Last week, ballet’s perpetual problem child had his manager summon a non-dance journalist to hear him “explain his recent activity on social media” — a series of Instagram posts that basically wrecked his career. Simon Hattenstone went, and Polunin explained — in his way. And no, he doesn’t regret anything. – The Guardian
Creating A Ballet For The Met Museum Galleries
“As his work for seven dancers moves from darkness (the staid and somber Assyrian Court) to tranquility (the meditative Chinese Garden Court) and finally lightness (a bright court in the American Wing), [he] takes the audience on a journey laced with history and spirituality.” Gia Kourlas talks with New York City Ballet corps member Silas Farley about his new piece, Songs from the Spirit. – The New York Times
‘I’d Write Another Opera In A Minute. Just Not This Minute,’ Says Nico Muhly
David Patrick Stearns talks with the youthful 37-year-old composer about his new organ concerto (titled Register), the operas he’s written already, the massive amounts of music he’s churned out, and what he’s learned about his mental health. – The Philadelphia Inquirer
From House Arrest, With No Internet, Kirill Serebrennikov Is Still Directing Operas
“Serebrennikov, the enfant terrible of Russian theatre, cinema and ballet, has been shuttered in his apartment for two years, accused of embezzlement in what his followers consider politically motivated charges.” But he’s now finishing his third opera staging under these conditions — an updated Verdi Nabucco in Hamburg. Thank heaven for USB sticks. – Yahoo! (AFP)
Evidence The Arts Help Struggling Students Do Better
Overall, the researchers found no significant differences in the amount of content the kids retained, regardless of which version of the lessons they received. But the arts-infused approach had a positive effect on “struggling readers.” Ten weeks later, those kids “remembered significantly more science content learned through the arts” than those who were taught using conventional methods. – Pacific Standard
Art Institute Of Seattle To Close This Week, Leaving 600 Students Stranded
The closure comes after months of troubles that seeped into public view.In October, the Art Institute of Seattle laid off most of its full-time faculty as Dream Center announced 18 of the 31 Art Institutes campuses would close by the end of last year, including the Portland campus. WSAC notified Art Institute of Seattle campus director Lindsey Morgan Oliger of the school’s “at-risk” designation on Jan. 10 and prohibited it from enrolling new students. – Seattle Times
Laurie Anderson At 71
“As an artist I like to understand how things work. I only refer to that in my performances, because I hate it when people say, “You should do this, you should do that.” I never try to do that. I provoke, I put some little things in to consider. That’s the best I can do.” – Van
The Latest From Ed Partyka
The power and imagination in his composing and arranging have made Ed Partyka a major contributor to the European big band scene. The Ed Partyka Jazz Orchestra’s two most recent albums reflect a distinct musical personality and, often, his relaxed and refreshing approach to serious music. – Doug Ramsey
Arts Degrees Cost UK Taxpayer 30% More Than Engineering Degrees, Says Study
“Including drama and music, creative arts degrees are studied by approximately 37,000 young people in England each year. Taxpayers provide more to students who study these courses because they typically earn less than other degrees and therefore pay back less of their loans. The [Institute for Fiscal Studies’] report claims because of this, taxpayers spend about 30% more on arts degrees than on the equivalent engineering courses.” – The Stage
Pianist Jacques Loussier, Who Brought Jazz Style To Bach, Dead At 84
“The combination of Bach’s elegant contrapuntal melodies with jazz swing had instant commercial appeal. [Loussier’s LP release] Play Bach No. 1 proved a runaway hit and two follow-up releases were equally popular. A subsequent European concert tour was so successful that the Jacques Loussier Trio continued to tour for 15 years, during which they sold more than 6 million albums.” – The Telegraph (UK)
Global Engagement
I began pondering issues related to community engagement almost 30 years ago. What has become clear to me is that the economic pressures faced by institutions presenting Eurocentric art forms are, throughout the world, forcing greater attention on spreading the reach of those arts. Community engagement is, to my mind, the best available means of doing so. – Doug Borwick