Tag: 09.07.01

The new artistic director of Boston Ballet is 39-year-old Finnish dancer and choreographer Mikko Nissinen. He seems to be “a born impresario, whose dream of leading a major troupe could give Boston’s stumbling dance company the energy and elan it needs. Nissinen… will commute between Boston and Calgary until his contract with the Alberta Ballet runs out next June.” Boston Globe 09/07/01

He thinks the Ballet should be a leader among dance companies in the United States, performing repertory that cannot be seen elsewhere. He wants the Ballet to tour internationally, and he would like its school to become an example for others across the country. He also intends to cultivate choreographers from within the company. Boston Herald 09/07/01

Nissinen, 39, has had a stormy tenure with Alberta Ballet. “His appointment makes him the youngest artistic director of any American or Canadian troupe of comparable size.” National Post 09/07/01