Pennsylvania Ballet Dismisses Long-Time Artistic Leaders

The New York Times has confirmed that following Angel Corella's appointment as the Pennsylvania Ballet's new Artistic Director last month, the company has fired a slew of long-time artistic employees.

Per The Times, the Pennsylvania Ballet "has dismissed Jeffrey Gribler, who was ballet master, and Tamara Hadley, who was ballet mistress, as well as William DeGregory, who was director of the company's ballet school and the Pennsylvania Ballet II training company. Michael Sheridan, the assistant to the artistic director, and others in the company's marketing and fund-raising departments were also let go. Most of those who were fired had been with the company for most of their careers."

Corella said to The Philadelphia Inquirer: "I'm sure the people were great, but it was about the team you feel comfortable with. Energy is important in an arts organization. If you are comfortable, everything will fall into place."

The staff was reportedly let go Monday, with their replacements already hired and posted on the company's website.

Pennsylvania Ballet receives support from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts - a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency - and The Philadelphia Cultural Fund.

Founded in 1963 by Balanchine student and protégée Barbara Weisberger, Pennsylvania Ballet is one of the nation's leading ballet companies. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the Company's annual local season features six programs of classic favorites and new works, including the Philadelphia holiday tradition, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker.