Patricia Barker leaves Royal NZ Ballet

The Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) has anounced the retirement of artistic director Patricia Barker after five-and-half years in the post. She has accepted a position on the board of Seattle-based contemporary dance company Whim W’him, will continue to support dance education internationally, and has been invited to work with the Czech National Ballet Brno, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Youth America Grand Prix and others in 2023.

In the press release, Barker stated that, having turned 60, "with 43 years working in classical ballet, 14 of them as an Artistic Director, it is time to pass the baton to the next generation". 

“I am proud of what has been achieved during my leadership of the RNZB. It came with its challenges by way of a global pandemic and a not-so-temporary change in our home and rehearsal space. We remained a resilient organisation through it all and worked to a brighter, more fruitful future. I wish the organisation every success and look forward to attending a performance in the US next time the company tours or the next time I visit New Zealand."

Barker's husband Michael Auer, the company ballet master, left the RNZB under a cloud in April last year after being accused of inappropriate conduct by a number of the dancers. According to news reports, the accusations were around innapropriate comments about dancers' body shape. No official announcement was made about his departure by the company.

In addition, the company's executive director, Lester McGrath, who was appointed in 2019, quit suddenly in November last year. His role is presently filled by acting executive director, Kim Acland, who will hold the post until April.

The company has had a tough few years, enduring two lockdowns and many cancellations during the pandemic. It has also had to move into temporary premises while its home, the St James Theatre, is being renovated for earthquake strengthening and upgrades of its studio, production and office facilities. 

David McAllister, the former artistic director of the Australian Ballet, has been appointed interim artistic director until a new director is appointed.

For more moves and appointments, go to MOVES.