BalletMet's next chapter: W?rtmeyer assumes role as artistic director in Columbus
BalletMet, the Columbus-based professional dance company founded in 1974 by Daryl Kramer, has hired a new artistic director in the wake of Edwaard Liang's departure. Joining the ranks to steer the ship alongside executive director Sue Porter is Australian-born dancer, designer, sculptor and choreographer Remi W?rtmeyer.
Porter explained that Liang made huge changes and brought great advances to BalletMet over his decade-plus time with the company, so there were big shoes to fill.
Despite that, Porter is not worried; she said that W?rtmeyer fits the role perfectly.
"He's got wonderful big ideas," said Porter. "He has an infectious enthusiasm and it brings people into that enthusiasm. I think that'll be absolutely transformative once again to this organization."
While there was overwhelming interest in the open position, with over 80 applicants, the search process was made much easier by Liang's considerable notice.
"I think we have been lucky in that when Edwaard announced last fall that he would be leaving, he gave us the time because he stayed through the season to really be able to conduct a search," said Porter.
According to Porter, BalletMet was not looking for anyone in particular in their search, beyond the criteria of an incredible, driven artist with a strong vision. On top of this, it had to be someone who works well with others.
Photos: 'Romeo and Juliet' to be final production for BalletMet's artistic director
"The organization is just incredibly excited to welcome Remi and to work with him and help take the vision that we'll create together and keep it moving the organization forward," said Porter.
W?rtmeyer shares the excitement.
"I am so excited to be part of this, the future of BalletMet," said W?rtmeyer. "Having spent a little time working with the dancers and and virtually everyone within the organization, I've been absolutely overwhelmed by how supportive they are and how excited and how invested they are in the future of BalletMet."
Show schedule: BalletMet announces 2024-25 season, which includes 'The Nutcracker,' 'Dracula'
W?rtmeyer said he is thrilled to get started and lead who he sees as a remarkable group of performers.
"I watched a dress rehearsal when I was last here, "Romeo and Juliet," and the dancers were just absolutely exceptional," said W?rtmeyer. "It was just wonderful to think, okay, the next time I'm in the studio with them, I will be their artistic director."
At a glance
BalletMet's next performance, "Dracula," is coming up Oct. 25 and runs until Nov. 2. BalletMet's subsequent performance of "The Nutcracker" runs from Dec. 12 to 28.
For more information, visit balletmet.org.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus dance academy BalletMet lands W?rtmeyer as artistic director
