While waylaid with an injury in 2019, New York City Ballet principal Maria Kowroski was given the chance to coach one of her younger colleagues—principal Lauren Lovette—for her debut as Odette/Odile. Kowroski was surprised by how much she enjoyed the experience. Watching Lovette take the stage from her seat in the theater, Kowroski couldn’t believe […]
When Maria Kowroski retired from dancing in October 2021, she had been with New York City Ballet for 25 years. Her glamor and air of mystery onstage were unparalleled in the company. While there she had performed in a swath of the company’s repertory, from the central pas de deux in Balanchine’s modernist masterpiece Agon to […]
The first time I was called to learn Mozartiana, I didn’t think I would actually get to do it. It’s a coveted ballerina role in the company, and I was still early in my career. But I got to dance it once or twice, and then not again for many years. The ballet isn’t in […]
While both based in New York City, American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet are very different companies, from their touring schedules to their repertoire and training styles. Nevertheless, two principals—ABT’s Stella Abrera and NYCB’s Maria Kowroski—have sustained a long-lasting friendship “across the plaza” of Lincoln Center. Both Abrera and Kowroski entered their respective […]
When I joined the New York City Ballet, I had a million questions. How soon before a performance should I get ready? When should I eat dinner—before or after the performance? How long should I wear my false eyelashes before I throw them out? Should I practice hard steps onstage before the curtain goes up […]
Can’t get enough of city .ballet.? Every Monday, we post a new interview with a different cast member from the AOL On docu-series about New York City Ballet. For our final installment, we talk to principal Maria Kowroski. The phrase “documentary film crew” conjures images of big, intrusive cameras and microphone booms. But for New […]
The past few weeks have brought another exciting round of dancer career news—check out the latest farewells, appointments, promotions, and more in this month’s ballet roster roundup. Promotions and Appointments The Royal Danish Ballet has officially appointed former principal dancer Amy Watson as artistic director. Since this past August, Watson has served as interim director […]
Thursday night, New York City Ballet officially announced the promotions of three dancers: soloists Unity Phelan and Indiana Woodward to principal, and corps de ballet member Roman Mejia to soloist. The news comes as several of the company’s principal dancers—Abi Stafford, Ask la Cour, Lauren Lovette and Maria Kowroski, as well as soloist Lauren King—bid […]