Janzen ’01 Named Principal Dancer
Miquon alumnus Russell Janzen ’01 was named Principal Dancer at the New York City Ballet in February.
In March, Miquon was treated to a visit from Russell, who shared his experience in his career as a dancer. Fifth and sixth graders were captivated by his stories of how he has been able to follow his passion that he developed at a very young age.
Fifth and sixth grade teacher Lynn Hughes commented, “he really gave the children a sense of the personal side of things — not just dancing for an audience, but also dealing with challenges such as injuries, different partners, and reviews that may set the bar dauntingly high for the next performance.
From the New York Times, February 19, 2017:
Russell Janzen, a tall, broad-shouldered dancer known for his élan, was named a principal dancer at New York City Ballet on Sunday.
Mr. Janzen, who grew up in Philadelphia, joined the company in 2008 and had his big breakthrough in 2014 as the protagonist in George Balanchine’s “Davidsbündlertänze.” Alastair Macaulay, the chief dance critic of The New York Times, wrote that he had delivered “the best-ever account of a Balanchine role older than he is.” Mr. Janzen has also danced leading roles in “Concerto Barocco,” “Swan Lake” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” among other works.
