Performer: Julie Kent

One of America's greatest ballerinas, turned artistic director, has passed on the tradition of true classical ballet to today's dancers in Washington DC.

Washington Ballet's Giselle under the new directorship of Julie Kent

American Ballet Theatre revives Lar Lubovitch's 1997 Othello with Marcelo Gomes, Julie Kent, James Whiteside, and Stella Abrera in the lead roles. Unfortunately, the formidable dancing and acting could not survive the calamitous score. 

ABT has always been a place where stars shine brightest and this night had a whole constellation of them.

Change is in the air at Ballet San Jose, and Saturday night’s star-studded gala to welcome new artistic director José Manuel Carreño proved this in a big way.

If you’re a regular theatergoer you may notice a discreet sign in the lobby when you show your ticket at the door. A slip of paper inserted in your program catches your eye, “In this evening’s performance of Giselle, the role of...” Your heart sinks: an understudy.No one wants to hear that a cast member in any production is unable to perform, especially not when it’s due to injury.