Janet Lorre, chief executive and executive director of the American Ballet Theater, has stepped down after 17 months, a week before the start of the summer season, the company announced Wednesday.
Lorre, who has led the company through the turmoil of the pandemic, offered no explanation for his retirement, only saying he would focus on serving corporate and nonprofit boards.
“I am honored and grateful for the experience to lead such a prestigious company at such an important time,” Lorre, the former leader of Beyoncé’s business empire, said in a statement. rice field. “I wish ABT all the best as it embarks on a new chapter.”
Ballet Theater’s artistic director, Susan Jaffe, will serve as interim executive director until a replacement for Lorre is found, the company said. Jaffe, a former Ballet Theater ballerina who took office in December, said in a statement: “I am humbled by the trust placed in me by the board and excited to lead ABT through this transition.”
The announcement comes just before the Ballet Theater kicks off its season at the Metropolitan Opera on June 22 with the costly New York premiere of Like Water for Chocolate, directed by Christopher Wheeldon, and the dance world’s shook the Ballet theater leaders will host a gala that evening to celebrate the start of the season, a high-profile event that brings together donors, cultural executives, celebrities and artists.
Lore’s hiring was announced with much fanfare. She made a name for herself in the entertainment industry when she served as the general manager of Parkwood Entertainment, Beyoncé’s media and management company. Lorre, who is black, is the first person of color to lead the company.
Ballet Theater executives thanked Mr. Lorre but did not give details of how he resigned. Lorre will advise him on finding a successor, the company said.
“Janet joined ABT at an important time, and we thank her for her leadership and contributions,” said Ballet Theater Director Andrew F. Barth in a statement. “We thank her for her continued advice during this transition period and wish her the best of luck.”
The Ballet Theater said Lorre, Jaffe and Bath were not available for interviews. Lorre did not immediately respond to calls or messages seeking further comment.
When Loré launched in January 2022, she faced several pressing tasks, including helping ballet theaters recover from the pandemic. As a result, two seasons were canceled, costing millions of dollars in expected ticket revenue and tour fees.
In a rare interview with Sports Illustrated last year, she said she hoped to find new audiences for ballet theater.
“I think about how we can make the definition of the National Ballet of America a reality for all Americans,” she said in an interview.
During her tenure, the company endured some artistic hardships. In December, she announced that acclaimed choreographer Alexei Ratmansky would be stepping down after 13 years as artist-in-residence, a major blow to the company. Shortly after, the New York City Ballet announced that he would be joining the company as an artist-in-residence starting in August.
