A couple of interesting interviews popped up in Uruguay's El Observador as Julio Bocca's Ballet Nacional del Sodre gets set to open its production of La Sylphide starring Maria Riccetto and staged by Frank Andersen.
First, Julio noted that Maria, who had been on a one-year leave from ABT, has ended her contract with ABT and will dance next year with Julio's company. Haglund will miss Maria's dancing. However, given her level of skill and accomplishments, she should not have agreed to return to ABT without a principal contract – and we all know the capricious and arbitrary manner in which McKenzie hands out those contracts.
Second, Julio, whose contract in Uruguay runs through 2015, was asked by the interviewer if he would like to return to ABT to direct the company. He replied that he could not deny that the idea of returning to New York tempts him – whether to direct or perhaps to work. He also noted how it would be cheaper to buy an apartment in New York than a place in Punta Ballena.
Clearly, Julio likes his life in Uruguay but misses New York. And we miss him, too.
The ABT Board needs to pull its head out of the sand and seize the opportunites before it. It has the potential to secure Bocca, Stiefel, and possibly Corella for its badly needed change in directorship. When will it ever have such a wealth of options again?
http://www.elobservador.com.uy/noticia/245448/34la-compania-esta-al-nivel–de-la-del-teatro-colon-/
20 responses to “Julio Bocca, Maria Riccetto – La Sylphide”
Julio Bocca as ABT’s AD? Yes, please! The company is in *dire* need of fresh air, of new ideas!
Julio Bocca as ABT’s AD? Yes, please! The company is in *dire* need of fresh air, of new ideas!
It seems ABT’s only “new ideas” come from trying to copy whatever NYCB is doing. But they end up doing it badly.
It seems ABT’s only “new ideas” come from trying to copy whatever NYCB is doing. But they end up doing it badly.
I didn’t think Maria would return, but who would? She’s at a great place and time now, very happy for her.
I didn’t think Maria would return, but who would? She’s at a great place and time now, very happy for her.
Do we know if McKenzie’s contract is up soon?
Do we know if McKenzie’s contract is up soon?
Hi LBJ.
Maria will finally get to dance Swan Lake next year. The following year Julio is planning his own new production of Don Q. I seem to recall reading that when Nina Ananiashvili retired, she gave Maria her Don Q tutu. Maybe Maria will finally get to wear it.
Hi LBJ.
Maria will finally get to dance Swan Lake next year. The following year Julio is planning his own new production of Don Q. I seem to recall reading that when Nina Ananiashvili retired, she gave Maria her Don Q tutu. Maybe Maria will finally get to wear it.
Genna, we don’t know if and when McKenzie’s contract is up. It might be an evergreen contract or he may be employed at will with no contract. But it doesn’t matter. He’s doing a crappy job, and can be sent packing whenever the board votes him to go.
Genna, we don’t know if and when McKenzie’s contract is up. It might be an evergreen contract or he may be employed at will with no contract. But it doesn’t matter. He’s doing a crappy job, and can be sent packing whenever the board votes him to go.
I asked because it seems like someone close to Sergei Filin said Filin now has offers from top companies. Seeing as how the acid attack story has been covered in NYT so prominently, it makes you wonder.
I asked because it seems like someone close to Sergei Filin said Filin now has offers from top companies. Seeing as how the acid attack story has been covered in NYT so prominently, it makes you wonder.
I shudder at the thought of one more iota of Bolshoi at ABT.
I shudder at the thought of one more iota of Bolshoi at ABT.
I agree that M. should go….but I suspect that he will be there for many more years….after all ,he has the confidence of the board…and many in the audience just love the Russian “circus acts”…..the art of ballet does not interest most of them…they go to be awakened after their heavy meals and advancing age …with some bizarre combinations that …Vasiliev…etc. have cooked up…..
I agree that M. should go….but I suspect that he will be there for many more years….after all ,he has the confidence of the board…and many in the audience just love the Russian “circus acts”…..the art of ballet does not interest most of them…they go to be awakened after their heavy meals and advancing age …with some bizarre combinations that …Vasiliev…etc. have cooked up…..
That reminds me, Fred, it’s been a few days since I batted them around for that. I must be slowing down. Stay tuned.
That reminds me, Fred, it’s been a few days since I batted them around for that. I must be slowing down. Stay tuned.