Julie Kent, with Marcelo Gomes, Swan Lake, June 24, 2010. Click for more photos.
Julie Kent, who retired from ABT last season, was appointed as Washington Ballet’s new Artistic Director. Her husband, Victor Barbee will become the company’s Associate Artistic Director. He has served as ABT’s Associate Artistic Director since 2003.
Kent grew up in nearby Potomac. She will head all aspects of the Washington Ballet, including its 21-member company and trainee programs. According to Sarah Kaufman of the Washington Post:
“We would like to build the Washington Ballet so it can take its place as an artistic jewel in the nation’s capital,” Kent said by phone from her home in New York City. “There’s no reason why it can’t be the absolute, quintessential chamber ballet company.