 |
RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director,
Alexandra Tomalonis, 13-03-00, (1)
  RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director,
Bruce M, 13-03-00, (3)
RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director,
Bruce M, 13-03-00, (2)
Some links about Ross Stretton...,
Bruce M, 13-03-00, (4)
Some more links,
Bruce M, 14-03-00, (5)
RE: Some more links,
Jane S, 14-03-00, (6)
ROH Press Release on Stretton,
Bruce M, 14-03-00, (7)
RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director,
Stuart Sweeney, 14-03-00, (8)
RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director,
Jane S, 14-03-00, (9)
RE: Ross Stretton radio interview,
Bruce M, 14-03-00, (10)
RE: Ross Stretton radio interview,
Jeannie, 14-03-00, (11)
RE: Ross Stretton radio interview,
Stuart Sweeney, 15-03-00, (14)
RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director,
Gatarina, 15-03-00, (12)
RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director,
grace, 15-03-00, (13)
RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director,
Bruce M, 15-03-00, (16)
Links on 15th,
Bruce M, 15-03-00, (15)
RE: Links on 15th,
Jane S, 15-03-00, (17)
RE: Links on 15th,
Bruce Wall, 15-03-00, (18)
RE: Links on 15th,
Ann Williams, 16-03-00, (19)
 RE: Links on 15th,
Bruce M, 16-03-00, (22)
Links on 16th,
Bruce M, 16-03-00, (20)
RE: Links on 16th,
Helen Watson, 16-03-00, (21)
Ross Stretton/AB,
grace, 16-03-00, (23)
RE: Ross Stretton/AB,
bill, 16-03-00, (24)
Links - 17th,
Bruce M, 17-03-00, (25)
RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director,
Bruce M, 17-03-00, (26)
|
Alexandra Tomalonis   |
13-03-00, 04:18 PM (GMT)
|
|
1. "RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director" |
Interesting news. Odd that there's so much in the papers before it's officially announced, though, isn't it?I'm responding to the post on the prior thread asking Americans what the view of Stretton is over here. He had a very low profile at ABT, but in two or three interviews I've done with ABT dancers over the past few years, all spoke very highly of him as a good ballet master (teaching class, conducting rehearsals). Whether this is really a universal view, I can't say, but these people all felt that he was well-liked and respected by the dancers. Alexandra
|
|
|
Top |
| |
Bruce M  |
13-03-00, 04:29 PM (GMT)
|
|
3. "RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director" |
Thanks for the feedback Alexandra. Sounds encouraging!Re the papers knowing, I think that ROH have done a good job of keeping the lid on it until the day before the press release. I don't think many could claim to really know the result much ahead of today. A few things got out, only to be contradicted a few days later with some different hearsay. But there are a few sighs of relief re one or two names that were in the running! Sounds like we all need to cultivate our Australian ballet chums...
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Bruce M |
13-03-00, 04:20 PM (GMT)
|
|
2. "RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director" |
If you are wondering where my original thread, and additions, went you can find it in the Archive at:http://www.danze.co.uk/dcforum/news/298.html Archive you say? The idea of the Archive is to be able to hold lots of postings threads for the longer term without the overhead of having them modifiable. Most sites with pages like these have the concept and we have been odd in having so many threads effectively active. Sooner or later we have to start implementing a policy of taking threads out of the active area or it will all start to grind to a halt. In this case it also helps make sure we all concentrate on one thread with an obvious title - see my last notes in the old thread. Anyway observations on the new man would be most welcome...
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Bruce M |
13-03-00, 05:19 PM (GMT)
|
|
4. "Some links about Ross Stretton..." |
Ever keen to check out the new RB AD I typed "Streton ballet" in to Google and got 1 link (because of misspelling his name) - but as it happens it picks up an odd site that also misspells his name..
http://www.brionwollam.com/
Getting the spelling right brought up a fair few links - usual mix of relevant and not. Interview with Stretton (and others) about state of Aus Ballet and dancers leaving... (from Feb 1999):
http://www.theage.com.au/daily/990221/news/news20.html
Stretton on continuing education for dancers: "This commitment to producing well-rounded dancers and providing them with a range of future options is further endorsed by the artistic director of the Australian Ballet Company, Ross Stretton, who insists that company members continue to undertake study in an area of their choice while they are part of the company." The above comes from the following page (near the bottom):
http://www.rmit.edu.au/About/hotTYPEv3/990112.htm Sounds like dancers who are keen to progress had better enrol somewhere sharpish...
