In early March, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet was in full flight. The dynamic, cutting-edge New York-based company performed at the Adelaide Festival and in Auckland, NZ for the first time. “I'd definitely say the Australian tour was a highlight. That was really a gift for us, to perform over there,” artistic director Alexandra Damiani said soon after returning to New York. “We brought the pieces that are now so much part of Cedar Lake's identity and in our skin, to introduce to these countries.”
But Damiani and the company's dancers barely had time to unpack their luggage before they received sudden and devastating news. It was abruptlly and tersely announced that the enterprise would be shutting down. “We are sad to announce the closing of Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet,’’ the company announced on its website on March 20th. “It has been our honour to work with some of the best dancers and choreographers in the world and we thank all of our valued employees who helped create many inspirational productions over the years.”
Explanations were not forthcoming. The 12-year-old company was founded – and largely funded – by Nancy Laurie, a Walmart heiress. “While we are saddened by its closing, we are extremely proud of their great accomplishments over the years,” the New York Times quoted her as saying.
Cedar Lake cancelled a summer program and upcoming auditions, but plans to perform in Boston and New York as scheduled; the New York season includes a commissioned world premiere by Richard Siegal, an American choreographer based in Munich. Its final performance will take place on June 6th at New York's Brooklyn Academy of Music.
- Susan Reiter (New York)
Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet performing Rain Dogs by Johan Inger. Photo: Ally Duffey.
