Dance

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Rachel S. Moore
Executive director, American Ballet Theatre

How will the financial meltdown impact the New York cultural scene?
This will be very difficult for cultural institutions, especially those institutions that were extremely financially fragile to begin with. I fear that New York will lose some wonderful artists because they will move to places where there is greater opportunity to create their work, or because of a lack of resources, they will choose to no longer work.

How will it specifically affect ABT?
This remains to be seen. It is really very early in the cycle. However, last year ABT saw the beginnings of the financial downturn and budgeted accordingly. We have spent a great deal of time and thought on what will make us sustainable in good times and bad. We have tried hard to be proactive, but clearly the priority needs to be what is onstage—if we cannot maintain excellence onstage, then we have not just lost the battle, we have lost the war.

How will audience members experience this financial crisis?
I suspect that some audience members will find it more difficult to attend shows because their financial situations have changed radically. I don’t expect those who do attend to have a different experience per se, except that perhaps they may more greatly relish the notion of being in another world for a few hours.

Will there be an impact on ticket prices?
We will have very modest price increases in categories that have the highest level of demand. For our upcoming engagement at City Center (October 21–November 2), we have a modest price increase on our premium orchestra seats. To offset it and further promote accessibility, we lowered the price of our rear-mezzanine seating.

Is there an upside to this?
I don’t see much of an upside. I think many, many people will be hurt, and I fear less art will be made or experienced.

In your experience, how does this financial crisis rate?
This is the worst financial downturn I have experienced.

NEXT: Carla Peterson Artistic director, Dance Theater Workshop»