A press release that shows Stretton is used to the political side of dance that goes with public subsidy...
AUSTRALIAN DANCE THEATRE - Artistic and Financial Stability into the next Century:
http://www.ministers.sa.gov.au/laidlaw/media/rp_a981117_dance.html
http://www.realmech.com/ballet/img/artdir2.jpg";>
"The Australian Ballet is going to stretch its artistic boundaries by exploring its own capacity for growth and by drawing on the wider arts world for inspiration and challenge. Creativity and energy will be our guiding stars in our search for new perspectives on our heritage and our future."
The image and text (from 1997) comes form the following brief page authored by Stretton:
No claims to be comprehensive - I'm sure I must have missed some good stuff and other search engines would chuck up different selections of course...
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Bruce M |
14-03-00, 07:39 PM (GMT)
|
|
7. "ROH Press Release on Stretton" |
Here is the complete release including the Stretton bio (which I don't think is on the ROH site at the moment)ROYAL OPERA HOUSE ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL BALLET Sir Colin Southgate, Chairman of the Board of the Royal Opera House, today announced the appointment of Ross Stretton as the next Director of The Royal Ballet. His arrival will follow Sir Anthony Dowell's departure following 16 years in the post at the end of The Royal Ballet's 2000/2001 season, when the Company will have had two complete seasons in the reopened Royal Opera House. Ross Stretton will be involved, with immediate effect, in planning all aspects of the 2001/2002 season onwards.
Ross Stretton comes to The Royal Ballet from The Australian Ballet where he has been Artistic Director since 1997. He trained at The Australian Ballet School under Dame Margaret Scott, and rose to Principal Artist with The Australian Ballet under the Artistic Directorships of Dame Peggy van Praagh, Sir Robert Helpmann and Anne Woolliams. In 1976 he was awarded a scholarship by the then Artistic Director Sir Robert Helpmann to study in New York. He moved to the United States in 1979 and joined The Joffrey Ballet and performed as a guest artist with American Ballet Theatre. In 1981 Ross Stretton accepted an invitation from American Ballet Theatre's Artistic Director, Mikhail Baryshnikov, to join the company as a Principal Dancer. When Ross Stretton retired from dancing in 1990, he took up the position of Assistant to the Directors. He was made Régisseur of the company in September 1991, and in 1993 was appointed Assistant Artistic Director, a post he held until his return to his native Australia in January 1997 to become Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet. Commenting on the appointment, Sir Colin Southgate said: 'We are delighted that Ross Stretton will be joining The Royal Ballet in September 2001. As Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, Ross has earned an enviable reputation combining the classical repertoire with new choreography, technology and composition. The Board was particularly impressed by Ross's success in broadening the appeal of ballet in Australia resulting in significant audience growth with a tangible increase in the numbers of young people attending the company's performances. Under Ross's guidance and with his particular energy, The Australian Ballet has consolidated its national and international reputation.' During his time in New York, Ross Stretton worked with some of the great figures of 20th century dance, including Sir Kenneth Macmillan, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Natalia Makarova. Having trained in the classical tradition, New York also provided him with the opportunity to experience America's rich dance heritage, rehearsing with George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Agnes de Mille, Glen Tetley, Twyla Tharp and Antony Tudor. He has also worked with European choreographers such as Mats Ek, Jirí Kylián and Nacho Duato.
