News of Note: What You Might Have Missed in March 2021

April 1, 2021

Here are the latest promotions, appointments and departures, as well as notable awards and accomplishments, from the last month.

Comings & Goings

American Ballet Theatre artistic director Kevin McKenzie will step down at the end of 2022. The search for his successor will begin this summer.

At BODYTRAFFIC, co-founder Lillian Barbeito has stepped down as co-artistic director.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
has folded its professional company. It concurrently announced the launch of the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Fund for Innovation in Dance. The organization’s education and outreach programs will continue.

Lauren Lovette
will retire from New York City Ballet during the 2021–22 season. She is scheduled to give her final performance on October 9.

Lauren Lovette, in a flowing yellow dress and pointe shoes, smiles playfully as she balances en pointe with a leg extended to the side, just below 90. She looks over the extended foot, a dainty arm seeming to be holding it aloft by a string.

Lauren Lovette in Jerome Robbins’ Dances at a Gathering

Paul Kolnik, Courtesy NYCB

Alina Cojocaru
has left English National Ballet. Maria Kochetkova will join as a lead principal for the 2021–22 season.

At San Francisco Ballet, Jasmine Jimison has been promoted to soloist, effective July 1.

Awards & Honors

Amara Tabor-Smith stands with her hands clasped in front of her, a calm, questioning look directed towards the camera as a swath of plant life sways in the wind behind her.
Amara Tabor-Smith

John Melesaine, Courtesy Cultural Counsel

Amara Tabor-Smith
is among the recipients of the inaugural Rainin Fellowship, which includes a $100,000 unrestricted grant.

The NAACP awarded Misty Copeland the Spingarn Medal, the organization’s highest honor.

Rachna Ramya Agrawal
and Libby Nye are the recipients of Connecticut Dance Alliance’s 2020/2021 Distinguished Achievement in Dance Award. Barbara Ally received the 2020/2021 Jill Henderson Award.