ABT soloist Maria Riccetto will join Julio Bocca's company, Ballet Nacional del Sodre, in Uruguay as a Primera Bailarina Invitada (Guest Principal Ballerina) for a year beginning August 1st. Thereafter she will return to ABT.
Congratulations to beautiful Maria. But Honey, don't come back without an ABT principal contract. McKenzie is screwing with the senior soloists, trying to clear the way for lesser dancers and lesser guest artists while at the same time complaining that he doesn't have enough corps dancers and has to insert student dancers from the school. He's screwing with the senior soloists big time. Walk out and don't look back. You are too beautiful, too talented, and too wasted by ABT.
Selfishly, I hate this! Maria has progressed so much in the last few years, and I really enjoy watching her onstage. She is always a perfect balance between a lady and a spitfire. I count myself lucky to have seen one of her Giselles.
But, I truly hope she finds wonderful successes with Bocca's company--and how could she not given her potential and his coaching? ABT's retirees clearly know talent when they see it, and if McKenzie insists upon cherry picking dancers it only serves him (and the audience who eats it up) right when someone else decides to cherry pick the dancers he's left dangling.
Posted by: K | April 22, 2012 at 12:09 AM
You're absolutely right, K. She is one of several soloists who should have been appointed as principal dancer years ago. She is a prime exhibit for McKenzie's criminal waste of the talent that has come his way.
I hope with all my heart that Maria's ABT "sponsor", the former Board Chair Ranieri, completely withdraws all support from ABT unless and until Maria returns as a principal. Why these donors continue to support this lazy, incompetent, and utterly failing management is beyond understanding.
Posted by: Haglund | April 22, 2012 at 12:18 AM