Julie Kent Has an Amazing New Job

March 7, 2016

Well, this is one of the best ways we can think of to celebrate International Women’s Day!

The wonderful Julie Kent—former American Ballet Theatre principal and, odds are, one of your all-time ballerina idols—has just been named artistic director of The Washington Ballet. And it’s a family affair: Kent’s husband, fellow former ABT principal and longtime ABT associate artistic director Victor Barbee, will join her at TWB as associate artistic director.

(Kent photographed by Ken Browar and Deborah Ory/NYC Dance Project)

Why is that a brilliant move? One, because Kent—who danced with ABT for 29 years, longer than any other company member—has a profoundly deep knowledge of ballet. In addition to being an exceptional performer, she’s a gifted teacher and coach; she has a lot of wisdom to share. Two, because the ballet world desperately needs more women in leadership roles. And there are few more natural leaders than the ballerina we’ve collectively looked up to for so many years.

So, what changes do Kent and Barbee have in store for TWB? Will the company take on more of the large classical works that ABT is known for? Will its school adopt ABT’s National Training Curriculum? It’s not clear yet (though there’s a press conference at noon today that may answer some of those questions). But we’re excited to see what’s next.

Congratulations, Julie—and happy #IWD2016, everybody!


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