BWW Interviews: Douglas Martin Leads ARB to New Heights

Martin prides himself at choosing the right pieces for ARB dancers. As a former dancer himself, he fully understands the strengths and the movement qualities of his dancers and chooses pieces accordingly. This spring the company will premiere Martin's Romeo and Juliet as well as his new production of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. He realizes that the company cannot presently afford to purchase dances that cost $35,000, yet continues to maintain an impressive array of classic and new choreographies. The ARB funds must be spent "wisely" as they rely on corporate support, foundation support and personal gifts. While his dancers are presently on a 25 week contract, he hopes to be able to increase it to 36 or 38 weeks per year.

When asked about his professional future Martin clearly sees his path in guiding the company, The Princeton Ballet School which is the official school of the ARB, and associated community engagement programs. ARB prides itself in on its strong American technique, providing diverse training for students from ages 5-70 in programs ranging from ballet and modern to hip-hop.

Martin embraces the idea of the American Repertory Ballet making a "major impact" in the dance world. As an individual with a career as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and producer he calls himself "fortunate" and "very happy" in what he has set out to do.

Photo Credit: George Jones

Writers Note: This article was written with the information obtained by BWW's Dance Editor, Barnett Serchuk, in an interview with Douglas Martin.

Marina Kennedy writes articles on performance venues for Broadwayworld.com and is a reporter and columnist for The Alternative Press.com. Her interest in dance and theater stems from the many years she owned and operated a dance school, "Dance Unlimited" in New Jersey in late 70's and 80's. She has maintained her deep interest in the arts and enjoys writing about performances in New York and New Jersey.