Dance Critic to Grand Dames: Quit Yer Kvetchin’ (Today’s Dancers Are Better Than You Were)

Judith Mackrell: “There’s no doubting the heroic stamina and toughness of generations like theirs but it is important to point out that ballet has itself got tougher. In the 21st century, dancers – like athletes and sportspeople – are pushed to higher levels of achievement, speed and strength. They also dance a much more varied repertory than Lynne and Grey ever did.”

‘There’s a Sort of Roundhead Bullshit Around Culture’, Says New Almeida Director Rupert Goold

“I’m a populist, basically. I think a lot of culture is boring, and I like people to have a good time at my shows. There’s a sort of Roundhead bullshit around culture: the more serious and difficult it is, the more it hurts you and your audience, the more worthwhile it is. It’s a form of bullying.” (Note to Americans: “Roundhead” = “Puritan”)

And What Does The New Artistic Director of the Ground Zero Center Have in Mind?

David Lan: “What we’re really not doing is transplanting the Young Vic to downtown Manhattan, but we are starting from the same position we started 14-15 years ago. Let’s think about who is there, let’s think about the work we want to make, let’s think who we want to talk to.”

Top Posts From AJBlogs 02.12.14

“The Creative Economy,” and Malcolm Cowley
Source: CultureCrash | Published on 2014-02-12

Will Venice Get An Islamic Art Museum? Free?
Source: Real Clear Arts | Published on 2014-02-13

Flying with Broken Wings
Source: Dancebeat | Published on 2014-02-13

Under the Influence: Pawel Althamer’s States of Consciousness at New Museum (with video)
Source: CultureGrrl | Published on 2014-02-12

And
Source: Engaging Matters | Published on 2014-02-12

 

 

 

[ssba_hide]