Michael Kaiser, Executive Director of the Royal Opera House, added: 'I am so pleased that Ross Stretton has agreed to join us. His background will allow The Royal Ballet to build strength in each of our three key areas of repertory: classical standards, 20th century masterpieces and contemporary works. His energy, intelligence, good taste, and particularly his interest in marrying classical ballet with other dance techniques and art forms, should allow The Royal Ballet to enter a new period of growth and achievement.' Ross Stretton commented: 'My great ambition is to contribute to the future of ballet, to ensure that ballet remains an exciting and relevant art form. The Royal Ballet is the ideal place to reinvigorate the classical heritage and to develop the art-form further. My present Directorship of The Australian Ballet is both challenging and inspiring, and I want to achieve a great deal more in my remaining time with this wonderful company. At the same time, I look forward to working with The Royal Ballet, to building on the Company's extraordinary artistic heritage, and to leading the Company to a creative and exciting future. I wish to pay tribute to Anthony Dowell for bringing the Company through a difficult period and guiding it triumphantly in its beautiful new home.'
Ends
ROSS STRETTON
Ross Stretton was born in Canberra and trained at The Australian Ballet School. On graduation he joined the corps de ballet of The Australian Ballet and two years later he was promoted to Soloist. In 1976 he became a Principal Artist, dancing the leading roles in all the classical ballets in the repertory and creating roles in many contemporary works. While Sir Robert Helpmann was Artistic Director of the company, he awarded Ross Stretton a scholarship to study in New York for three months. Inspired by the challenges and excitement of this experience, Ross Stretton moved to the United States in 1979 and joined The Joffrey Ballet in New York. Mikhail Baryshnikov invited him to dance as a guest artist in American Ballet Theatre's 1980-81 season, and subsequently asked him to join American Ballet Theatre permanently. As a Principal Artist with American Ballet Theatre, Ross Stretton danced leading roles in all the classics. He also performed in a wide range of contemporary works and in new works by international choreographers. During his time with American Ballet Theatre, he toured internationally with 'Baryshnikov and Company' for many years, and appeared extensively as a guest artist with other companies in the United States and abroad. Ross Stretton retired from dancing in May 1990 when he was invited to take the position of Assistant to the Directors of American Ballet Theatre. He was made Régisseur of the company in September 1991 and Assistant Director from 1993. Ross Stretton was appointed Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet from January 1997. Since then he also has been appointed Artistic Director of The Dancers Company. As Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, Ross Stretton's aim is "to create a company that touches people's hearts and minds, and overwhelms them with its physicality".
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Stuart Sweeney |
14-03-00, 08:28 PM (GMT)
|
|
8. "RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director" |
Ross Stretton gave a short interview on BBC Radio 4's 'Front Row' to-day, Tuesday, on the phone from Australia. The general theme was one of innovation. Some of his comments in paraphrase were:- My job is to revitalise classical ballet and ensure that it has a life and moves forward.
- I need to look more closely, but there seem to be gaps in the repertoire, no Duato, Kylian, Tharp (I think he said Tharp, which is puzzling as the RB has two of her works, one good, one.......). It would be a shame not to bring them in, ballet is a moving art form, I don't want to be a museum curator.
