New Montgomery Ballet artistic director makes his mark
New York City-based ballet teacher and choreographer Elie Lazar came to the Montgomery Ballet to adapt a classical piece, but the final performance did not signify his swan song.
So impressed were company officials with Lazar's interpretation of "Swan Lake, Act II" that they "realized what a treasure he is," said Priscilla Crommelin-Ball, and offered him a job. Lazar is the Montgomery Ballet's new artistic director, replacing Crommelin-Ball, who in early June transitioned to executive director.
Since his arrival, Israeli-born Lazar has been busy -- very busy. He's hit the ground running with a long list of plans for the coming months, including additional performances in the fall and a lecture series. He also want to start a monthly "club" that opens up the ballet's studios to the public for refreshments, which will give people a chance to get to know members of the professional company.
With Lazar taking on the responsibility of overseeing the artistic product, Crommelin-Ball's role will be more administrative. She will, however, collaborate with him and discuss ideas for productions.
Lazar recently sat in one of the company's studios before a rehearsal and surveyed his new professional company.
He smiled as he said, "It's pretty much a new company, a new era for the Montgomery Ballet. ... We want to bring it to the level that is expected in ballet."
He plans to offer more eclectic programming and music that will appeal to area audiences, striving to educate the public along the way.
Lazar joined his first ballet company at age 17. He received his early training with the Israel National Ballet Company and appeared with such organizations as the Israel National Opera and the Haifa Ballet. Within a year or so, he entered the Defense Army of Israel and served as a medic.
Soon after, at age 19, he was promoted to head medic and was in charge of more than 30 other medics. He not only learned to lead, but he thrived in the environment.
"In many ways, a ballet company is like an army, and each production is like a battle, where you are getting everything to work as planned," said Lazar, who re-entered the world of ballet after completing his army service.
He came to the United States about 20 years ago and has worked with a number of companies and schools. As a dancer, he was the first Israeli to win a medal at the prestigious International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Miss.
He also has much experience as a teacher and choreographer. Before founding his own company, Lazar Ballet NYC, he directed the Joffrey Ensemble Dancers in New York City as well as organizing and training students from the Joffrey Ballet School.
He also designed an educational program of lecture-demonstrations on ballet for schoolchildren and implemented a dance program for inner-city, at-risk youths in New York and New Jersey.
One of Lazar's goals for the Montgomery Ballet is to drive the company forward as a nationally known presence in the dance community and to continue its classical tradition. He will add new classical, neo-classical and contemporary ballets to the company's existing repertoire.
Earlier this year, while working with the company, Lazar said he was impressed with the training, expertise and artistry he found. He wants to put the company on the map as the best in the Southeast.
Lazar is also aiming to strengthen the company's relationship with the community.
"Art (of all kinds) unites the human race," he said. "No matter what our political views, we have art. ... I want the audience to be comfortable and feel at ease."
Presenting more eclectic programming, raising the dancers' level of technique and offering lectures and other educational opportunities should also elevate the audience's understanding and interest in ballet, Lazar said.
"I had no doubt when I was here to do 'Swan Lake' that there was potential. Everybody really wants to make wonderful things happen," he said. "Now, everything is falling into place. Montgomery is ready to really be a leader in the arts."
new director
Friday, September 14, 2007
