Maria Kowroski. It’s a household name, really. At least in the households of those who have been ballet students, industry professionals, and theatre goers for the past three decades.
And now it’s about to expand its reach even further.
After a stunning career on the stage, Maria Kowroski has positioned herself to bring New Jersey Ballet, a regional company located in Florham Park, to heights that closer match the ballet space she once occupied.
A beloved former principal dancer of New York City Ballet, Kowroski is the new energy and embodiment of elegance that – along with the wealth of experience and first-hand connection she has had with many of the 20th and 21st century masters – will elevate New Jersey Ballet into the spotlight.
After a transition period spent as acting Artistic Director, which began shortly after taking her last bow on the David H. Koch Theater stage, Kowroski has recently been officially named the leader responsible for the daily activities in the studio as well as those on the management level.
During this busy time as the company is preparing for their opening night of the season (November 19th) which features George Balanchine‘s Who Cares?, Peter Martins’ Hallelujah Junction, and a premiere by NYCB Harrison Ball, Kowroski took a few moments to chat with us about this new chapter of her life.
Interview with Maria Kowroski
‣ Did your relationship with New Jersey Ballet begin when you became Artistic Director or do you share a history that goes further back?
As a student at the School of American Ballet I had classmates that trained at the New Jersey Ballet School. My introduction to the talent in New Jersey was what I saw in my class at SAB.
During the pandemic I was approached by Marketing Director Kotoe Noa to teach a masterclass at the New Jersey Ballet School where several company members attended. I was blown away by the discipline, talent and drive of both the students and company members. I could tell there was something special and I later offered to teach or coach if the company or school needed anything after my retirement. This is when I was approached to consider applying for the directorship.
‣ Was being the leader of a ballet company something you always aspired to be?
As a dancer it was hard to see what was beyond the stage. I had entertained the idea of becoming an Artistic Director but always knew I would trust the path I was on and up for any challenge it presented.
‣ Aside from the artistic ones, what are some lessons that you learned as a dancer that have helped you or carried over in your new role?
As a dancer I was asked this question a lot: What would you tell your younger self?
As I approached this new position I was giving myself my own advice: One day at a time, be gentle with yourself, you are still learning, you will make mistakes and learn from them, you have time to grow into this new role.
As a director, I want to give the dancers what I felt was important to me as a dancer – guidance, nurturing and compassion. I want to let the dancers become the artists they are meant to become, push them to think outside of the box, not hold back… And to be present every moment on stage. Because it goes by in a blink and that time is so precious.
‣ What has been the most surprising or unexpected experience you have had since becoming Artistic Director?
When you are running a small company you are limited with staff and big departments. Everyone is wearing multiple hats. I think what is surprising is how hard everyone is working to keep this company going. The passion that not only the dancers have, but also the staff, is the key to this 60+ year legacy.
Everyday I am learning, being challenged and sending this company in a new direction.
‣ It’s been just over a year since your retirement from the stage; what has the journey since then been like?
The journey has been one of complete transition. I stepped out of one role into the next one exactly one year ago. Everyday I am learning, being challenged and sending this company in a new direction. It is exciting, terrifying and rewarding all at the same time.
‣ What are some challenges you have faced during this transition – not only from dancer to director, but from Ms. Clark to you?
I think the company and the staff have been very receptive which has made the transition much easier for me. Everyone has been on board with the changes I have made and the new repertory I am introducing.
Now we have to get the community behind us to see the new direction the company is heading and get them excited by what is right outside their doorstep. We are bringing world class dancers and repertory to the state of New Jersey, and personally I am thrilled to see the transformation of the company.
‣ Do you spend more time in the studio or out of it? What are your responsibilities?
I love spending time with the dancers in the studio. That is what fuels me on the other side… being able to pass on to the next generation and see that I am making a difference.
When I am not in the studio, I am planning repertory, securing dancers for the next season, fundraising, marketing and coming up with new strategies to help this company grow. I want to give the dancers of New Jersey Ballet some of the things that I had as a dancer at New York City Ballet. They deserve it and work very hard, so in order to do that I have a lot to do behind the scenes to ensure we are heading in that direction.
‣ You’ve mentioned steering the company in a “new direction” a couple of items, and that is also the title of New Jersey Ballet’s upcoming production at Mayo Performing Arts Center.
What are some of the qualities, characteristics, and actions you have in mind when envisioning this new direction? And how does the choice of works you curated for the program reflect them?
We are bravely launching ourselves in a new direction with new dancers, new programming, a new logo & marketing and – soon to be – a new website.
The thrilling news of us becoming the resident ballet company at Mayo performing Arts Center is also what makes the title New Direction relevant. This program was designed to excite the audiences of New Jersey and showcase the new direction I envision for the company. We are performing a world premiere made exclusively on the dancers at New Jersey Ballet, and I am bringing in two works from my former home to my new home that I feel set the tone for the company’s trajectory.
I am getting to know a whole new skill set and whole new version of myself.
‣ What do you miss most about the time you spent on the other side of the Hudson River?
Of course I miss performing, but I miss the camaraderie and being the person I knew for the last 25 years. I am getting to know a whole new skill set and whole new version of myself. It is exciting, but when you are transitioning into a new position you can’t help but miss what was familiar and comfortable. Stepping out of my comfort zone does make me feel alive and challenged, so although most days I am charting on unfamiliar territory, there is always a silver lining.
Featured Image of Maria Kowroski courtesy of New Jersey Ballet.
We the fans of NJ Ballet welcome Ms. Kowroski whole heartedly. It is so reassuring to hear her express her respect for our company as we all know how hard the artists and staff have worked to keep this company vital and exciting.
Here’s to a brilliant opening night!
Thomas Scalora