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[quote=Anonymous]Going to see Alvin Ailey there tomorrow. Perhaps the fact they are at the KC most years accounts for the Big Mad. (Actually, he’s probably Big Mad that Caroline Kennedy tried to tank RFK, Jrs HHS nomination).

Anyway, this is a stunt. And a ridiculous one at that. He’ll forget about it next week.  Or the second he realizes he’d actually have to go to events at the KC. Or discuss dance and plays. And isn’t keeping me away.

Plus, doesn’t Trump already have a pretty big job?  So now he’s also calling and booking acts? Deciding which ballets are classical enough?  Choosing operas?  I don’t see it.

BTW— some federal funds are used for upkeep and maintenance of the KC because it’s JFK’s national memorial. But it’s a relatively small percentage of their budget.  The vast majority of the cost to run it comes from ticket sales and private contributions.  And they do have an endowment they can draw from. Someone like Rubinstein (current chair and I doubt he draws a $1M salary) will come in and cover any federal funding before they will let Trump anywhere near programming.

Coming it of COVID, they have made an effort to diversify the programming, which has been nice. Trump says DEI, I say programming that appeals to a younger and more diverse audience. It’s good business— they aren’t going to continue to fill seats and stay culturally relevant if they only have Boomer approved programming.   I’ve seen some things like Black Violin and Ballet Hispanico there that have been excellent.  They do some hip hop, which isn’t my thing, but likely brings in people who would otherwise never come. They do some fun NSO pops, like showing Star Wars movies with the NSO playing the soundtrack (also do this for a couple movies each summer at Wolftrap). And, of course, Alvin Ailey, a perineal fav.  (It is kind of interesting as a white woman to go to a sold out ballet with a 75% Black audience. Feels like they are doing something right if they can get ballet/dance to a crowd that isn’t mostly 60 year old white women.

And a reminder that DEI has a place. In this case, featuring high caliber programming that appeals to a broader audience.

All that said— no one tell Trump about Wolftrap. [/quote]

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