6 replies to this topic

[Kate B]

I hope the right place to post is here:

"Darcey Bussell, one of Covent Garden's biggest crowd-pullers and the most popular British ballerina since Margot Fonteyn, announced her retirement as principal dancer with the Royal Ballet yesterday."

from:
The Daily Telegraph

I have always known this would happen sooner or later.  I just hope I get the chance to see her perform again before she goes.  She is, in my opinion, one of the most wonderful dancers I have ever seen.

[Helene]

Her official retirement is June 2006, but she did say she'd remain as a Guest Artist, choosing her rep with care.  There should be opportunities to see her dance beyond the current season.

[Kate B]

I know, but knowing my luck (the last couple of times I have had tickets for performances she was supposed to be in she has been replaced at the last minute) I won't get a chance to!

[ami1436]

Helene's point is important here.  She's continuing through this season.  After that, she's retiring as *principal* with the company and will be Principal Guest Artist - with few contractural obligations and a greater ability to have her own say in both rep and partners (who, at this stage, are increasingly also guest artists).  It also gives her greater flexibility to guest elsewhere.

[richard53dog]

ami1436, on Oct 14 2005, 05:14 PM, said:

Helene's point is important here.  She's continuing through this season.  After that, she's retiring as *principal* with the company and will be Principal Guest Artist - with few contractural obligations and a greater ability to have her own say in both rep and partners (who, at this stage, are increasingly also guest artists).  It also gives her greater flexibility to guest elsewhere.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The whole time I saw Margot Fonteyn (from the late 60s well into the 70s) with the RB she danced under this kind of arrangement.

And I believe she started this well before I saw her, back in the early-mid 60s

This is not to quess how long Bussell will dance on this kind of basis but it could be one season or a couple of them

Richard

[Solor]

I think its great, very classy and cool that she chooses to retire at the top of her game! What a classy dame! Best wishes to her!

[Kate B]

Well, I guess there's hope for me to see her again.

Solor, I like your point particularly.  She is, as you say, a classy dame.