20 - Sunday, December 17, 1989 - North Shore News REID ANDERSON’S AT THE NATIONAL BALLET, KEEPING THEM ON THEIR TOES head Reid Anderson saw an opening as_ artistic director of the National Ballet, he did what most dancers do best: he leapt for it. .C.'s loss is Canada’s gain. When former Ballet B.C. On the phone from the Na- tional’s Toronto headquarters, Anderson is clearly fired up about his new position, which became official July 1. “Everyone has been positive and very helpful,” says a jubilant Anderson, “I felt comfortable right from the first day. It was like putting on old shoes.”’ The transition of going from a small ballet company to this coun- try’s largest has been smooth for the 40-year-old Anderson. With the luxury of inheriting a set season and a well-tuned com- pany, Anderson has had ample time to fit into his new job and to make the necessary changes. But don’t expect any drastic changes — Andersson plans to take a gentle approach to improving Canada’s premier ballet company. All it requires, he says, is fine tuning. “There is so much here that is good. It’s like having a sports car. You can give it a lube job, give it an oil change — it's basically a very beautiful machine.” Anderson’s kid-glove approach includes introducing more classical works into the company’s repertoire. Former director Erik Bruhn was moving the National’s emphasis more and more towards the modern, and in Anderson's opinion, that led to a “‘slight’ neglect of the classical. But that doesn’t mean he'll ig- nore the contemporary either. “The National should be all things to all people,” he insists. “Mt should reflect alll styles.” As artistic director of Ballet B.C., Anderson’s innovative, artistic vi- sion turned the company into a near overnight success. He stressed the company’s young talent and took classical ballet in a different direction, and Ballet B.C. under Anderson wow- ed critics and audiences across the country with fiery performances. “t wanted Ballet B.C. to reflect the times,” said Anderson, “(I wanted it to have a_ sleek, sophisticated look for the 20th DIAMOND CLUSTER RINGS ; “24 POINTS OF, SPARKLING DIAMONDS... EXTRA sregiau$ $299. a century. It was a super look for Ballet B.C." Anderson first worked with the National in 1984, after 20 years as principle dancer, teacher and ballet master with the Stuttgart Ballet. He returned to Vancouver for Ballet B.C.’s inaugural perfor- mance in 1986 and was named ar- tistic director the next year. “| was very happy at Ballet B.C. | thought that’s where I'd end up. But when a job at the National came up, | thought, ‘if ! ever wanted to join a big company it would be the National, and this was the time to do it.’ Today Anderson divides an ex- traordinarily hectic schedule be- tween meetings, teaching and coaching. He works gruelling 12- hour days, seven days a week, and up to 18 hours per day when the company is in performance. He deliberately commutes on the subway to free himself up for paper work, and Anderson is quick to point out that he never takes lunch. “It's exhausting sometimes but 1 try to be clever about it,’ he says. “I'll take a nap or take the odd morning off.’ iS wige 6 On! NARROW: ERRINGBONE, BOX;: ‘GURB, BRAIDED, ROPE: jourta FANCIES, TWISTED LINK AND FIGARO STYLES “MAIL ORDERS INTERES mn 2INFLUENCE Fortunately for Anderson he is a powerhouse of energy. “Vm a vital, happy person, but | have to take care that work doesn't beceme debilitating.” So far the difficulties have been few — though he admits ire is still enjoying an early honeymoon period with the company. “1 jove being around dancers. ! like their work ethic, their ambi- tion, and how their lives revolve ——— = Living the good life. Photo submitted Reid Anderson went from being head of Ballet 8.C. to artis‘ic director of the National Bailet earlier this year. around dancing — certainly mine does. “I've been lucky all my years ! was a dancer because | never felt like | was going to work. I’ve never said, ‘Oh God, | have to go to work.’”’ For Anderson, his involvement with dance has clearly been one long state of grace. - Evelyn Jacob NORBURN_ LIGHTING CENTRE 4500 EAST HASTINGS ST., BURNABY 299-0666 FREE CATALOGUES AVAILABLE f Come browse in one of the most fascinating stores in B.C.