- (In answer to a question re. all 3 of the senior members of ROH staff being non-British) Being British is not the issue. I can bring a fresh eye and I've been chosen for my ability. But I acknowledge that I have to take on board a sense of Englishness. A very short interview, without time to go into details, but it's interesting that he chose to talk about contemporary rep. Not really surprising when you see the balance of the Australian Ballet rep. and the joint production with Bengarra Dance Theatre. No mention of Ashton or MacMillan, but Australian Ballet do have Manon. I wonder if he has ever danced or directed an Ashton work? My guess (wild as always) is that we are going to see a number of international commisions, if the money is available.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Bruce M |
14-03-00, 09:18 PM (GMT)
|
|
10. "RE: Ross Stretton radio interview" |
He did mention Tharp.I found it a strange interview in that he has yet to 'unpack' the Royal and does not know it's rep. While they don't have much Tharp or Duato, they do have work by each and therfore odd that of his list of 3 choreographers not represented, 2 should be factually wrong. Its not clear if he choose to talk about contemporary rep or the questioning perhaps led that way - unfortunately I could not record it. But it was certainly on his mind that's for sure. Kaiser, talking for the search committee, always spoke of the RB being like a museum with 3 wings - 19th classical, 20th century heritage (Ashton, MacMillan etc) and modern/contemporary and that all 3 wings had equal significance and that whoever got the job would need to nurture all three. Interesting then that Stretton should talk about not wanting to be a museum curator! As Stuart says it was a short chat (as broadcast anyway) and I suspect that in longer interviews he will talk up the other 'wings' rather more - indeed if he doesn't that would probably be cause for particular concern. Stretton talked slowly and deliberately - no feeling of a ball of fire I thought. But he seemed engaging and to able to have chuckle once or twice - an accessible chap. There will be a rash of interviews over the next few weeks and it will be interesting to gauge his more rounded, if initial, thoughts on the company.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Jeannie |
14-03-00, 10:49 PM (GMT)
|
|
11. "RE: Ross Stretton radio interview" |
Ross Stretton danced leading roles in all of the Kenneth MacMillan works in ABT's rep during his dancing days in the 1980s. You may recall that MacMillan was an Artistic Associate of ABT during that decade. There is less Ashton than MacMillan in the ABT tradition but there was some Ashton during Stretton's years with ABT - Les Rendezvous, Symphonic Variations, Birthday Offering, etc. In other words, Ross Stretton is no novice to Ashton or MacMillan....certainly not to MacMillan.Was the ca-1991 documentary film about ABT, titled BALLET, ever shown in Great Britain? It was aired on the US public TV network, PBS, around 1993. The film chronicled a year in the life of ABT during the post-Baryshnikov economic doldrums, with Jane Hermann at the helm. Stretton is featured somewhat-prominently in the film as a firm but gentle administrator--the person responsible for auditioning & interviewing young dancers vying for positions in the company. The "candid camera" shows Stretton, in several instances, talking one-on-one with the young candidates. I was VERY impressed with the gentle, non-treatening manner in which he dealt with the very tough matter of giving the bad news to the aspirants. If he has maintained this gentle-but-firm manner through the years & built upon it, then I think that it bodes well for his relations with dancers & other RB personnel. I highly recommend viewing this video, if you are interested in seeing Ross Stretton in his early years as a manager.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Stuart Sweeney |
15-03-00, 06:15 AM (GMT)
|
|
14. "RE: Ross Stretton radio interview" |
Good to hear about the Ashton link. Thanks Jeannie.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Gatarina |
15-03-00, 00:16 AM (GMT)
|
|
12. "RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director" |
I was at a meeting where Ross Stretton talked about his appointment to the RB and the Australian Ballet this year. He seemed to be very happy about his appointed although he mentioned that he did not apply for the position. It was obvious the other members of the Australian ballet had a great respect for him by the things they said about him.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
grace |
15-03-00, 05:44 AM (GMT)
|
|
13. "RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director" |
thanks so much to everyone for all of these very interesting links.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Bruce M |
15-03-00, 08:40 AM (GMT)
|
|
16. "RE: Ross Stretton is new RB Artistic Director" |
Gatarina, Grace... do you know if there are any more links out in Aus about the appointment or the Stretton style... is there any truth in the love child with Madonna story for example!!! (just joshing Ross!)
