NYCgirl

What is unfortunate about this is that it does not seem to be "girls fighting", but just Waterbury. Maxwell doesn't seem to be calling Waterbury names, calling her a "bi***", talking about her nude photo's publicly on her social media, and telling her that she is in "denial". She did mention the phone call between them, which is speaking from her experience. Waterbury is recklessly Instagram shaming another woman while Maxwell is saying, "It is not my mission to diminish the feelings of Alexandra's". Just a thought and something to think about.

It is astounding to me that this Waterbury issue is still dragging on. She seems to have stopped directly and publicly attacking everyone except for Ramasar (who did not send her photos but sent Maxwell's). Waterbury brought Maxwell's name into things a day before Maxwell made her statement. It is also stated that Maxwell decided to speak out in response to the recent media attention that has been escalating. I think it was brave for Maxwell to state her truth, and thought she did so clearly and decently. Maxwell is allowed to speak her truth just as Waterbury has had no problem speaking hers. I hope that Waterbury's lawyers are monitoring her social media content because she is getting dangerously close to getting herself into trouble from what I have seen. Harassing Maxwell, name-calling, accusing her of being financially dependent on Ramasar and uneducated seems to be the complete opposite of being supportive of a so-called "victim." She goes as far as publicly talking about nude photos of Maxwell on her Instagram stories. I assume Maxwell did not giver her permission to do so and I do not blame Maxwell for becoming fed up with a situation that I assume she and Ramasar have been dealing with every single day. If Maxwell is telling people that she knew and chose to forgive Ramasar, then that is her right. I hope that both of these young women can find peace at the end of this.

I third that! I thought that overall the cast was truly a "dream". Mearns was breathtaking and dancing with complete abandon and beauty. Harrison Ball as puck gave a whimsical impression of the role that I was intrigued with throughout. Huxley made Oberon look like a breeze and I liked to see him using more acting skills, especially in the opening miming with Mearns. I must admit that Pereira, King, Nelson, and Applebaum were not my absolute favorite, but it is almost impossible to not enjoy the comedic lovers quarreling. Hyltin and Ramasar were a pure delight to watch in the second act Divertissement. Hyltin is my personal favorite in this role and with Ramasar's stellar partnering she looked as though she was dancing on a cloud from beginning to end.

Ashly's performance quality will be missed. I always admired her dancing because it seemed that she dove into every role full force. I remember her dancing Martins "Morgen" a couple of years back, and they way she was flinging herself across the stage without any fear took my breath away. So many memorable roles for her! I am sure she will succeed in whatever she does.

I agree, and am beyond glad he is back. The reaction of the audience both before and after was wonderful! The way he danced, and partnered Mearns was exactly what the audience has been missing, in my opinion. Sara Mearns was smiling, electric, and looked like she was enjoying every second of dancing with him. I thought all of the principal dancers in Brahms were quite beautiful as well, especially Lauren Lovette in the second movement. While Lydia Wellington wasn't as impactful as Emily Kikta, I thought she made a great debut as well.

Anthony Huxley and Sterling Hyltin in scotch were absolutely breathtaking. Sterling has such an ethereal, special quality to her dancing... one of my favorite ballerinas and this role was perfect for her. Anthony never fails to impress with his outstanding technical skill. I also thought Christina Clark was a nice standout in the corps. As much as I usually adore Indiana Woodward, I found her performance in Valse to be a bit sloppy, and I am not referring to the slip with Ball. While her performance quality was electric as usual, I found myself wishing that she would find more moments of calm and softness and work on her arabesque line. Ball was fabulous, but looked a bit tense in the face in my opinion... I would love to see him smile onstage! Stanley's movement quality is one of the best of the male principals, along with Ramasar. There is something special there that just cannot be taught. I thought that Sanz and Mearns were great in Stravinksy and it was nice to see him rising up to the level of such a high caliber principal such as Mearns. Overall, a wonderful night of dancing!

Excited to see Ramasar and Mearns re-united onstage, they are fabulous together! Also interested to see Huxley in Theme, his technique will shine bright in that no doubt.

I noticed a young corps member, Jonathan Fahoury, last night in both Oltremare and Rodeo. He did a little duet with Pollack in Oltremare and caught my attention with his fluid, natural, musical movements. He then danced Taylor Stanley's old part in Rodeo, and again was a standout for me. He has a movement quality that I can see taking him places in this company in the future. I look forward to seeing him grow more, and is definitely someone to keep an eye on!

If you go back and re-read the complaint against Ramasar you will not find any evidence that he participated in these said group conversations. Many people have come to the same conclusion based on how the media lumped the three boys and donor together. There is nothing in the lawsuit that accuses Ramasar of making comments about "farm animals", "sluts", religion, race, gender or anything like about his colleagues. He is only quoted in text conversations solely between him and Finlay. Ramasar also clarifies on his second Instagram post (below) after being terminated that he was not part of any group messages. He expresses having photos of one, consenting adult (assuming this is his girlfriend based on apology in the post), and that he does take responsibility for his part. Again, if that adult has forgiven and consented in their private life, then I view that as being the most important part in his moving on. Being in a ballet company is not a popularity contest, and humanity comes with mistakes... nobody is perfect. This does not indicate that I condone the alleged behavior in any way, but it is time to move on.

Ramasar is back on the NYCB website. Nice video of him talking about 'Pictures at an Exhibition'. I do wish he was dancing in his originated role this week! https://www.nycballet.com/Dancers/Dancers-Bios/Amar-Ramasar.aspx

As someone who has been following NYCB for the past 8 years, and a big fan of both Ramasar and Catazaro, I must admit that I was initially disturbed by this lawsuit and these allegations. As time has gone on and more facts have been revealed, I have come to change my view on the situation and see eye to eye with the arbitrators decision. I view the ruling as just based on the contract and circumstances. As far as we know, Ramasar was not involved in group conversations and only sent photos of one female company member, his long time girlfriend. If she has found it in her heart to forgive his actions and they worked it out between the two of them, then maybe others will eventually be able to do so as well. However, that is a private matter between the two of them, and It would have remained private had Waterbury not "by chance" found the messages on Finlay's computer. Ramasar has expressed remorse and was even quoted apologizing to Maxwell publically in the NY Post (link below). This must have been part of his statement to the papers, but not all chose to publish. It seems that he appears to take responsibility for his actions and mistakes of the past. I assume this has been difficult for them, but it is truly not the public's business to speculate. Catazaro seems to have found a place to dance new, exciting roles and is moving on... I say good for him. Ramasar on the other hand danced in NYCB for 18 years and deserves the chance to go back to his home and make things right. If some dancers refuse to dance with him, then I presume they will not be forced to... others I think will welcome him back with open arms. It should also be noted that in the past months Ramasar was hired by solely female artistic directors. Eleonora Abbagnato, Michele Wiles, and Preeti Vasudevan. That is a sign that he is still respected among many powerful females in the ballet world. https://nypost.com/2019/04/19/male-ballet-dancers-fired-over-explicit-photo-scandal-should-get-jobs-back-arbitrator/

I have been wanting to become a new member of Ballet Alert for some time now. Being someone who has danced since the age of 3 and a fan of ballet now, I follow this blog closely. New York City ballet is my favorite company, and I have been closely following them over the past 8 years. Would love to participate in the discussions on this blog and am looking forward to the upcoming spring season at NYCB. Very excited to contribute to the discussions in a community of those who appreciate the art of ballet and dance!