Benjamin Millepied steps down from his position as Director of Dance for the Paris Opera Ballet in silence.
Only having worked for a short period of 15 months, the former New York City Ballet principal dancer has left his position, but no proper explanation has been provided. A previous documentary and statements made in December show that the choreographer was dissatisfied with the “level of dance” while in France. Not that the dancers were not talented but it seems Millepied stressed the importance of characteristics like entrepreneurship and fundraising whereas France adheres to a traditional method in terms of funding its arts. There is word that the reason for departure is due to mixed reactions to Millepied’s attempts at transforming and revolutionizing the top French institution’s dances and traditions. Upon his start, Millepied implemented a new program that saw many changes but after running in circles due to others’ reluctance, many aspects of the program fell through.
Recently the Opera held a press release to announce the new 2016-2017 season and 200 journalists all piled into the Rotonde du Glacier to hear about the news. However shortly after presenting the upcoming program, Stéphane Lissner opened the floor for questions, but before any journalist could ask about Millepied’s departure the moment was shut down. With a brisk, “I ask that your questions be about the 2016-17 season, and only about the season. We won’t answer anything else” he settled the floor into a confused silence. After a quick scan to see that there were no questions the entire group left, which included Benjamin Millepied himself. All that is known is that Millepied leaves, the next to step in Aurélie Dupont will be stepping in July 15th. Dupont is a former Paris Opera étoile and will be asked to succeed his programs; however she will mostly go the traditional route.
Millepied’s final season has ended up being lackluster according to the program released. Despite all his attempts for new performances, he will only be presenting two ballets, “Swan Lake” and “La Sylphide”, but also 11 American contemporary pieces, most of which are by George Balanchine. He will be heading back to Los Angeles to focus on his family and his own small group that he formed years ago. Millepied wanted to leave the Paris Opera on amicable terms, but his personal reasons all revolve around wanting to grow ballet from creativity and passion, and not to stay stagnant within traditions.
