Summary of "Ep. 4: Shaping the Future of Ballet" on The Leadership Dance
Released on December 2, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 4 of The Leadership Dance, host Alissa Hsu Lynch welcomes the esteemed Susan Jaffe, hailed by the New York Times as America's quintessential ballerina. With a illustrious career spanning 22 years as a principal dancer at American Ballet Theater (ABT), performances with renowned companies like the Royal Ballet and Kirov Ballet, and leadership roles post-retirement, Susan provides a wealth of insights into shaping the future of ballet.
Celebrating a Diverse Fall Season at ABT
Alissa begins by congratulating Susan on ABT's successful fall season in New York City, particularly highlighting the world premiere of Helen Pickett's Crime and Punishment.
“I was really happy with the season. I think, you know, one of the things I wanted to really highlight were several things. The diversity of the programming, the diversity of voices that were choreographing.”
— Susan Jaffe [01:29]
Susan emphasizes the intentional inclusion of diverse choreographers and voices, mentioning female choreographers and artists of color like Kyle Abraham and Gemma Bond. She also appreciates the strong performances from the corps and the opportunity for younger dancers to take on challenging narrative roles.
Susan Jaffe’s Journey to Stardom
Alissa shifts the conversation to Susan's rapid rise within ABT, likening it to an "overnight sensation."
“It was really going from zero to 60 in three and a half seconds.”
— Susan Jaffe [11:00]
Susan recounts her initial years in the second company, the pivotal moment when Mikhail Baryshnikov recognized her talent, and the subsequent challenges she faced, including coping with her mother's passing just before joining the main company. This period thrust her into the spotlight abruptly, leading to feelings of imposter syndrome.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Building Confidence
Alissa connects Susan's experiences to broader themes in leadership, such as mentorship and self-belief.
“My rehearsal director was very nurturing, so she really protected me, really kept trying to help build me up so that I felt confident.”
— Susan Jaffe [13:34]
Susan acknowledges the crucial role of mentors and a supportive environment in overcoming self-doubt. Despite a competitive and initially unsupportive company culture, key relationships and continuous hard work helped her embrace her identity as Susan Jaffe.
Fostering a Supportive Culture at ABT
Alissa inquires about Susan's efforts to cultivate a family-like, supportive atmosphere at ABT, contrasting it with her earlier experiences.
“One of the things that I would like for them to feel is that when they say we support each other, that that includes the artistic staff, that includes the artistic director, that includes the executive director, that we support each other.”
— Susan Jaffe [15:29]
Susan discusses her commitment to breaking down barriers between different levels within the company, promoting kindness, compassion, and transparency. She highlights the importance of truthful communication delivered with love to foster mutual respect and understanding.
Transitioning from Performer to Leader
Alissa explores Susan's journey from being a principal dancer to taking on leadership roles, including her tenure as Dean of Dance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and her eventual return to ABT as Artistic Director.
“I fell madly in love with teaching. I fell madly in love with the students and their growth and things that they, you know, by gaining knowledge and getting better.”
— Susan Jaffe [26:37]
Susan describes the challenges and discoveries during her transition, emphasizing the fulfillment she found in teaching and leadership. Her hands-on experience running a dance school and addressing institutional challenges at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts provided her with invaluable lessons in decision-making and compassionate leadership.
Becoming the First Female Artistic Director of ABT
Alissa highlights the significance of Susan's appointment as ABT's first female artistic director in 85 years, amid ongoing discussions about gender representation in ballet leadership.
“I said to my younger self, if you can just ride the wave, just ride the wave and keep doing your best, you will come out on the other side.”
— Susan Jaffe [39:10]
Susan shares her candid decision to apply for the Artistic Director position despite feeling settled in Pittsburgh. Her authentic approach during the selection process, coupled with her deep understanding of ABT's standards and her commitment to diversity and inclusivity, played pivotal roles in her appointment.
Vision for the Future of ABT
When discussing her vision, Susan outlines a balanced programming strategy that maintains classical ballet's integrity while embracing diversity and contemporary works.
“I love to bring the audience a mix so that you don't. Your eyes don't get tired, so that you get this sort of up and down throughout the entire evening.”
— Susan Jaffe [36:24]
She is excited about upcoming projects like the co-production with Vienna Staatsoper on Christopher Wheeldon’s Winter’s Tale and the return of beloved classics such as Swan Lake and Giselle. Susan aims to highlight principal dancers while nurturing emerging talent, ensuring ABT remains both revered and relevant.
Advice for the Future and Personal Growth
In a heartfelt conclusion, Susan offers advice to her younger self, reflecting on resilience and personal development.
“Don't be anxious, just ride the wave. Make sure you breathe, meditate, do anything you can for self-care...”
— Susan Jaffe [39:10]
She underscores the importance of embracing challenges, learning from failures, and prioritizing self-care to navigate both personal and professional landscapes effectively.
Conclusion
Alissa wraps up the episode by expressing admiration for Susan's leadership and anticipating the positive developments under her guidance at ABT. Susan's journey from a celebrated ballerina to a transformative leader serves as an inspiring narrative on resilience, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of ballet.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Episode 4 of The Leadership Dance, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of Susan Jaffe's impact on the world of ballet and her visionary approach to leadership.