wanted to go for some time! The dancing is usually quite good, despite the choreography. Maybe they'll replay it so I can catch it again.

Agreed. I think a 1 yr appointment for the school and company, separately, would be wise. If they leave the 4 member interim team in place at the company for the time being, that may be a wise idea (though we still don't know how their responsibilities were divied up). I hope they take their time searching for a smart replacement. Whelan and J. Peck do not have the experience needed (Whelan has been teaching, but that's not enough, and being one of the next big choreographers is not enough either). And, a big no to Millepied. I'd also love to see a woman lead the company but I'd hate to see Lopez leave Miami so soon.

He does look very Diaghilev. Very chic. And, Boylston’s tutu is gorgeous. Anyone catch her performance?

Wow, very cool!

What a wonderful clip! Thanks!

Gosh, I had the exact same thought! That's the only time I would have enjoyed seeing his face. And, it might not have been intentional but I got a kick out of seeing footage of Obama and Clinton during the evening. I think they've shown past presidents before during some of the tributes, but to me it was a glaring contrast between presidents who've supported the arts before and the current one who doesn't. (Not to mention other things...) I did enjoy the tribute to Carmen, though as was mentioned up thread I don't think it was said that she was an original member of Ailey. It was really nice to Alicia Mack Graf again. Separately, Carmen de Lavallade has one of the best names ever.

I think Royal needs another year of development before taking on such a role. He was just promoted to soloist this year. (Though I think he will be extraordinary when he does and my dream SL casting is him with Catherine Hurlin.) However, if he is cast this year I'll be thrilled and will likely fall over myself to snatch up a ticket.

Isn't Matthew Golding (prior corps dancer with ABT, later principal with the Royal) now a free agent? Or am I confusing him with someone else. I was not a fan of his facial expressions, but he's tall and a good dancer.

I just checked their site and your tally is correct (one of each except two SL's). Thank goodness his load wasn't larger like years prior, that's for sure. I'm also not in favor of guest artists (except maybe one or two max per season), but I think this situation absolutely calls for it. Bolle is a mega star but he's only scheduled for one performance (Giselle) which has many of us wondering if that'll be his retirement performance. If it is, since Giselle is the first week of the season he won't be picking up more shows, unless he decides to go out with SL (I think he and Teuscher would be gorgeous together). If he's not retiring, I think if he was willing or able to do more he'd already be cast for it. But, I'm all in favor of his picking up an additional performance or two. Hallberg isn't piling on the roles, which I got the feeling from his book that he won't be doing again so he doesn't get reinjured. I'd love to see him take a SL as he isn't scheduled for one, but I don't think he's a good fit for Teuscher (he's very tall, but his slight build isn't strong enough I think to partner someone who is also tall). And, as much as I want to see Teuscher's SL this year, if Whiteside or Hammoudi is subbed in, I'd have a really hard time talking myself into a ticket. I really don't think we'll have to wait too long to find out who will subbing or joining as a guest. Mckenzie will be working overtime to fill those TBA's as quickly as possible as I think morale and ticket sales will depend on it. (Though I don't think replacing Gomes' parts will in any way mitigate how devastated the company and fans must be, but I do think that leaving those TBA's vacant for weeks/months will only excacerbate the problem).

According to Gomes' website, he's represented by Scott Schlexer Artist Management. Looking at Schlexer's Instagram, there's several photos of him with Gomes at all kinds of events like the recent Guggenheim Works and Process where Gomes spoke about a recent project, and even postings about Schlexer dog-sitting for Gomes earlier this month. So, it appears they were friends (or just friendly outside of the office) as well. In any case I imagine he would have been one of the first people he called. I was also wondering about AGMA - how could they help Gomes in a situation like this? To the comments earlier re: the journalists tweeting their support for Gomes. I agree that if those journalists are privy to details the public is not then they should report on it. If they won't or can't, then they should remain quiet. Also, someone wrote earlier about not looking at Gomes as neither a "victim or a monster" at this point, with so little facts known to us and I agree wholeheartedly. I'm also applying that sentiment to ABT as well; they're neither the "good guy nor the bad guy" till more is revealed. In the meantime, I imagine (hopefully) that Mckenzie is already looking for a replacement (holidays or not) and that guy needs to be a star. At the very least they'd need a major guest artist to fill in temporarily (I'd say two as Gomes leaves about 5 principal roles open for the Met season). I'd like to see Hoven get one SL; he's ready. They're going to be in damage-control mode now and will need to build some positive excitement for the Met season, which will not be possible by filling in the holes with Stearns, Whiteside and Lendorf and some deserving soloists. And, I imagine fans will still be bitter, understandably, over Part's departure, so they need to rally, to say the least.

