London’s Royal Ballet has been on a down cycle for a number of years. And lots of turmoil. Into the mix walks the company’s new artistic director Ross Stretton. He’s been given a mandate for big change. “Working in Mr. Stretton’s favor is that he was not around in the late 1990’s, when the Royal Ballet went through prolonged misery during the closure and reconstruction of the Royal Opera House.” Still, it’s likely to be a bumpy ride. The New York Times 12/22/01 (one-time registration required for access)