Janet Lorre, chief executive and executive director of the American Ballet Theater, has stepped down after 17 months, a week before the start of the summer season, the company announced Wednesday.
Lorre, who has led the company through the turmoil of the pandemic, offered no explanation for his retirement, only saying he would focus on serving corporate and nonprofit boards.
“I am honored and grateful for the experience to lead such a prestigious company at such an important time,” Lorre, the former leader of Beyoncé’s business empire, said in a statement. rice field. “I wish ABT all the best as it embarks on a new chapter.”
Ballet Theater’s artistic director, Susan Jaffe, will serve as interim executive director until a replacement for Lorre is found, the company said. Jaffe, a former Ballet Theater ballerina who took over in December, said in a statement: “I am humbled by the trust the Board has placed in me and am thrilled to lead ABT through this transitional period.” rice field.
The announcement, which came just a week before the Ballet Theater kicked off its season with the expensive New York premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s Like Water for Chocolate at the Metropolitan Opera House, rocked the dance world. had the potential to do so.
Lore’s hiring was announced with much fanfare. She made a name for herself in the entertainment industry when she served as the general manager of Parkwood Entertainment, Beyoncé’s media and management company. Lorre, who is black, is the first person of color to lead the company.
Ballet Theater executives thanked Mr. Lorre but did not give details of how he resigned. Lorre will advise him on finding a successor, the company said.
“Janet joined ABT at an important time, and we thank her for her leadership and contributions,” said Ballet Theater Director Andrew F. Barth in a statement. “We thank her for her continued advice during this transition period and wish her the best of luck.”
When Loré launched in January 2022, she faced several pressing tasks, including helping ballet theaters recover from the pandemic. As a result, two seasons were canceled, costing millions of dollars in expected ticket revenue and tour fees.
Rarely interview Speaking to Sports Illustrated last year, she said she hopes to find a new audience for ballet theater.
“I think about how we can make the definition of the National Ballet of America a reality for all Americans,” she said in an interview.
During her tenure, the company endured several artistic hardships. In December, famed choreographer Alexei Ratmansky announced that he was retiring after 13 years as an artist-in-residence to join the New York City Ballet in a major blow to the ballet theater. .
