Postings discussion This link allows you to see others thoughts on this piece and contribute to the debate yourself if you want. We look to guarantee this link for a number of years, though after 3-6 months the page may be closed to further additions. Tim Powells verdict (sep02) Lynette Halewood's view (jul02) Ballet.co's first Stretton interview Ballet Association i/v Stretton in Interviews/News 'Stretton' in all Interviews/news items RB Reviews Our RB page RB/ROH website

The Stretton saga reminds me of a relegation-bound football team: when the chairman gives the manager his full support, it can be the kiss of death!

Whenever a new leader is appointed to a large organisation the appointment will no doubt be made in the interests of this or that new development; the problem lies in implementing change. Some such appointees will appear to make little change, but when you look back over a period of time you realise that changes have been made; some make more obvious changes more quickly, but still carry everyone along in the process through tact and clarity of communication; some simply manage to create ill-feeling. I'm sure a number of us with an interest in the Royal Ballet have seen these things happen elsewhere!

The Ballet Board has no option but to support Stretton in public; they would look very silly if they did not. People would otherwise ask whether the Board members knew their own minds and whether they knew what they collectively wanted. But a quick look at the personnel involved makes you think that there must be some private misgivings - a dancer such as Antoinette Sibley, the epitome of RB tradition, or a musician such as Michael Berkeley who has had some years of association with the ROH, for instance, must be wondering where the RB is heading.

Whatever his ideas for the company, the effect of Ross Stretton's actions in side-lining a dancer such as Miyako Yoshida makes one ask questions about his overall planning, both in terms of repertoire and casting. Although Equity has become involved only on the casting issue (at least in the first instance), repertoire and casting are by necessity interlinked; it will be a fine line that the Equity officials have to tread.

It is fair to say that you can't make an omelette without cracking eggs, but my concern is whether Ross Stretton has the expansiveness of mind to take the company to a new era of success. Does he have the breadth of vision to forge a distinctive path for the RB with due regard to its traditions, while at the same time realising that he holds the brief careers of performing artists in his hands? There was a book written some years ago about the demands of heading a business enterprise - "Mind of a Manager: Soul of a Leader"; an Artistic Director also needs both mind and soul. (I also remember Cardinal Suenens of Brussels saying many years ago that "authority without the spirit is mere domination"; an arresting thought. Leadership demands great human qualities).

My guess is that there will be a very careful consideration of the situation at the RB after the holidays and the plans for the third season under Ross Stretton will be examined in detail; there will also be an appraisal of the 'management problems' already identified - sooner rather than later, I should think. If the whole does not add up to what is required, it will be interesting to see how decisive the Board manages to be!