Madison Ballet Comes Into Its Own Under Director Ja’ Malik

By Steve Sucato for Point Magazine + Madison Ballet’s long-term goal of becoming a full-time professional ballet company finally came to fruition in 2022 with the hiring of new artistic director Ja’ Malik. Founded in 1981 as Wisconsin Dance Ensemble to produce an annual Nutcracker production, the organization’s fortunes had waxed and waned over its four decades. A turning point came in 1999 with the arrival of previous … Continue reading Madison Ballet Comes Into Its Own Under Director Ja’ Malik

Imagination Abounds in Two New Nutcracker Productions [PREVIEWS]

By Steve SucatoDecember 8, 2023 ’Tis the season for Nutcracker, and that includes new productions. This month, Milwaukee Ballet and Orlando Ballet each present world premieres that reimagine the holiday ballet’s magical journey with a mix of tradition, cultural sensitivity, and imagination. Milwaukee Ballet Milwaukee Ballet artistic director Michael Pink reconceptualizes his 2003 The Nutcracker with his new The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium. With his new production, Pink set out to solve … Continue reading Imagination Abounds in Two New Nutcracker Productions [PREVIEWS]

Paul Vasterling Reflects on His More Than Three-Decade Career at Nashville Ballet

By Steve Sucato for Pointe Magazine In his 33 years with Nashville Ballet, artistic director Paul Vasterling has left an indelible mark on the organization. This month, he retires from the company, marking the end of an era. A Louisiana-bayou native, Vasterling joined Nashville Ballet in 1989 as a dancer. After a back injury cut short his performance career, he became the company’s ballet master … Continue reading Paul Vasterling Reflects on His More Than Three-Decade Career at Nashville Ballet