Why a Tiny Troupe Kept Its Kennedy Center Dates
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Numerous prominent artists and groups, including Tony-winning musicals, eminent composers, dance companies, Grammy winners, and a long-standing opera company, canceled their performances at the John F. Kennedy Center, citing dissatisfaction with President Trump's leadership of the institution.
- Despite the widespread cancellations, the small Canadian ice skating troupe Le Patin Libre chose to proceed with their scheduled performances at the Kennedy Center.
- Le Patin Libre faced logistical challenges such as contractors building an ice rink and securing year-long work visas for international skaters, making cancellation difficult and financially damaging.
- Founder Alexandre Hamel emphasized the troupe's limited resources and the importance of fulfilling their commitment, as canceling would have severely impacted their fragile budget and two years of planning.
- The company decided to
