The Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Fresh Starts: Galli in Charge, 1919–1921

Abstract

The popular Rosina Galli assumed full charge of dance at the Metropolitan Opera in this period, serving as première danseuse and ballet mistress, and overseeing the ballet school. She appeared in many ballets herself and also continued the practice of training American dancers at the Met. Similarly, Giulio Gatti-Casazza, the Met's managing director, sought to present operas by American composers while also producing a range of European works. These years concluded a period at the Met when ballet was at a peak of visibility and popularity.