As New York City Ballet returns to London for the first time in 16 years, Debra Craine meets new Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford to discuss how the company's scandal-plagued culture has changed.
London likes to think of itself as the world’s dance capital but there are many things the city misses out on, and top of that list is New York City Ballet (NYCB). The company founded in 1948 by the émigré Russian choreographer George Balanchine represents the mother lode of American classical dance.
But when was the last time the New Yorkers visited London? So long ago — 16 years to be precise — that audiences probably won’t remember them.
Now Sadler’s Wells is righting that wrong. On March 7 NYCB opens a short season at the London venue that will reintroduce audiences to a company built on one of the strongest dance legacies in history while leading the way in 21st-century creativity.
“They are a great company,” says Alistair Spalding, artistic director of the Wells, “and we are very excited to have them. Is this the start of a beautiful friendship? Definitely. If they are keen to talk about the future, we’re keen.”...Keep reading on The Times.
London likes to think of itself as the world’s dance capital but there are many things the city misses out on, and top of that list is New York City Ballet (NYCB). The company founded in 1948 by the émigré Russian choreographer George Balanchine represents the mother lode of American classical dance.
But when was the last time the New Yorkers visited London? So long ago — 16 years to be precise — that audiences probably won’t remember them.
Now Sadler’s Wells is righting that wrong. On March 7 NYCB opens a short season at the London venue that will reintroduce audiences to a company built on one of the strongest dance legacies in history while leading the way in 21st-century creativity.
“They are a great company,” says Alistair Spalding, artistic director of the Wells, “and we are very excited to have them. Is this the start of a beautiful friendship? Definitely. If they are keen to talk about the future, we’re keen.”...Keep reading on The Times.