Above Photo: Robert Fairchild, Career Transition for Dancers Benefit, September 28, 2015-New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Robert Fairchild will leave at the end of the NYCB fall season to devote more time to his Broadway career, according to an article in The New York Times. He was nominated for a Tony in Christopher Wheeldon’s An American in Paris and has performed in A Chorus Line and Oklahoma! In November, he will appear in Wheeldon’s Brigadoon and will choreograph and perform in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in addition to portraying modern dancer Ted Shawn in The Chaperone, a PBS film.
According to the Times’ article, Fairchild wants to devote his energy to theater productions full-time, rather than taking leaves from NYCB. “If I’m always asking for a release, you are not fully a contributing part of a community. Whatever I’m doing, I want to give it all.”
“It was a decision that took years to make. After Oklahoma! I got offstage and thought, I can’t image doing anything else right now. I think whenever there is a dream, you’ve got to jump,” according to the article.
Robert will be missed at NYCB. He has great style and theatrical timing. He wasn’t just a theater performer in tights as he has great technique with effortless leaps and nice turns. However, I understand his desire to more fully pursue musical theater. I saw his portrayal of Jerry Mulligan in An American in Paris in July 2015. Robert was great in the role and displayed a decent voice in addition to his commendable acting talents.
Robert’s final NYCB performance will be October 15 in Balanchine’s Duo Concertant. Check Balletfocus.com for coverage of the event.
Robert Fairchild, An American in Paris, July 2015. Click for more photos.
Daniil Simkin Joins Staatsballett Berlin
American Ballet Theatre’s Daniil Simkin will join Staatsballett Berlin in September 2018. He will continue to dance at ABT, but will be based in Berlin, according to an article in The New York Times. The company is a natural fit for Daniil-he was born in Russia but grew up in Germany. His parents live in Frankfurt and he knows Staatsballett dancer Polina Semionova well having danced with her recently, according to an article in Dance Magazine.
It is a relief that he will continue to perform at ABT; he says that he will be an integral part of ABT, although it is uncertain how much he will perform. He always had the tricks-much of my ballet video dictionary features his great work. He was originally known for his circus-style tricks, but over time he has matured, delivering solid and believable performances in full-length classics Swan Lake and Giselle.
Daniil Simkin, Le Corsaire, June 8, 2017. Click for more photos.