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Bruce M |
15-03-00, 08:37 AM (GMT)
|
|
15. "Links on 15th" |
LAST EDITED ON 20-Mar-00 AT 08:18 PM (GMT)
Note and apology to Ismene Brown: This posting has been modified to withdraw a comment we made questioning whether Ms Brown had the first interview with Ross Stretton. We would seem to be clearly mistaken in making the comment and unreservedly apologise. Ed
More links on the new RB artistic director... Good balance required. Ross Stretton, the next Royal Ballet boss, tells Judith Mackrell his plans:
www.newsunlimited.co.uk/arts/story/0,3604,146906,00.html
(*) 'I think the Royal Ballet needs revitalising - and remotivating'. In his first interview since his surprise appointment yesterday, Royal Ballet's new director Ross Stretton tells Ismene Brown his plans:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk:80/et?ac=000148269364269&rtmo=3wxB8uuM&atmo=99999999&pg=/et/00/3/15/btisme15.html Surprise choice lands top ballet job. BY DEBRA CRAINE:
http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/tim/00/03/15/timnwsnws01002.html Stretton's leap from dance hinterland to heartland. By VALERIE LAWSON (of The Sydney Morning Herald):
http://www.smh.com.au/news/0003/15/text/national7.html as I write the Evening Standard site is down - hopefully we will find something there later. Also the FT does not seem to ave anything as yet - it's probably me! (*) have to copy and paste Guardian/Observer URLs
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Bruce Wall |
15-03-00, 01:01 PM (GMT)
|
|
18. "RE: Links on 15th" |
The selection of Ross Stretton is an interesting one and, I think, stears a safe middle course. I remember Mr. Stretton from his time as a dancer with ABT and his was certainly a quietly competent career as a DANCER in that company. Not that this will in any way reflect on his abilities as a director. Indeed, it may well enhance them! It was interesting to note that the only negative comment in the Australian reports was a one from the dancers themselves who said he spent too much time on administration. Most Directors have wanted to push that aspect into a far corner. To my mind this is a most encouraging sign in terms of the overall concern for detail which surely must define any of these particular posts. Stretton's selection will, of course, further enforce the connection with ABT, without threatening the RB root, which has of late proved great value in terms of guest artists and I'm certain that the RB may well see segments of subsequent ABT repertory brought in post that which Dowell, himself, was quick to establish from his own, adagio rich ABT tenure. Amongst those pieces were included Makarova's Bayadere, Push and the Don Q. The world as ever seems to be getting smaller and with the increasing IT hold taking over all in current sight, I don't think it can be too very long until the simularities between the various great national balletic stalwarts become more global in their scope and choreographic generosity. In that regard, Ballanchine, too, it seems lead the way - teaching so much of the world to dance by virtue of the generous distribution of his enormous canon without cost being a major barrier.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Ann Williams |
16-03-00, 03:45 AM (GMT)
|
|
19. "RE: Links on 15th" |
Re. Ross Stretton's surprise appointment, I am currently on holiday here in Oz and learned about it yesterday from the respected daily national "The Australian". Bruce may be interested to know that the piece commenced with the words ' "Sounds like we will need to cultivate our Australian ballet chums" comments Bruce M. on the Royal Ballet's website" '. (Once again Ballet.co is seen as the RB's website!).I'm currently in cyclone-threatened Port Douglas but return to Sydney tomorow and I'll be trying to get tickets for AB's new 'Nutcracker' next week. If I get them I'll do a review. G'dye!
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Bruce M |
16-03-00, 11:16 AM (GMT)
|
|
22. "RE: Links on 15th" |
You sweet thing - thanks for saying. Look forward to the review
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Helen Watson |
16-03-00, 10:40 AM (GMT)
|
|
21. "RE: Links on 16th" |
I have the Australian ballet's "Nutcracker" on video, which I'd recommend to anyone, and I'd love to see it live. It is a new and intriguing conception, which loses pace once or twice, but overall has a satisfying story and a great deal of interest in the dancing itself.
Another AB video, really excellent if you can get it, is their traditional style "Coppelia", with Lisa Pavane and Greg Horsman.
It's great to catch up with the news at your web site - thank you.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
bill |
16-03-00, 09:38 PM (GMT)
|
|
24. "RE: Ross Stretton/AB" |
Someone told me today that Ross Stretton said recently that it would be his job to get the Royal Ballet "off their fat butts"? Does anyone know when or where he said it, or if he said it at all?
|
|
|
Top |
| |
Questions or problems regarding this bulletin board should be
directed to
Bruce Marriott
©1997-1999 by DCScripts.
All rights reserved. |
|
Email this topic to a friend
Printer-friendly version of this topic
![http://www.austballet.telstra.com.au/artistic_director/images/gr_stretton.jpg"](http://www.austballet.telstra.com.au/artistic_director/images/gr_stretton.jpg"){kind=link}
![http://www.realmech.com/ballet/img/artdir2.jpg"](http://www.realmech.com/ballet/img/artdir2.jpg"){kind=link}