Been reading all the posts about Wendy Whelans farewell and then watched several interviews shes given. A very articulate and thoughtful woman as well as being a great dancer. But got me to thinking...she never even met Balanchine and was faced with forging a career without a true mentor. Wonderful she became the Muse for other choreographers which must have been interesting, but if I had been in her shoes (and time period) I wouldnt have stayed with City Ballet. Balanchine alone was the only reason I was satisfied at City Ballet. His constant high standards...and dry wit...kept me constantly engaged. If he wasnt there I probably would have joined ABT. I was offered a contract there, as well as at the Joffrey, but ABT fostered the star system, which would have appealed to me if it werent for Mr. B. showing me a much higher and sophisticated approach to dance. In those years the Joffrey was even more against the star system than City Ballet (Balanchine loved creating stars...but his stars only) and their rep wasnt interesting to me. At ABT they did more story ballets (which I love) and the classics so that would have worked for me. BUT, luckily for me Mr. B. was alive and well and creating masterpieces right and left. Boy was I lucky he took me under his wing both as a dancer and choreographer. I always remember this good fortune which I can be quite a bore about I know. Mr. B. would have adored Wendy Whelan...I can definitely say that. He loved strong and independent women, with individuality (remember in his day every one of his principal dancers was unique...no two danced even remotely alike) and taste. Wendy has all the qualities that would have attracted him. One can only imagine what the two of them could have done together. In any case, shes a remarkable artist on her own terms...and to paraphrase Sinatra, She did it HER way.
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 02:38:07 +0000
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