PeggyTulle

Jahna Frantziskonis is trying out acting. https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ4E0C_BZIa/?utm_medium=copy_link

So curious about this...

Former ASFB dancers have founded Dance Aspen. https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/dance-aspen-seeks-to-fill-void-for-asfb-performers-larger-community/article_a5ee8ec4-e2bb-11eb-824e-eb5a4ce7df18.html#ath

👏👏👏

Interesting hire. She has no previous connection to NBOC, right? Only that she was born in Canada? And here I thought Chris Stowell would get the nod...

I have read the rules. I was looking for examples because the rules are vague and I've asked in the past with zero response (the same general word is used as a verb and noun in the same sentence). This situation seems unique, but also very relevant. So here's my opinion: I think inclusivity is great and should be welcomed, especially in ballet in 2021. My opinion is that Edwards and PNB should be given grace and time, as a genderfluid dancer in ballet is something out of the norm but definitely past its due. My opinion is that stating it's a mockery does a huge disservice to Edwards' beautiful dancing, their sexuality, and audiences everywhere. My opinion is that feeling uncomfortable with change or non-cisgender male bodies is OK and leaning into this should be encouraged. These are my opinions.

Why is lack of gender inclusiveness here not allowed to be discussed? It's a central part of the issue and it seems the preferenceis to dance around it. Also, why was my post edited without any note about it?

I have asked this before with no response. What does this mean? I have looked through the guidelines and such but can't find examples. Googling leads me nowhere, too.

From what I've seen on Instagram, Edwards is a very fine dancer who seems poised and technically able to perform traditionally male and female roles (along with non-gender-specific ones). And they are black. If Boal and PNB have hired them, they've been given respect and an opportunity to prove oneself. Give them time to be casted and perform.

Congrats to Ashton!!! So happy for them!

Just a sidenote: The SFBallet_2021 Instagram handle has current and former SFB dancers as followers. There are also former staff who have posted in the comments along with others in the local dance community. I consider this a legit group (unknown size, but legit).

Requesting anonymity seems like a safety measure and probably a good one. It's pretty standard with unions and issues that disproportionately affect BIPOC and/or minority staff. It's not clear to me what happened in the past with Kelly and leadership, but the company does not seem to embrace or amplify black and indigenous voices. This isn't solely an SFB issue, though. It's reflective of ballet as a whole. Would be meaningful if SFB took the lead here and made some serious changes: focused on internal practices, hiring, retainment, and choreographers. Should things like this wait on the backburner for a new AD? Seems tone deaf to me.

Whoa!

Huh. I always thought Pennsylvania Ballet had name recognition. Surprised with the change...

Koto Ishihara has been promoted to principal at National Ballet of Canada! https://www.instagram.com/p/CQbcDrtrvqF/?utm_medium=copy_link