Blogobolus reports that Alison Chase, founder and co-choreographer of Pilobolus for the last 34 years, has been fired.
What prompted Pilobolus to fire her? Rumor has it that she was fired because she refused to sign away the rights to her choreography. Allegedly, she was not bargaining in ‘good faith’ with the Pilobolus board of directors.
I’ve heard that if she agrees to relinquish the rights to her life’s work and sign a non-disparagement agreement within three weeks she’ll receive a cash settlement. If not…
Dance Insider follows up on the story, and reports in an email sent out to Dance Insider list members, that executive director, Itamar Kubovy denies firing Chase.
“This is an internal matter and out
of respect for this crucial process, I ask that this matter be
allowed to resolve before it is publicly discussed. That being said,
Alison Chase has not been fired. She is currently an artistic
director and employee of Pilobolus. For the last ten months, Alison
has been working with the Pilobolus board to redefine her
relationship to the company. Everyone at Pilobolus — from the
artistic directors to the members of the board of trustees —
certainly hopes that our fruitful relationship with Alison over the
last 35 years will continue into the future.”
Update: Dance Insider has more commentary on the situation.
