Gielgud Leaves Boston Ballet

Dance Magazine, May, 2001 by Janet Weeks

Just eight months ago, the Boston Ballet announced that Maina Gielgud, former director of the Australian Ballet and, briefly, the Royal Danish Ballet, had been selected to lead the troupe. But Gielgud's tenure as artistic director ended before it began. Citing "differences of opinion and a clear mismatch of expectations," Gielgud and the ballet parted ways in late February--four months before she was to take over.

Current Artistic Director Anna-Marie Holmes will remain until the end of June as planned, but will not replace her replacement. "The candidate pool will be created from the ground up and may or may not include candidates considered during the previous search," says Jeffrey Babcock, Boston Ballet's chief executive officer and general director.

Gielgud says she gave notice after it became clear that the Ballet's "high ambitions" weren't presently attainable. She also says the Ballet's refusal to give her budget parameters for 2001-2002 made her job of planning the season impossible. News reports claimed she and the Ballet clashed over her demands for more funds. But Gielgud says she offered to work with a much restricted budget if "the limits had been clearly defined and guaranteed." Ballet administrators declined to discuss details of her departure.

Gielgud left less than a week after eleven Boston Ballet dancers were told that their contracts wouldn't be renewed. But both Gielgud and the ballet administration claim there's no connection. "The decision took place without my consent," says Gielgud. "My signature wasn't on any of the release papers. I'm really sorry not to work with the dancers," she says, speaking of her own departure. "I was looking forward to it and I think they were, too."

Babcock also says Gielgud's leaving had nothing to do with the contracts: "AGMA requires the ballet to notify dancers who are not going to be re-engaged for the next season by mid-February. The coincidence is purely one of timing."

Gielgud plans to return to London, where she will try to take up some of the teaching and coaching engagements she had cancelled when named artistic director designate.

Meanwhile, Boston Ballet announced that Jorden Morris, ballet master and artistic coordinator, was appointed ballet master in chief. He oversaw auditions for new dancers in March. Jonathan McPhee, the company's music director and conductor, is serving as interim artistic coordinator and will oversee repertoire selection for the upcoming season.