Re: Artistic Director Position available

    

Written by Rob Davidson at / am 27 Mar 2000 10:02:08:

As an answer to: Artistic Director Position available written by Ballet Arkansas at / am 11 Feb 2000 04:32:43:

>Ballet Arkansas has a professional company incorporated for over 25 years.  Seeking an artistic director as of July 1, 2000.  Responsibilities include production of 4 full performances in 2000-01 season, teaching, choreography, and community outreach.  Works with full time academy director which currently has over 200 students.  Hoping to expand professional program with exciting new programs to community.  Send resume or questions to bosshq@aol.com or 5210 Sherwood Rd., Little Rock, AR  72207.  

To whom it may concern,

I am extremely troubled by this advertisement for an artistic director for Ballet Arkansas.  I was under the impression that the company HAS an artistic director of national prominence.  In my personal experience Mr. Kurt Hathaway has demonstrated brilliant skills as a choreographer and director.  The immaculate technique and classical artistry with which his students take the stage is a testament to his talent in the classroom.I have had the honor of working with the company on three separate occasions:1) Staged "Postmark Graceland"2) Staged "Left the Building" and taught master classes.3) Guest Performer in 1999 Nutcracker

I have seen a small regional company grow in talent and quality of product during Mr. Hathaway's tenure.  I realize that tensions can lead to what may sometimes seem like insurmountable differences, but I felt that it is important that those seeking a new artistic director take a sincere and heartfelt look at thier current artistic director through the eyes of someone with another perspective.I am a professional dance dancer, teacher, and choreographer currently on faculty at Stephens College.  I feel my experience in the field qualifies my opinion in this matter. (If you would like references I can provide them.)  I will not claim to know everything about the situation in Little Rock.  The following is what I do know:1) Kurt & Linda Hathaway's contracts will not be renewed2) One of the complaints is that Mr. Hathwaway is not "filling the Theatre" with people.3) Ballet Arkansas could use someone with a "fresh approach"

As you can see, the dance community is a tight knit group and news travels fast!

Before I address the above complaints, allow me to give an outside view of what Kurt has brought to Little Rock and Ballet Akansas:1) He and has wife have built up a strong academy of extremely well trained students.2) They have attracted other professionals to come to Little Rock either as full time dancers or as guest artists.3) He has gained respect and admiration for the company throughout the Southwest Regional Ballet Association.4) He hosted an amazingly successful SWRBA Festival in Little Rock.

These are only a few of the many accomlpichments Kurt has made through the years as artistic director of Ballet Arkansas.  Kurt is my friend and I am obviously writing in his defense. (I would be surprised if I am the first!)But I do not want this to be perceived as a "venting against the evil Board of Directors" letter.  I have done this long enough to know that we all get frustrated and angry.  If we are honest, our egos get hurt and many times we become so blinded by our emotions that working through problems and communicating are no longer part of our agenda.  It is at these times that we are prone to allowing situations to escalate beyond proportion.  I know that I have made better decisions in similar circumstances when I have been blessed enough to have a friend remind me to step back and reevaluate the situation in terms of what the goals are.  I have no doubt that the Board of Directors wants to see Ballet Arkansas grow and flourish.  I know that the Board of Directors is making decisions based on what they perceive will help Ballet Arkansas thrive in the future. I know that the Board of Directors' current course of action is not fueled by personal feelings or Heaven forbid, "casting issues" which are the first sign of a recital-minded parent run organization as opposed to a professional dance company.  (The previous statements are cynically to the point.  While they will result in some resentment and possibly anger, please be honest as to whether or not they pertain Ballet Arkansas.)If we can proceed on the assumption that after the initial emotions have settled that everyone on the Board wants to see Ballet Arkansas grow and thrive, then I think some important facts should be considered:1) Ballet Arkansas benefits from the fact that Mr. Hathaway's wife Linda is a phenominal dancer as well as a wonderful teacher!  The company has a built in principal ballerina as well as academy director which is of both artistic and financial value.  While Mrs. Hathaway may draw a salary I doubt Ballet Arkansas would be able to pay someone who were not "attached" to the artistic director enough to move to Little Rock.  2) Mr. Hathaway is a brilliantly talented choreographer.  If a person doesn't ever get to see other jewels, they do not realize how bright the diamond they possess shines.  You truly have a diamond!  He is passionate about that company.  Like all of us, he may not be perfect.  But I would think it will be next to impossible to find someone with his qualifications, talent, and energy for what the Board can offer.3) Mr. Hathaway is from the South and understands the culture.  I have seen on several occasions an artistic director with fine credentials come into a community and make short work of alienating everyone because they do not know how to relate to the people.  Kurt does a great job of balancing a high professional standard with the needs and desires of the Little Rock community.  I know that Ballet Arkansas has had an ex-ABT dancer,(Laura I believe), serving as part time ballet mistress during the past season.  It is my understanding that some members of the Board have been led to believe that there are many things that could be done in a more professional manner.  This is probably true.  Are the members of the board willing to raise the money for Ballet Arkansas to employ the staff that a company such as American Ballet Theatre has at their disposal?  With everything that Mr. Hathaway has to juggle to get a production on stage I can say with all confidence that he is doing a most professional job!!!!!!!I will close now.  I realize that this letter may be disregarded as a complaint from one of Kurt's friends.  I only hope that the Board of Directors will read every word that I have written knowing that I freely admit I am Kurt's friend and that I am TOTALLY BIASED.  I am biased towards the success of dance and talented artists sharing with communities.  I care deeply about the survival and growth of Ballet Arkansas and about my dear friend Linda, Kurt, David, and the little Hathaway that is on the way.  I have not spent the last hour and a half responding to your add in order to vent or to make the Board of Directors angry.  With all due respect and sincerity, I ask you to talk with Kurt.  I know that underneath all of the frustration and emotion, everyone involved has a passion for Ballet Arkansas.  

Very truly yours,

Rob Davidson