FPF

In light of the amended version, the statements from Ramasar and Catazaro seem even more inadequate.

NYT story: https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2018/09/18/us/ap-ny-ballet-nude-photos.html

I wonder if the other dancers who were their targets are aware that they were photographed/videoed.

Here you go: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/17/opinion/new-york-city-ballet-decline-fall.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage

They were fired for cause. That is a direct message that they are no longer valued--that the negatives outweigh the positives. They should be concerned about appropriate behavior according to the norms of the company. Like it or not, how an employee behaves reflects on their employer. None of the behavior that is being condemned strikes me as normal/appropriate for a person of any age.

Dancers who don't support them may not feel able or inclined to express this publicly. There are ~90 dancers. Do we know that these dancers include the soloist whose pictures were shared? The religious dancer who was going to be teamed up on? Also, there were a number of postings on NYCB social medial from people who said that they wouldn't donate/attend. Some posters here expressed similar thoughts.

Do we know that she's seriously considered a AD career? I had the sense that she was so absorbed by her ballet career that she hadn't even really considered her future options until she was was forced to by her hip injury and imminent retirement. So four years later, she may have a different perspective. You may be right about a short-term contract for her as an option, but she could also do such a great job in that time that she would want/be asked to stay on. Also, the NYCB Board/search committee ideas about the best AD candidates aren't necessarily going to be in agreement with the Ballet Alert community consensus. Neither Woetzel nor Lopez were originally mentioned by the NYT as a top candidate. I don't know if their picks are based on inside information or just who Macaulay et al. think should get the job.

She's just one of many female dancers at NYCB. And, due to her seniority, is probably the least likely to have been targeted for illicit photo-sharing.

Sarah Kaufman has posted her perspective on the current problems at NYCB and some suggestions for what should be done: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_dance/in-wake-of-suit-against-new-york-city-balletaudiences-and-funders-should-demand-answers/2018/09/16/88f184a4-b5da-11e8-b79f-f6e31e555258_story.html?utm_term=.95cc5b32f937 Her suggested steps are: 1) admit that there's a problem; 2) replace board members and staff too closely connected with Martins; 3) set clear policies and punishments and enforce them fairly; and 4) set standards for behavior inside and outside the company.

Sarah Kaufman from the WaPo weighs in: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_dance/in-wake-of-suit-against-new-york-city-balletaudiences-and-funders-should-demand-answers/2018/09/16/88f184a4-b5da-11e8-b79f-f6e31e555258_story.html?utm_term=.95cc5b32f937

I noticed that in a Playbill article on the closing of Carousel today, Ramasar is not listed in the cast: http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-revival-of-carousel-closes-september-16 Compared with a very similar article from August: http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-revival-of-carousel-sets-closing-date

Statement from the AGMA (via the Daily Mail): https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6172617/Two-male-New-York-City-Ballet-principal-dancers-FIRED-explicit-photo-scandal.html 'Based on all the information received from the company, the allegations relate entirely to non-work-related activity and do not rise to the level of "just cause" termination,' the union said in a statement. 'As AGMA would do for any of its members, we will soon be filing for arbitration to enforce our members’ employment rights.'

Spartak Hoxha has also posted in support of Amar: "Best of luck Amar! You know I only have love and respect for you" And Gianna Reisen: ❤️

🌊🌊🌊

Yes, the idea that they are too young to know better at 28 and 36 is ridiculous.

I agree. When in doubt don't. Or ask.

Also that "texting has engulfed young people's lives." As if they have no choice in the matter.

One of the orchestra members also posted in support of Amar. "In all of my years in the orchestra (40), I have not had a passing acquaintance with a kinder, bigger hearted , talented dancer than Amar ! I have seen him countless times in his interactions with dancers in NY, Saratoga, Washington DC . The Orchestra members, staff, all of them really love this generous spirited person and supremely gifted dancer., All the people I have seen him around feel similarly. I feel he has been unjustly singled out because of the texting phenomena which has engulfed young peoples lives , and as a result is being made a scapegoat for the current "Salem" like atmosphere at work. We are not sure (in the orchestra) whether it is ok to hug our friends of the opposite sex, and this incident which I believe has been blown completely out of proportion and context, has now left a stain on us all . I hope AGMA does its job quickly and aquits Amar forthwith. Keep strong , you are still the king of NY to me !"

I'm interested in hearing what they have to say, but extremely skeptical.

"Here for you babe. xo"

I think that if AGMA has concluded that Ramasar and Catazaro haven't violated the contract, they will have to support the appeal.

Catazaro

Corps dancers also often perform principal roles.

The NYT article has been updated to say that the AGMA is planning to challenge both firings.

There's a longer version of Catazaro's statement here: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/New-York-City-Ballet-Terminates-Zachary-Catazaro-and-Amar-Ramasar-Following-Inappropriate-Communications-20180915 The end, which is cut off in Macaulay's post, does seem to indicate that he will fight this: "I sincerely hope that my contract is reinstated, based on AGMA's analysis of the situation, and that I can continue to work with my hard-working and dedicated colleagues at the company. They are my "family", and I love and admire them."