Interview
Jonathan Stafford and Wendy Whelan – New York City Ballet
- The New York City Ballet anticipates continuing its operation as a living cultural institution for the foreseeable future, positioning itself at the forefront of classical ballet with the expectation that the repertory will remain alive and resonate for centuries.
- Strategic plans include advancing beyond a museum-like preservation of Balanchine and Robbins by commissioning new works that complement the existing high-level repertory, avoiding productions deemed "too far out."
- The company intends to evaluate future choreographers based on their readiness, past collaboration experience, personality, ability to collaborate, clarity of movement vocabulary, and understanding of music, while ensuring new pieces do not stray too far from the company's core identity.
- Expectations for artistic output suggest that new ballets will be most successful when dancers have input and can infuse the work with their own personality, a process supported by bringing back former stars to provide additional detail, energy, and original essence.
- The organization plans to upgrade its wellness program to include access to mental health professionals, substance abuse specialists, nutritionists, and body image support, alongside a commitment to removing stigmas regarding emotional and physical issues.
- Management aims to improve inter-departmental communication and establish a platform where dancers receive support and are treated as human beings without the fear that personal struggles will negatively impact casting decisions.
- Future programming includes bringing new commissions forward to ensure the art form does not remain stuck in the past, while simultaneously continuing to present classical works and educational materials, such as famous epic novels, to expand audience perspectives.