I agree 100% that the classical idiom must be preserved as we venture on and develop new ballets. Otherwise we will not learn from our own history. Early ballets such as Giselle were never preserved in their original forms, so we only have versions. It is essential that we preserve these versions before they, too, no longer exist.
One of the primary needs when creating new products (in this case: ballets, companies, etc.) is money. It is hard to get money for an art form that is often neglected. I believe the artistry and the aesthetic prowess of up and coming dancers, arts administrators, dance writers, and choreographers is well-versed. As a college student at a liberal arts school with an incredibly strong dance program, I can honestly say our generation has a great deal of technique, innovation, and dreams. To accomplish those dreams, however, we must make dance a well-known and well-respected art form...and get as much government funding as possible!
I love this topic because it addresses so many of the issues we think about in our academic dance classes.
One more note: It's shocking that ballet and modern don't seem to be more popular on TV, etc. because it has such an enormous fan base...
