Louisville Ballet Artistic Director, Robert Curran, had the opportunity to sit down with Helen Starr, former principal artist and Associate Artistic Director; Bruce Simpson, former Artistic Director; and Erica De La O, Louisville Ballet Company Artist performing her final role with the Company in this production. They explore their histories, experiences, and artistic connections with this iconic ballet, and with Louisville Ballet.
All conversations were recorded from Robert’s office in the Louisville Ballet Studios, so the sounds you hear are part of the vibrant life of a creative building. We hope you enjoy!
HELEN STARR
Listen in as Robert Curran and Louisville Ballet icon, Helen Starr, discuss her deep connections to Swan Lake and the incredible ballet experiences and dancers that shaped her.
BRUCE SIMPSON
Using Swan Lake as a jumping off point, Robert’s conversation with Bruce Simpson ranges far and wide, spanning continents and the history of twentieth-century ballet.
ERICA DE LA O
Robert sits down with retiring Company Artist, Erica De La O, as they explore the meaning and impact of Swan Lake on her career and her life (including her on-stage proposal to her now husband, Kristopher Wojtera). She also gives insight on what it’s meant to have a career with Louisville Ballet, a place she’s called her artistic home since 2003.