As we begin to usher in the new year, let us take a step back and look at some of the events and stories that have happened in 2011, in the world of dance!
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| Lucinda Dunn |
On the 29th July 2011, Lucinda Dunn, Principle Dancer of the Australian Ballet celebrated her 20th year with the company. Having joined the Australian Ballet at the tender age of 17 in 1991, she has risen through the ranks and established herself as Australia's darling of the ballet stage. Let us hope for more performances and more years to come from this talented Aussie.
In that same month, across the globe the Royal Ballet named Monica Mason's successor to the Directorship for 2012 - Kevin O'Hare, the Administrative Director. This next year will prove to bring some exciting times for this prestigious company.
In September, New Zealand dancers welcomed their famous American superstar of dance, Ethan Stiefel and partner Gillian Murphy as Artistic Director to the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
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| Natalia Osipova and partner, Ivan Vasiliev defect |
November proved to be a memorable and dramatic month for Russian audiences (and for the Kirov in particular) with the departure of Natalia Osipova and partner, Ivan Vasilev whom both opted to join the Bolshoi. That same month, the Bolshoi snapped up American dancer, David Hallberg - whom made history as the first American to be under contract at the esteemed Russian company!
More closer to home, Launceston's Princess Theatre turned 100 and the Tasmanian Academy of Dance celebrated its 21st year.
2011 bid farewell to some dancers as they hung up their "pointing boots" for the last time...
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| Kirsty Martin retires |
The Australian Ballet said goodbye to two of their Principle Dancers - Kirsty Martin and Robert Curran. The American Ballet Theatre also said goodbye to their star, José Carreno in August.
On the flip-side some dancers found 2011 to be the year of progress with promotions.
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| Amber Scott of the Australian Ballet |
The Australian Ballet promoted the gamine looking Amber Scott to its highest rank, including Leanne Stojmenov and Andrew Killian. Across the globe, the American Ballet Theatre promoted Isabella Boylston to soloist. In London, the Royal Ballet promoted 21 year old Japanese dancer, Akane Takada and 28 year old Leeds dancer, Emma Maguire to soloist.
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| Roland Petit RIP ~ |
French choreographer, Roland Petit passed away in July at the age of 87. Petit was responsible for creating over a hundred ballets and had once upon a time been Artistic Director to the Paris Opera Ballet.
Alexander Grant, a founding member of the Sadlers Wells Ballet also passed this year, he was once Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada in the 1970s.
Overall, 2011 has been packed full of events - good and bad, the year has been punctuated with highs and lows. As we take a moment to remember all that has happened, let us prepare for the new year and hope it brings with it more joy, happiness and more dance!!!
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