Ballet boss, 43, unrepentant at relationship with dancer, 27
TAMARA ROJO, the artistic director of English National Ballet, has refused to apologise for the turmoil caused within the company by her relationship with a principal dancer.
Rojo prompted speculation that she was engaged to Isaac Hernández when she attended the launch of the new ENB season yesterday wearing a ring on the fourth finger of her left hand.
The relationship between Rojo, 43, and Hernández, 27, is said to have contributed to a “toxic” environment, with staff claiming it has created a conflict of interest. The company has lost a third of its dancers in the past two years.
Asked if she felt personally responsible for the divisions, or wished to apologise for the way the situation had been handled, Rojo said: “I have always had the interests of the company and the dancers at heart. It is obviously disappointing if people are not happy, but I do feel I have tried my best.”
She denied telling other dancers at the company that they could not be in relationships with one another.
“It hasn’t been the best of times but what is encouraging is to see that the company is behind me. We are doing what we can to make sure people feel confident to raise concerns,” she said.
Rojo did not comment on the engagement rumours, although she indicated in a recent interview that she was keen to marry.
“It is personal, however, I can see that it has become interesting for the public,” she said of her relationship with Mexicanborn Hernández.