Los Angeles Ballet: Why has it Become a Revolving Door of Dancers?

Jaw Cooper

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In this week's print edition, dance critic Laura Bleiberg observes that while the five-year-old Los Angeles Ballet is attempting to build a strong classical dance company, which the city has always lacked, it's encountered a bit of a problem: a lot of dancer turnover.

So why is this happening? Economic reasons, for one. But the dancers also cite an unsupportive work environment, which has affected the dancing itself, Bleiberg observes. She writes:

I've noticed a palpable unease in the dancers' performing style that has never gone away. At first, I dismissed it as a byproduct of the ensemble's newness; it takes a while for everyone to feel comfortable onstage together. But the dancers still have that deer-in-the-headlights look, and they perform with an exaggerated caution that suggests they're watching every step.

Read the full story here: L.A. Ballet: Dancer Turnover