Author: Douglas McLennan

Guest-star invitations aren’t just for stars anymore. Increasingly, members of big companies are asked to come and guest with smaller dance groups. For lesser members of big companies, such invitations give them opportunities to grow. The New York Times 08/27/01 (one-time registration required for access)

It’s been a year since the Cleveland San Jose Ballet closed in Cleveland, and departed to be reborn in Silicon Valley. So does that mean dance is dead in Cleveland? No – here and there are stirrings… Cleveland Plain Dealer 08/26/01

Despite numerous attempts, Los Angeles has never supported a major dance company. Now another effort – but this one is starting small and hoping to build big through the community. Los Angeles Times 08/26/01

A list of 100 dance greats is an opportunity to hear what those greats thought/think about the power of dance. The New York Times 08/26/01 (one-time registration required for access)

Even while the Scottish Home Office has ordered deposed Scottish Ballet director Robert North to leave the country, the Scottish arts minister is supporting North. “There has been cross-party support at the Scottish Parliament for Mr North, who still has one year of his contract left to run before the transformation of Scottish Ballet into a contemporary dance group begins.” Glasgow Herald 08/25/01

Is Finnish choreographer Mikko Nissinen about to become artistic director of Boston Ballet? Last week Nissinen quit as head of Alberta Ballet, and he’s widely assumed to be Boston bound. Boston will admit only that Nissinen’s been interviewed along with “several other candidates.” Boston Globe 08/24/01

Scottish Ballet dancers are supporting ousted director Robert North, saying he was not to blame for the company’s woes. “The dancers believe there was no audience for contemporary dance outwith the Edinburgh Festival and specialised showcases such as the annual New Moves event. The Scotsman 08/23/01

Last week the Scottish Ballet informed Robert North it wouldn’t be renewing his contract as artistic director. Now North has been told by the Scottish government he has to leave the country within eight days or he’ll be thrown in prison… Glasgow Herald 08/22/01

A dancer on tour in Caracas with the National Ballet of Georgia was killed by bandits on his way home after a performance this week. The death was the latest in a crime wave that has swept Venezuela. New Jersey Online (AP) 08/21/01

With so many dance companies falling apart when their founders are no longer there to guide things, it’s refreshing to see one that has made a seemingly effortless transition. Hubbard Street Dance Chicago seems to be thriving after Lou Conte, its director of 23 years, moved on. The New York Times 08/20/01 (one-time registration required for access)