The initial challenge facing me my first week has been to get a season plan together as quickly as possible. This usually takes considerably longer than a week or two (and should take place much earlier) but since last week Monday, I am have been calling, pleading and begging to secure outstanding works by terrific choreographers, many of which have never been performed by the company. Securing works is not a simple or easy process; choreographers often travel and are difficult to contact, choreographer trusts have set standards, requirements and fees; stagers have previous commitments and fully booked schedules. I am so thankful to the all the individuals I’ve talked with over this last week – so many of them have been just wonderfully supportive, helpful and accommodating by working within our budget, expediting the application process or clearing their schedule. It yet again shows the closeness, caring and understanding of our artist community.

But it has been nerve-wracking to sit by the phone and wait for approval for a work, especially if that work is a "closer" or the cornerstone of that evening. Securing those works first allows us to then fill the rest of the evening with complementary works that create the best audience experience and at the same time consider dancer casting and making sure everyone gets on stage performing something special.

The season has yet to be announced but I am pleased as we have already secured two fabulous masterpieces and a new full-length world premiere that I am sure will bring excitement and delight to our audience. Can't wait to announce the season soon!

As some of you might know, I recently accepted the Interim Artistic directorship of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. I wanted to blog about my thoughts, insights and experiences but most importantly about our journey over the next 9 to 12 months.

I have met with the board last week and I'm quite impressed. What a great group of individuals with unconditional love and support for their company. I also met with most of the dancers and had a number of discussions with them. I am really excited to work with this talented group. Take a look at some older videos: Jorgenson Quintet, Bela Fleck, and a video of our terrific dancer Alexey Kulpin.

Glenn DelVeccio and the staff has shown their full support and is eager to put on a terrific season. The students in the school are still on summer vacation, some just finishing the Summer Session at the School of Grand Rapids Ballet, but we are looking forward to an outstanding year for them. I really want to involve them in as many of the productions this year as possible.