Gomes is to me the least likely person in the co. to be thrown under the bus by them. From all I've read on social media and in interviews given by him and others, he's the most respected and beloved dancer there. It's also evident at every farewell or celebration (including his own this past summer). However, by my saying that I am in no way asserting that he must be guilty of whatever he's accused of because he must have resigned (or was pushed to resign) because he did something immoral or illegal. I'm merely saying that that further complicates understanding whatever possibly could have happened. And, any company with half a brain in this day and age would bring in outside counsel to investigate a sexual misconduct claim (again, assuming it was reported directly by the alleged victim or their attorney). Gomes is a 38 year old man, who has danced/toured all over the world and with companies besides ABT. He's worked with scores of different choreographers and producers. He's done modeling, has a documentary coming out, has been choreographing for at least 3 different companies. He has connections. He owns his own apt in NYC (that was in a Times article awhile back.) He's not a child with zero life experience. So, I don't buy that he didn't have a chance. If he didn't consult an attorney before resigning then that would be extremely poor judgement. But, he could have just as quickly lawyered up himself and resigned (or "resigned") under their advice. I also agree that if ABT had just put out a press release saying he resigned with no explanation, the speculation would have been intense and ongoing. This site alone would be lit up like a Christmas tree with us speculating, voicing our anger and sadness, why was there no warning?, no farewell at the Met?, what really prompted this?, etc. And, then what if the accusation leaked out afterwards and with the details? Accusations would be rampant that ABT tried to cover up immoral or illegal behavior by one of their own. Did they make Gomes sign an NDA before resigning so he wouldn't speak out about this and so he could keep whatever benefits they offered? Did they make the accuser also sign an NDA so they couldn't talk in return for them investigating? Is either even an option? Point is, unless either is possible then the details can always emerge.

If Gomes hadn’t resigned (assuming he resigned on his own accord), I wonder how long this accusation and the investigation would have remained under wraps. There are so many unknowns here. I think this is the first accusation I’ve read about where no details about what actually happened have been released. It’s early, so maybe that’s forthcoming. But, I find it difficult to have much of an opinion about how ABT or Gomes has handled this without more info. But, even if we never hear the details and if Gomes doesn’t return to the company with a cleared name, I can’t imagine, especially in this current climate, that any other company would hire him as a dancer or a choreographer. Julie Kent may intend on keeping him on her upcoming program, but I’d think the board might strongly disagree and overrule her. Same with Sarasota where he’s been doing a lot of work. What about his upcoming film release? And, he’s supposed to star in Bourne’s SL again next year. Usually the ripple effect is fast and furious following something like this. Will we see it happen here? I’m utterly devastated. This is by far the worst of the worst.

Marcelo Gomes Leaves American Ballet Theater After Sexual Misconduct Allegation https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/21/arts/dance/marcelo-gomes-abt-sexual-misconduct-allegation.html

Except that we literally do not know what happened.

Gomes' boyfriend:

What?! I don't check this site for a few hours and then when I do the whole world has blown up. Gomes? And, he's left ABT, and under these circumstances? I'm gobsmacked. I can't believe this. No one can replace him. Can the allegations really be true? I can't fathom this.

I'll be eager to hear how Hoven does tonight. I was thrilled he was cast (albeit as a sub) as I think he's more than ready to take on some lead roles. I was hoping he'd get one coming up at the Met, esp in SL.

A sneak peek of Lane rehearsing Nikiya: