Frederick Ashton News

In celebration of Pride month, Backstage Babble is releasing a series of episodes with LGBT artists that fulfill it's mission-painting a picture of what it has been like to be gay in the theater world from the 1950s up until the present day. It is hosted by 13-year old Charles Kirsch.

Following the recent presentation of works by Crystal Pite and Kyle Abraham, George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, The Royal Ballet continues to share a broad range of classics and new work across this Season and into the next, shining a light on the Company's rich history and vibrant future as it turns 90. 

Broadway's Lawrence Leritz will discuss the topic 'Success As A Dancer,' as he joins the free livestream event ONE-HOUR SERIES - to be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube on Sunday, June 13 at 5pm EST.

The Royal Ballet announces today that First Soloist Beatriz Stix-Brunell is to leave the Company after 11 years. In a move that was deferred due to the global pandemic, she leaves at the end of the Season to begin her academic career at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.

The season includes five world premieres from The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, classic revivals and a roster of international and UK talent performing across the two stages of the Royal Opera House.

English National Ballet School has announced plans for the future including its new Young Choreographers showcase, repertoire for its Summer Performance and an update on its home.  

San Francisco Ballet has announced Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer Helgi Tomasson’s farewell season in 2022, celebrating Tomasson’s remarkable 37-year tenure leading the Company.

At a gala lunch held today attended by hundreds of ballet lovers, David McAllister AM, the immediate past Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, was surprised when the event took a turn and became “David McAllister This Is Your Life”.  The lunch entitled “Celebrating David McAllister AM with a little help from his Friends” was a joyous occasion with many surprise guests.

SF Ballet School Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson and Director Patrick Armand will present the virtual SF Ballet School Virtual Festival on Thursday, June 17, 2021, beginning at 6 pm PDT with dinner at a virtual table followed by a 7 pm PDT program.

Texas Ballet Theater has announced the appointment of Elise and Rhodes Elliott, retired Houston Ballet dancers, to faculty and staff positions within Texas Ballet Theater School. Elise Elliott will join TBT as School Business Manager and Rhodes Elliott will be the new Advanced and Professional Training Division Instructor.

The Royal Opera House will continue its #OurHousetoYourHouse programme, featuring online broadcasts that can be accessed by audiences around the world for just £3.  

Kevin McKenzie today announced his retirement as Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre at the end of 2022, following three decades of leadership. He will oversee ABT’s creation of new works and performances throughout 2021 and 2022, ensuring ABT’s vitality and artistic integrity, while working with the Board of Governing Trustees to provide a seamless transition to the Company’s next Artistic Director.

Kevin McKenzie today announced his retirement as Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre at the end of 2022, following three decades of leadership. He will oversee ABT’s creation of new works and performances throughout 2021 and 2022, ensuring ABT’s vitality and artistic integrity, while working with the Board of Governing Trustees to provide a seamless transition to the Company’s next Artistic Director.

Lawrence Leritz joins the free livestream event 'One-Hour Series' - to be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube on Monday, March 29 at 7pm EST.

Check out this week's list of new and upcoming releases, including Live Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero, Once On This Island on orange vinyl, R&H Goes Pop!, and more!

The Royal Opera House has shared early plans for its 2021/22 Season, the first full Royal Opera House Season since 2019.   

The Royal Opera House will continue its #OurHouseToYourHouse programme, featuring online broadcasts that can be accessed by audiences around the world for just £3.  

Need something new to read, watch, or listen to? Check out this week's list of new and upcoming releases! This week's list includes new music from Andy Karl and Orfeh with Andrew Logan, a debut album from Joshua Henry, a new Randy Rainbow parody, and more!

New York Theatre Ballet will present Between the Acts: Antony Tudor on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 11am ET on Zoom. Taking a look at the life and works of Antony Tudor, this installment of Between the Acts will also feature curator of dance for the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, Jane Pritchard and more.

New York Theatre Ballet School has announced its Summer Intensive from June 28 - July 10, 2021. Providing world class Cecchetti training, the two-week program will be led by Artistic Director Diana Byer, NYTB Principal Dancer Amanda Treiber, plus guest faculty.