Ballet Idaho announced Friday it hired an artistic director, who came with a reference from Mikhail Baryshnikov, no less.
Hiring Peter Anastos is the first step in establishing an independent Ballet Idaho, a goal set last spring by the company's patroness, Esther Simplot. The company pulled out of its 13-season relationship with Eugene Ballet to form a Boise-based classical dance company in time for the 2008-2009 season.
This addition is the latest leadership change for Boise's arts groups. The Boise Philharmonic is in the second season of its search for a musical director. The Boise Art Museum and Idaho Commission on the Arts have hired new executive directors in the past year. As soon as it becomes a city department, the Boise City Arts Commission will be in a local and national search for a new executive director, as will Opera Idaho. That group's executive director Julie Kilgrow announced Friday she will retire at the end of this season (see box, below).
Anastos will be integral in determining the future of the Ballet Idaho and providing a new artistic vision. The current season, led by Eugene Ballet artistic director Toni Pimble, will remain unchanged.
Anastos' hiring will start a whole slew of activities for the company. Auditions for dancers will happen Jan. 26 in Boise, Feb. 3 in Salt Lake City and on a date yet to be set in Seattle. Anastos and the board will meet later this month to plan details for the 2008-2009 season.
Anastos lives in Pennsylvania but will relocate to Boise later this year. He brings a long resume of experience in classical dance. He has been the artistic head of Cincinnati Ballet, Garden State Ballet in New Jersey and the groundbreaking Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, an all-male classical ballet company. He also has worked with dance luminaries such as Baryshnikov and has choreographed for theater, television and film.
Though he's been freelancing for the past 10 years, he decided to go after the Ballet Idaho position to get back into a creative company, Anastos said.
"You know I know how to run a company, and it's more creative," he said. "I enjoy being able to work with dancers over time, nurture their talent and career. It's much more rewarding. It is time for me to get back in the saddle."
Dana Oland: 377-6442
