Observations: Peculiar dance moves

Zoë Anderson
Friday 19 September 2008 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Two surprise moves in the dance world this week. The Bolshoi Ballet's Alexei Ratmansky becomes artist in residence at American Ballet Theatre – which snatched him from under the nose of its rivals, New York City Ballet. Back in Britain, Javier De Frutos has made a speedy exit from Phoenix Dance Theatre.

In Ratmansky's case, the surprise is his decision to go to ABT, having already made several ballets for NYCB.

The key attraction may be freedom: Ratmansky's five-year agreement allows him to make ballets for other companies – a departure from ABT's usual blockbuster conservatism. As choreographer of such hits as The Bright Stream, an irresistible story ballet created for the Bolshoi, he's certainly in demand.

De Frutos's departure is more of a shock. His work with Phoenix had suggested long-term plans, with varied repertory and high-profile collaborations. Now a tight-lipped press statement announces that De Frutos has left "by mutual agreement", though Phoenix will still be dancing his repertory for its autumn tour. There is still no word on his successor.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in